Thoughts.com Blogs - Falling Slowly

"Each friend represents a world in us,
a world not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born."

-- Anais Nin --

I watch the Academy Awards each year as I love movies.  While I enjoy the glitz, glamour and fashion, I look forward to those "special moments" ... moments that touch my heart ... moments that bring a tear to my eye. Sometimes the moment comes with the win of an unknown, or in the heartfelt words of an acceptance speech. This year's moment, for me, came in the "Best Original Song" category.

I have to admit I had not seen any of the movies nominated in the major categories.  However, as the nominated songs were being performed I was pleased to hear "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once". I learned of this movie from an Internet blog. Last New Year's Eve I rented it and enjoyed it thoroughly.

I feel some of the best movies are low budget independent films. They never become blockbusters ... are not highly promoted or marketed but are little gems, tucked away and waiting, for those who are willing or adventurous enough to look outside the beaten path.

"Once" is a modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin. Featuring Glen Hansard from the Irish band "The Frames," the film tells the story of a street musician (Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova) during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. This movie speaks to the fact that there are no coincidences in life. These two characters meet at the exact moment they should [and need to]. Their time together short, a mere week, enriches their lives in countless ways.

As Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova accepted their Oscar only he was allowed to speak. As she came to the microphone she could only muster a polite "thank you" before the orchestra cut her off. After the commercial break, host Jon Stewart brought the 19 year old Czech musician back on stage for a second chance to give an acceptance speech. She took full advantage saying...

"The fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just proof that no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible, and, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream, and don't give up. This song was written from the perspective of hope, and hope, at the end of the day, connects us all, no matter how different we are."

I have found myself without hope many times and then, like magic, a new friend arrives in my life bringing a new perspective and exactly what I need.  During the dark nights I need to remind myself that it only takes one person to turn a life around.

Words To "Falling Slowly"

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along