Fitzcarraldo

The song 'Fitzcarraldo' by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova is a profound exploration of perseverance, reflection, and the arduous journey towards an elusive goal. The title itself is a reference to the 1982 film 'Fitzcarraldo,' directed by Werner Herzog, which tells the story of a man determined to build an opera house in the Amazon jungle. This allusion sets the stage for a narrative about ambition, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, no matter how unattainable they may seem.

The lyrics convey a sense of a long, challenging journey, both physically and metaphorically. The opening lines, 'Here, back, down a long and straight track / I have chose the long road,' suggest a deliberate choice to take a difficult path. This path is fraught with obstacles and uncertainties, as indicated by the line 'Even the good stars can fall from grace and falter.' Despite these challenges, the narrator remains resolute, driven by a deep-seated need to continue, even when the destination is unclear.

Throughout the song, there are recurring themes of reflection and memory. The narrator recalls past experiences and relationships, as seen in the lines 'In my olden days I was a slave' and 'In my olden days I was a saint.' These reflections serve as a reminder of the personal growth and transformation that occur along the journey. The repeated mention of 'her last words' adds an emotional layer, suggesting a significant loss or separation that continues to influence the narrator's path. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the enduring quest for meaning and fulfillment, encapsulated in the poignant refrain, 'It's a long way to Fitzcarraldo.'