Known as "Van the Man" by his fans, Morrison first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Northern Irish band Them, writing their 1964 hit "Gloria". A few years later, Morrison left the band for a successful solo career, starting with the album Astral Weeks.
Morrison has pursued an idiosyncratic musical path. Much of his music is tightly structured around the conventions of American soul and R&B, such as the popular singles "Brown Eyed Girl", "Moondance", "Domino", and "Wild Night". An equal part of his catalogue consists of lengthy, loosely connected, spiritually inspired musical journeys that show the influence of Celtic tradition, jazz, and stream-of-consciousness narrative, such as his classic album Astral Weeks and lesser known works such as Veedon Fleece and Common One. The two strains together are sometimes referred to as "Celtic Soul," and Morrison rejects the characterization of his genre of music as Rock, citing Elvis Presley as a non-influence.
He continues to perform regularly and achieved his highest U.S. chart position (number ten on the Billboard 200) with his 2008 album, Keep It Simple.
Wild Night
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
And you comb your hair, grab your coat and hat
And you walk the streets trying to remember
All the wild nights breezes in your memory ever
And every thing looks so complete
When you're walking out on the streets
And the wind, it catches your feet
Sets you flying, crying
Ooh wee, a wild night, is calling, alright
Ooh wee, wild night, is calling
All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other
And the boys, do the boogie woogie
On the corner of the street
And the people passing by, stare in wild wonder
And inside the jukebox roars just like thunder
And every thing looks so complete
When you're walking out on the streets
And the wind, it catches your feet
Sets you flying, crying
Ooh ooh ooh wee, wild night, is calling, alright
Ooh ooh ooh wee, wild night, is calling, alright
Wild night, is calling
The wild night is calling
C'mon out and dance, c'mon out and make romance
C'mon out and dance, c'mon out make romance
Wild night, is calling
The wild night is calling
C'mon out and dance, c'mon out and make romance
C'mon out and dance, c'mon out make romance
Van Morrison’s “Wild Night” is a song about breaking free and having fun. The song opens with the image of a person preparing to go out on the town. They are getting ready, thoughts of wild nights flashing through their mind. They walk the streets, surrounded by people dressed up for a good time. The wind catches their feet, as they feel free and alive, and the jukebox music roars like thunder. The chorus repeats the title of the song, emphasizing the idea of a “wild night” beckoning the listener to come out and dance and make romance.
The playful lyrics and upbeat melody of “Wild Night” invite the listener to let loose and have a good time. The song captures the excitement and energy of a night out with friends, where anything is possible, and all worries are left behind. It speaks to the human desire for adventure and freedom, encapsulating the feeling of being young and carefree.
Overall, “Wild Night” is a fun and uplifting song that inspires people to let go and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
As you brush your shoes, stand before the mirror
As you prepare yourself for the night ahead, taking care of yourself and ensuring you look presentable
And you comb your hair, grab your coat and hat
Completing your outfit and making sure you're dressed appropriately for a night out
And you walk the streets trying to remember
Taking a leisurely walk, reminiscing about past wild nights you've experienced
All the wild nights breezes in your memory ever
Thinking back on all the exciting and exhilarating times you've had in the past
And every thing looks so complete
Feeling content and happy with where you are in that moment
When you're walking out on the streets
Enjoying the freedom and excitement of being outside
And the wind, it catches your feet
Feeling the wind blowing against your body and giving you a sense of freedom and lightness
Sets you flying, crying
Being so overcome with emotion and the sense of freedom that you feel like flying and being moved to tears
Ooh wee, a wild night, is calling, alright
Feeling the pull of an exciting and unpredictable night ahead
All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other
Observing the fashion and style of other people out enjoying the night
And the boys, do the boogie woogie
Watching men out enjoying the night and having fun dancing
On the corner of the street
Seeing people out having fun and socializing on the street corner
And the people passing by, stare in wild wonder
Feeling the attention of others and realizing the excitement and energy you're emitting
And inside the jukebox roars just like thunder
Hearing the loud and exciting music blasting from a nearby jukebox
Wild night, is calling
Feeling the pull of an exciting and unpredictable night ahead
C'mon out and dance, c'mon out and make romance
Encouraging others to join in on the fun and excitement of the night, letting loose and feeling free to dance and connect with others
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alice Lovell
When my Father passed away I got his Van Morrison cds. Best music you could listen to for healing.
Ryan Byrne
Same here! My dad used to play Van occasionally, but I never thought much of it, but liked it. My dad passed away 2018, and i went through his old records and CDs. He had Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Thin Lizzy etc. He even had some Planxty and other Irish records that belonged to Phil Lynott. We used to jam together all the time, but i never really appreciated it til he was gone.
RTS
Sorry for your loss.
Let's keep on Rocking!
RTS
Awesome to hear
My ears want more
Joseph Goulart
So sorry for your dads passing. Enjoy your collection for years to come. Much love
Stephen Mistretta
You had the best Dad ever. I am 69 so I have almost all his albums. SometimesI think my daughters can't wait😁 Yep of course they are getting them. God bless
Dee G
Just a killer groove. Always does the trick (toes tappin, smile on my face, hands clapping). Thx Van
MMc1
@james bradshaw I think you can. In fact you did with your own over the top and ridiculously long comment
james bradshaw
I completely agree with you, I can not add anymore to what you said
Shirl
50 years later and people are commenting on this song on a regular basis still to this day.... Shows the impact a classic like this can have on someone's life.... I go straight to daydreaming about specific moments in my life growing up every time I hear this song