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.
A New Kind of Man
Van Morrison Lyrics
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All your trails have not been in vain
And you're doin' the best you know how to do
Gaining strength in the things that remain
You're part of the plan
For a new kind of man, to come through
All your trials have not been in vain
Won't you lift your head up to the starry night
Finding strength in the things that remain
You're part of the plan
For a new kind of man, to come through
When a man comes through
He must do what he's supposed to do
When a man comes through.
He can't do what everyone expects him
Won't you lift your head up to the mountain top
All your trials have not been in vain
There's a light that keeps shining up ahead of you
Every step of the way that you take
It's part of the plan
For a new kind of man
It's part of the plan
For a new kind of man, to come through
It's part of the plan
For a new kind of man
New kind of man
New kind of man
The lyrics of Van Morrison's song A New Kind of Man seem to speak about an individual's journey through life, full of trials and tribulations. The song tells a story of a person who has been working hard and doing their best in spite of their hardships. The lyrics suggest that there is a divine plan for such a person, who is destined to become part of a new breed of human beings - a "new kind of man."
The lyrics suggest the presence of an angel who is watching over the person and assures them that all their sufferings have not been in vain. The person is urged to keep their head held high, to find strength in the things that remain and to keep moving forward. It is implied that the hardships and challenges the person has faced are all part of a greater plan, and that each step they take is leading them to become a new kind of human being, one that is more resilient, compassionate, and understanding than before.
In the end, the lyrics seem to suggest that this new kind of man will be someone who will find their place in the world, someone who will do what is expected but also follow their own path, unfazed by the expectations of others. The song is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the hope that lies at the end of every trying journey.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a voice cryin' out in the wilderness
Someone is trying to communicate with you, even if it may be difficult to hear them
All your trails have not been in vain
Your past struggles and hardships have not been for nothing
And you're doin' the best you know how to do
You're trying your hardest with the knowledge and resources you currently have
Gaining strength in the things that remain
You are becoming stronger by focusing on the positive things in your life that still exist
You're part of the plan
Your life has a purpose and you are meant to play a role
For a new kind of man, to come through
You are part of a larger picture that involves a new type of person emerging
There's an angel that's watching right over you
You are being looked after and protected by an unseen force
Won't you lift your head up to the starry night
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around you
Finding strength in the things that remain
You can draw upon the positivity and goodness in your life to boost your own strength
When a man comes through
When someone emerges or succeeds
He must do what he's supposed to do
They must fulfill their destiny or purpose
He can't do what everyone expects him
They can't let the expectations of others dictate their actions or choices
Won't you lift your head up to the mountain top
Raise your gaze to something higher or bigger
There's a light that keeps shining up ahead of you
There is hope and positivity guiding you forward
Every step of the way that you take
Throughout your journey
New kind of man
A different and improved type of person
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind