Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice, soulful songwriting, and eclectic musical style. He was born on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Morrison rose to prominence in the 1960s as the lead singer of the band Them, known for their hit songs “Gloria” and “Here Comes the Night.” He embarked on a solo career in the late 1960s and released his debut solo album, “Blowin’ Your Mind!,” in 1967.
Throughout his career, Van Morrison has explored a wide range of musical genres, including rock, R&B, soul, jazz, blues, and folk. He is known for his deeply introspective and poetic lyrics, as well as his ability to infuse his music with emotion and spirituality.
Some of Van Morrison’s most famous songs include “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” “Into the Mystic,” “Wild Night,” “Domino,” and “Have I Told You Lately.” His albums “Moondance” (1970) and “Astral Weeks” (1968) are widely regarded as classics of the rock and folk genres, respectively.
Van Morrison has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He continues to record and perform music, with a career spanning over six decades, and remains a highly respected and influential figure in the music industry.
1. Brown Eyed Girl
“Brown Eyed Girl” is a song by Van Morrison, released in 1967 as a single from his debut solo album “Blowin’ Your Mind!”. It is one of Morrison’s most famous and enduring songs.
“Brown Eyed Girl” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and nostalgic lyrics. The song celebrates youthful innocence and the joy of young love, with Morrison reminiscing about fond memories of a past romance with a brown-eyed girl.
The song’s infectious chorus, with its refrain “Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da,” has become iconic and is often sung along to by audiences. “Brown Eyed Girl” features a blend of rock, R&B, and folk influences, reflecting Morrison’s eclectic musical style.
“Brown Eyed Girl” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world and becoming one of Van Morrison’s signature songs. It has remained popular over the years and has been covered by numerous artists from various genres.
With its timeless appeal and universal theme of love and nostalgia, “Brown Eyed Girl” continues to be celebrated as one of Van Morrison’s most beloved and iconic songs.
2. Moondance
“Moondance” is a classic song by the Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released as the title track of his 1970 album “Moondance.” The song was written by Morrison himself.
“Moondance” is characterized by its smooth jazz-infused melody, soulful vocals, and lush instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics evoke a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, with Morrison singing about the joy of dancing under the moonlight with a loved one.
The song’s instrumentation includes prominent saxophone, flute, and trumpet solos, along with a swinging rhythm section and tasteful guitar and piano accompaniment. The overall sound is sophisticated and elegant, blending elements of jazz, pop, and R&B.
“Moondance” has become one of Van Morrison’s most iconic and enduring songs, praised for its timeless appeal and musical craftsmanship. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the realm of popular music.
3. Into the Mystic
“Into the Mystic” is a song by Van Morrison, released in 1970 on his album “Moondance.” It is one of Morrison’s most acclaimed and beloved songs.
“Into the Mystic” is characterized by its soulful melody, evocative lyrics, and dreamy atmosphere. The song’s lyrics speak of a spiritual journey and a longing for transcendence, with references to sailing, the sea, and the mystical experience of being at one with nature and the universe.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “We were born before the wind, also younger than the sun / Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic,” has become iconic and is often interpreted as a metaphor for the human soul’s journey towards enlightenment.
“Into the Mystic” features a lush arrangement that incorporates elements of folk, soul, and jazz, with Morrison’s soulful vocals accompanied by horns, strings, and a prominent acoustic guitar. The song’s gentle rhythm and haunting melody create a sense of timelessness and spiritual longing.
“Into the Mystic” has been widely praised by critics and musicians alike and has become one of Van Morrison’s most enduring and beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a classic of Morrison’s catalog and a timeless anthem of spiritual exploration and transcendence.
4. Crazy Love
“Crazy Love” is a soulful ballad by the Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on his 1970 album “Moondance.” Van Morrison wrote and composed the song himself.
“Crazy Love” is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and tender melody. The song features Morrison’s soulful vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, strings, and subtle percussion, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere.
Lyrically, “Crazy Love” expresses feelings of deep affection and devotion. Morrison sings about the overwhelming joy and sense of completeness that love brings, describing the experience as both beautiful and intense.
“Crazy Love” has become one of Van Morrison’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its universal theme of love and its timeless appeal have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a favorite for weddings, romantic occasions, and slow dances. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic in the singer-songwriter genre.
5. Gloria
“Gloria” is a classic rock song written by Van Morrison and originally recorded by his band Them in 1964. It was released as a single and became one of their most popular and enduring songs.
“Gloria” is known for its infectious energy, raw sound, and memorable riff. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s infatuation with a girl named Gloria, expressing his desire and admiration for her. The chorus, which consists mainly of the repeated phrase “G-L-O-R-I-A,” adds to the song’s catchy and anthemic quality.
Over the years, “Gloria” has become a rock ‘n’ roll standard and has been covered by numerous artists, including Patti Smith, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix, among others. Its simple yet powerful riff and universal theme of desire have made it a timeless classic in the rock genre, ensuring its enduring popularity for generations to come.
6. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a song by Van Morrison, released in 1989 on his album “Avalon Sunset.” It is one of Morrison’s most famous and beloved songs.
“Have I Told You Lately” is a romantic ballad characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and tender sentiment. The song’s lyrics express gratitude and love, with the narrator expressing appreciation for the special person in their life and the joy they bring.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “Have I told you lately that I love you / Have I told you there’s no one else above you,” has become iconic and is often used as a declaration of love and affection.
“Have I Told You Lately” has been covered by numerous artists and has become a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Its timeless message of love and gratitude has resonated with audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of Van Morrison’s most enduring and beloved songs.
7. Sweet Thing
“Sweet Thing” is a soulful ballad by the Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on his 1968 album “Astral Weeks.” Van Morrison wrote and composed the song himself.
“Sweet Thing” is characterized by its haunting melody, intimate vocals, and evocative lyrics. The song features Morrison’s emotive singing accompanied by acoustic guitar, flute, and string arrangements, creating a dreamy and atmospheric sound.
Lyrically, “Sweet Thing” is a poetic exploration of love and longing. Morrison sings about the intense emotions and sensations that come with being in love, describing the object of his affection as a “sweet thing” who brings light and joy into his life.
“Sweet Thing” has become one of Van Morrison’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its heartfelt lyrics, soulful delivery, and ethereal musical arrangement have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a favorite among fans of the singer-songwriter genre. The song’s timeless appeal has ensured its status as a classic in Morrison’s discography.
8. Tupelo Honey
“Tupelo Honey” is a song by Van Morrison, released in 1971 as the title track of his fifth studio album. It is one of Morrison’s most acclaimed and beloved songs.
“Tupelo Honey” is characterized by its gentle melody, soulful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. The song is a romantic ballad that celebrates love and devotion, with Morrison singing about the sweetness and purity of his partner’s love.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey / She’s an angel of the first degree,” has become iconic and is often quoted as a testament to the depth of the narrator’s affection.
“Tupelo Honey” features a lush arrangement that incorporates elements of folk, country, and soul, with Morrison’s emotive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, strings, and backing vocals. The song’s warm and intimate sound creates a sense of intimacy and nostalgia.
“Tupelo Honey” has been covered by numerous artists and has become one of Van Morrison’s most enduring and beloved songs. Its timeless message of love and devotion continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a classic of Morrison’s catalog.
9. And It Stoned Me
“And It Stoned Me” is a song by Van Morrison, released on his 1970 album “Moondance.” It’s one of Morrison’s most iconic tracks, known for its vivid storytelling and evocative imagery.
The song’s lyrics recount a nostalgic tale from Morrison’s childhood, where he recalls a day spent fishing and exploring nature with his friends. The title phrase, “And It Stoned Me,” refers to a moment of profound wonder and amazement when rain suddenly begins to fall, creating a magical and transformative experience for the young narrator.
Musically, “And It Stoned Me” features a laid-back and soulful groove, with Morrison’s soulful vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and subtle brass and string arrangements. The song’s relaxed atmosphere and gentle melody perfectly complement its nostalgic lyrics, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
“And It Stoned Me” has become one of Van Morrison’s most beloved and enduring songs, praised for its poetic lyrics, emotive delivery, and timeless appeal. It remains a favorite among fans of Morrison’s music and is considered a classic in the singer-songwriter genre.
10. Days Like This
“Days Like This” is a song by Van Morrison, released in 1995 on his album of the same name. It’s known for its upbeat and optimistic vibe.
“Days Like This” is characterized by its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and soulful groove. The song expresses gratitude and joy for the simple pleasures of life and the special moments shared with loved ones.
With its feel-good atmosphere and infectious rhythm, “Days Like This” has become a favorite among fans of Van Morrison’s music. It has been covered by various artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic of Morrison’s repertoire.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
