Once Lyrics (2007)

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Soundtrack Description for Once (2007)

Album Overview.

The soundtrack for Once, from the 2007 Irish romantic drama, charmed everyone who heard it with its unabashed raw lyricism and intimate acoustic sound that matches the movie's heart perfectly. The film follows two musicians in Dublin who are struggling with apparent failure until they meet, and the soundtrack is telling such a big part of their emotional journey. Instead, it complements scenes as well as expresses unsaid feelings and escalates the chemistry between two main characters. Each song is intricately linked to the story, giving viewers a closer connection to the characters and their feelings.

Production and Reception.

The soundtrack was a collaborative effort with *The Frames*, the Dublin band led by *Glen Hansard* (who has a starring role in the film). Mostly written collaboratively by Hansard and *Markéta Irglová*, the songs blended a raw, indie-folk sound with something more eloquent, connecting with fans around the globe. The album has been hailed for its raw, genuine treatment calling it a "real and emotional story of love and artistry." The standout track from the soundtrack, Falling Slowly, received widespread acclaim and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, later becoming one of the 2000s most famous movie songs. As it turned out, listeners took to the soundtrack as much for the music itself as they did also because of how well it encapsulated the bittersweet narrative of its film.

Track Highlights.

Among the best-known numbers from the album include *Falling Slowly*, *When Your Mind's Made Up* and *If You Want Me*, all each emotionally charged, mirroring the struggles of the characters within. *Falling Slowly* most notably is an unforgettable melodic track associated closely with the film, famous for its gorgeous harmonies and minimalist accompaniment. Related Post: 10 Songs That Perfectly Describe Depression: (Your Song May Be Next!) *When Your Mind's Made Up* evocatively portrays the characters' desperation and resolve, contrasted by a hauntingly gentle introspective narration of their connection in *If You Want Me*. The songs are incredibly well-structured narratives aided by the raw emotion brought forth through Hansard and Irglová performances.

Musical styles and themes.

Tied to some part of the indie-folk tradition with muted rock sounds, the other half of the *Once* soundtrack is appropriate for a vibrant but unpolished Dublin genre scene. The songs are about love, loneliness, aspiration and the magic of music. The production is minimal and focused, relying mainly on acoustic instruments—mostly guitar and piano—to get out of the way and let the poetry of the lyrics and vocal delivery come to the foreground. The songs reflect the film's mood of introspection and soul searching, thematically tied to trying to find the answers while learning how to deal with one's emotional scars. Every individual track seems authentic, especially considering that the film itself focuses on realism and unsophisticated beauty.

Movie Background.

Once — A struggling Irish musician and an immigrant from Czech Republic cope with the odds against them in Dublin. The two cross paths, become staunch companions and use music to channel their emotions and histories. So this friendship develops slowly over the story but it is not what you would expect from a romantic fiction, instead BTS mentions how companionship and music can heal wounds. Directed by *John Carney* the film closely mirrors the Dublin music scene from which it was made, giving us an authentic and moving reflection of an artist's life.

Main Cast of the Movie.

Glen Hansard as Guy.

As the unnamed “Guy”, a street musician with shattered dreams and an empty heart, Glen Hansard picks up where Rourke left off in revealing the emotional and artistic journey that serves as the crux of film.

Markéta Irglová as Girl.

As the “Girl” patterned after Irglova herself, a twentysomething immigrant (and musician) with a troubled marriage who inspires and guides the *Guy*, *Markéta Irglová*.

Additional Details.

The success of the soundtrack outlasted and outgrew the movie, becoming a *Broadway musical adaptation* of *Once* which earned several Tony Awards. Its handmade, live quality afforded the soundtrack indie darling status due to the closeness of both the music and its unrefined feel. The low-budget feel of the film went into the recording process — most songs mixed and recorded in Dublin apartments and studios resulted in a sincere, almost heartfelt quality to an album.

Once is a small, fragile little movie with the kind of big, undeniable heart.

Peter Travers

November, 14th 2024

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