Album: Once Soundtrack (2007)
Charted: 61
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Songfacts®:

  • This duet from the Once soundtrack was named Best Song of 2007 by the Broadcast Film Critics Association.
  • Glen Hansard is the front man of the Irish rock band The Frames, and appeared in the 1991 film The Commitments. Marketa Irglova is a Czech singer and multi-instrumentalist. During the filming of Once, the couple began dating. They broke up, but continued their musical partnership and in 2009 recorded as The Swell Season and released the album Strict Joy. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • The song originally appeared on both Hansard and Irglova's 2006 LP, The Swell Season and The Cost, and the sixth album of Hansard's band The Frames, which was released later in 2006.
  • In the Winter Film and TV Music special edition published in January 2008 by the Hollywood Reporter, Hansard recalled how he got together with director John Carney, who had been the bassist for The Frames in the early 1990s, to make the Once film: "We discussed working together again for years. John came to me and asked me to go over this idea he had for a film, The script at the time was a 16-page outline for a film. He asked me to write a couple of songs. Later, John asked me to be in the film, which was amazing."
  • This won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Before it was nominated, there was some question as to whether the song was eligible for the award, as it had already appeared on 2 albums, and the rules state that the song must be written specifically for the film to be considered.

    At the 2008 ceremony, Hansard spoke first when accepting the award, but when Irglova tried to speak the microphone was cut off and they were ushered off stage. After a commercial break, Irglova was brought back to speak. She talked about independent musicians and encouraged them in their efforts. Said Irglova: "The fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. This song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are."
  • In Once, Hansard played an Irish busker who has a romantic relationship with Irglova's Czech flower seller. Bob Dylan was so taken by the film that he asked Hansard and Irglova to be the opening act on his world tour.

Comments: 9

  • AnonymousThis song grabbed me. Demanded my attention. There is a beautiful yet hauntingly sad flow to this masterpiece. It reached into my soul and truly touched me. Bre
  • Mia from TexasI was recently sent this song to listen to. I love all genres and have to admit to not ever hearing this song before. I plan to watch the movie this week. The song is deep, but I still need some ... explanation (may not be the correct word) as to the meaning of the song. Care to provide a brief explanation please. Thank you.
  • Ralph from Lyndhurst, NjI have to say: I recently listened to this soundtrack after about 5 years and was re-blown away. Falling Slowly, Satisfy Me, When Your Mind's Made Up and Lies are gorgeous and moving songs.
  • Sara from Union City, TnI had never even heard of this song until it was performed on American Idol by Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze. Great song and I actually think their version of it was better than this one.
  • Holden from Salt Lake City, UtThis song is amazing. One of the best ever. The film "Once" is my favorite movie of all time. Go buy the soundtrack and movie. Greatest works of art in my opinion.
  • Scott from Gf, NyThis is a first rate song. The Album and Movie are especially great.

    As far as the Video questioon from Sonya, the video on youtube is when they don't have a video or rights to a video, the person will upload a video of the song with just the album cover showing.

    Rent or buy the Movie ONCE and you'll be glad you did. I've seen Glen and Marketa twice now, and they were great. Glen's voice is VERY Powerful and something to behold live. Should you want som live music to download, go to playedlastnight dot com. There they have many of their concerts avail to download for 10 bucks US. Great deal!

    hope you like them.
  • Sonya from Kimball, MiI don't understand the video though
  • Kelly from Springfield, IlThere are certain songs I can hear one time and I immediately really like them, this is one of those. Its a very nice duet and these two were made for each other! Excellent work and good luck!
  • Chris from Charleston, ScThis is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard period. So simple, but so beautiful. Brings me to tears
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