Continuing a look at my favorite movie music scenes of 2025…
The British dramedy The Ballad of Wallis Island, about a musician invited to a private island for an exclusive concert, was a wonderful year-end surprise. Its sweetness, humor, and credible use of very good original music reminded me very much of the work of John Carney (Once, Sing Street).
The musician, Herb McGwyer, is played by Tom Basden, who co-wrote the film with his creative partner Tim Key. Key plays Charles Heath, the eccentric millionaire widower who extends the invite. Unbeknownst to Herb, Charles has also invited Herb’s former music (and life) partner, Nell (Carey Mulligan). [Note: Spoilers follow]
Hilarity and life lessons ensue, and the central relationship turns out not to be between Herb and Nell (she is now married and uninterested in rekindling their romance) but Herb and Charles. Both men figure out the ways in which their lives have gone off track and how they can start the repair process.
It’s a lovely and earnest film with big laughs and great music. I had a few candidates for my favorite musical moment, but I decided to go with Herb’s solo concert that closes the film. In a montage, he plays a few tunes for Charles and his friend, Amanda. Then he closes with ‘Our Love,’ a song he wrote with Nell, dedicating it to Charles’ late wife.
It’s a touching moment in a special film.
Sometimes when you sleep
You look like you’re on the bottom of the sea
Sometimes when you smile
I can see how you would’ve looked as a child
[Chorus]
When your eyes are gold
It seems impossible to think we could ever grow old
When your eyes are bright
It seems impossible to think you’re not creating light
[Verse 2]
Let’s walk in the sun
Let our palms read to each other of what’s to come
Let’s walk in the rain
And let the wind carry us home again
[Chorus]
When the sky’s full of stars
It seems impossible to think that they don’t know who we are
When the trees are in bloom
It seems impossible to think they’re not doing it for you
[Bridge]
Our love
Can you hear me call?
Will you break my heart
Or break my fall?
[Verse 3]
Sometimes when I sleep
I hold my breath just to hear you breathe
Sometimes I get scared
When I open my eyes you won’t be there
[Chorus]
When your eyes are gold
It seems impossible to think we could ever grow old
When your eyes are bright
It seems impossible to think you’re not creating light
Meet Me In Montauk 