A sensitive issue runs through as a sub-theme to the story of the Irish, who are looking for a better life outside of their homeland. The economic recovery in Ireland would begin only after the events of the film, in the 1990s. Before that, the green island was deprived of opportunities for growth and development. The stuffiness and narrow-mindedness of Dublin are expressed not only in conservative traditions. John Carney makes fun of the provincial Irish slumber, not so much of the adult generation as of the teenagers in the American-Irish prom scene. This sarcasm perfectly illustrates the meme "expectation vs reality", emphasizing that to grow, develop and achieve a goal, a man needs to get out of his comfort zone. Then maybe something will work out.
Against this background, an inarticulate antagonist, the villainous catholic priest and headmaster Baxter is not as expressive and invincible as he could be. Boys confront themselves when they don't understand their motivation or are afraid to move on or abide by rules. Although the devil is not as black as he is painted. Even the unapproachable Rafina is not as complex and mysterious as she seems to Conor. She does not have model contracts, she lives in a dormitory and is bound by abusive relationships. However, the waters of the Irish Sea, which Conor and Rafina sail to Britain, wash away past doubts and fears, inviting them to a new life and responding positively to their risk.
Music, which makes up the meaning and main activity of the characters, is constantly close to them, migrating from diegetic to off-screen. Besides, Carney's directorial style is distinguished by documentary features. In addition to the fleeting feeling that one witnesses the creation of a great musical band, this method creates a picture of the boys' in their everyday life. It is enhanced when Conor and Eamon are in the frame together, accidentally or deliberately chosen similar to the McCartney-Lennon tandem. In this context, the character of Rafina looks significant, referring to Yoko Ono, but if this one destroyed The Beatles, then the first inspired Sing Street.