Beside You
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Way out of the backstreet
Out of the window
Through the fallin' rain
Right on time
Right on time
That's why Broken Arrow
Waved his finger down the road so dark and narrow
Just before the Sunday six-bells chime, six-bells chime
And all the dogs are barkin'
Way on down the diamond-studded highway where you wander
And you roam from your retreat and view
Way over on the railroad
Tomorrow all the tippin' trucks will unload
Every scrapbook stuck will glue
And I'll stand beside you
Beside you child
To never never never wonder why at all
No no no no no no no no
To never never wonder why at all
To never never never wonder why it's gotta be
It has to be
Way across the country where the hillside mountain glide
The dynamo of your smile caressed the barefoot virgin child to wander
Past your window with a lantern lit
You held it in the doorway and you cast against the pointed island breeze
Said your time was open, go well on your merry way
Past the brazen footsteps of the silence easy
You breathe in you breathe out you breathe in you breathe out you breath in
You breathe out you breathe in you breathe out
And you're high on your high-flyin' cloud
Wrapped up in your magic shroud as ecstasy surrounds you
This time it's found you
You turn around you turn around you turn around you turn around
And I'm beside you
Beside you
Oh darlin'
To never never wonder why at all
No no no no no
To never never never wonder why at all
To never never never wonder why it's gotta be
It has to be
And I'm beside you
Beside you
Oh child
To never never wonder why at all
I'm beside you
Beside you
Beside you
Beside you
Oh child
In "Beside You," Van Morrison tells a story through poetic imagery and metaphors. The song begins with the mention of a character named Little Jimmy who has left his familiar surroundings and ventured into the unknown. This is emphasized by the references to backstreets, windows, and the falling rain. Broken Arrow, another character mentioned, symbolizes a guide or a figure of authority pointing the way down a dark and narrow road.
The lyrics then shift to a different scene, where dogs are barking and the listener is wandering and roaming along a diamond-studded highway. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of life, with all its ups and downs. The mention of scrapbooks being stuck together refers to memories and experiences that will be preserved.
Throughout the song, there is a repeated refrain of standing beside someone, possibly a child. This person serves as a source of support, someone who will never question or doubt the reasons for their actions. This unconditional presence is emphasized through the repeated refusal to wonder why things are the way they are. It conveys a sense of acceptance and trust in the unknown.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of freedom and exploration. References to hills, mountains, and a barefoot virgin child suggest a sense of untouched beauty and untamed nature. The dynamo of someone's smile, likely the child mentioned, has an enchanting impact on others. The metaphorical imagery of a lantern lit in a doorway and the pointed island breeze further evoke a sense of adventure and discovery.
The song ends with the repetition of being beside someone, emphasizing the unwavering support and companionship offered. The insistence on not questioning the reasons behind things suggests a surrender to the mysteries of life. By being present in the journey, without needing to understand or analyze every aspect, there is a sense of peace and harmony.
Overall, "Beside You" can be interpreted as a reflection on the unpredictability of life, the power of companionship, and the beauty found in embracing the unknown. It encourages listeners to be present, accept what comes their way, and find solace in the company of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Jimmy's gone
A person named Little Jimmy has left or passed away
Way out of the backstreet
He has left the rough and narrow path
Out of the window
He has escaped or departed through a window
Through the fallin' rain
Despite the challenges and obstacles represented by the rain
Right on time
His departure was perfectly timed
That's why Broken Arrow
This is the reason why Broken Arrow, likely a symbol of authority or fate, reacts
Waved his finger down the road so dark and narrow
Broken Arrow warns or directs towards a difficult and uncertain path
In the evenin'
This happened during the evening
Just before the Sunday six-bells chime, six-bells chime
Just before the evening church bells rang six times on Sunday
And all the dogs are barkin'
The situation is chaotic or alarming, as indicated by the barking dogs
Way on down the diamond-studded highway where you wander
You are traveling along a luxurious and glamorous path
And you roam from your retreat and view
You venture away from your safe haven or comfortable perspective
Way over on the railroad
In a distant location, possibly symbolizing a new journey
Tomorrow all the tippin' trucks will unload
Tomorrow, the consequences or truths will be revealed
Every scrapbook stuck will glue
Every memory or record will be preserved and remembered
And I'll stand beside you
I will provide support and companionship
Beside you child
Specifically beside you, my loved one
To never never never wonder why at all
To avoid any questioning or confusion about the situation
No no no no no no no no
Absolutely not, no doubts or hesitations
To never never wonder why at all
To completely eliminate any need for questioning
To never never never wonder why it's gotta be
To completely accept and not question the inevitability of the situation
It has to be
There is no alternative, it is necessary
Way across the country where the hillside mountain glide
In a distant location where the landscape is serene and beautiful
The dynamo of your smile caressed the barefoot virgin child to wander
The power or impact of your smile encouraged an innocent person to explore or seek
Past your window with a lantern lit
They passed by your window while carrying a lit lantern, symbolizing guidance
You held it in the doorway and you cast against the pointed island breeze
You held the lantern in the doorway, facing the challenging and sharp wind
Said your time was open, go well on your merry way
You indicated that their opportunity or moment is available, so they should proceed happily
Past the brazen footsteps of the silence easy
They should move past the bold and confident footsteps of calmness and tranquility
You breathe in you breathe out you breathe in you breathe out you breath in
The rhythm of inhaling and exhaling, representing the cycle of life
You breathe out you breathe in you breathe out
Continuing the rhythmic cycle of breathing
And you're high on your high-flyin' cloud
You are elated and joyful in your elevated and ambitious state
Wrapped up in your magic shroud as ecstasy surrounds you
You are enveloped in a mysterious and enchanting aura as you experience intense joy
This time it's found you
This time, happiness or fulfillment has reached and embraced you
You turn around you turn around you turn around you turn around
You repeatedly change your direction or perspective
And I'm beside you
I am still there, offering my presence and support
Beside you
Right next to you
Oh darlin'
An affectionate term, addressing you lovingly
To never never wonder why at all
To never question or doubt the situation
No no no no no
Definitely not, absolutely no doubts or uncertainties
To never never never wonder why at all
To completely eliminate any need for questioning
To never never never wonder why it's gotta be
To fully accept and not question the inevitability of the situation
It has to be
There is no alternative, it is necessary
And I'm beside you
I am still by your side, providing support and companionship
Beside you
Right next to you
Oh child
An endearing term, addressing you affectionately
To never never wonder why at all
To never question or doubt the situation
I'm beside you
I am still next to you
Beside you
Right next to you
Beside you
Right next to you
Beside you
Right next to you
Oh child
An endearing term, addressing you affectionately
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind