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.
All The Bits
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, ya' see, ya' get, ya' get a thing goin' like that,
it's uh, uhh...
and then, you put it on the end, ya' go
"Dahnt-dahn," you know, like that,
at the end of the lyrics,
"Dahnt-dahn"...
"Dahnt-dahn"...
"Dahnt-dahn"
"Dahnt-dahn", that kinda riff, ya' see, get it...
"Dahnt-dahn"...
"Dahnt-dahn"...
"Dahnt-dahn", choke up on it,
"Dahnt-dahn"
"Dahnt-dahn", and we'll put all the bits in.
"Dahnt-dahn"
"Dahnt-dahn"
"A-Dahnt-dahn"
"A-Dahnt-dahn"
"A-Dahnt-dahn"...
The lyrics to Van Morrison's song "All The Bits" can be a bit confusing at first glance. At first, it sounds like Morrison is simply talking about music and adding a riff to the end of a song. However, upon further inspection, the lyrics seem to be about something deeper. This song could be interpreted as a metaphor for life.
Morrison seems to be saying that in life, we need to add all the bits together to create something meaningful. We need to put in the effort to create a cohesive whole, just like in creating a song. He urges listeners to "choke up on it," to really get into the task at hand and put all their effort into it.
The "Dahnt-dahn" riff that Morrison keeps repeating could represent the ups and downs of life. It's a simple but catchy riff that sticks with the listener, just like the experiences and memories that make up a person's life. Ultimately, "All The Bits" seems to be a song about the importance of putting in effort and creating something meaningful out of the chaos of life.
Line by Line Meaning
All the bits.
Van Morrison is referring to different musical components of a song here. It is like collecting all the building blocks of a song together.
No, ya' see, ya' get, ya' get a thing goin' like that,
Van Morrison is urging his fellow musicians to get excited about the music they are playing, to feel and enjoy the flow and rhythm of the song.
it's uh, uhh...
He gets lost in the moment while talking about the music, and his speech expresses enjoyment and excitement.
and then, you put it on the end, ya' go
The musician must have good timing, and he should know when to add a particular musical element that will make the song lift-off.
"Dahnt-dahn," you know, like that,
This phrase is referring to a specific rhythm that can be included in a song.
at the end of the lyrics,
The musician has to be skilled enough to use different rhythms at the end of each verse.
"Dahnt-dahn"...
Van Morrison repeatedly uses the phrase 'Dahnt-Dahn' to reference the said rhythm.
"Dahnt-dahn"...
Van Morrison repeats this phrase again to emphasize how catchy and integral to the song this rhythm is.
"Dahnt-dahn", that's nice,
This phrase refers to how much Van Morrison loves this particular rhythm.
"Dahnt-dahn"
Van Morrison once again repeats this catchy rhythm.
"Dahnt-dahn", that kinda riff, ya' see, get it...
Van Morrison is explaining that the rhythm is a musical riff that is catchy, and every musician in the band should be able to play it.
"Dahnt-dahn"...
Van Morrison emphasizes the importance of the rhythm by repeating it, once again.
"Dahnt-dahn"...
Van Morrison repeats this phrase again to cement the rhythm into his audience's minds.
"Dahnt-dahn", choke up on it,
Van Morrison is telling his fellow musicians to improve their playing technique by playing this important rhythm closer to the neck of the guitar.
"Dahnt-dahn"
Repeating the phrase, Van Morrison emphasizes how critical it is to get this right.
"Dahnt-dahn", and we'll put all the bits in.
Van Morrison is saying that by including this catchy rhythm and other musical elements, the song will be complete.
"Dahnt-dahn"
He aptly repeats the phrase to demonstrate that this rhythm is at the core of the song.
"Dahnt-dahn"
Repeating the phrase one last time, Van Morrison ensures that his band members and his audience remember this easy rhythm that everyone can play.
"A-Dahnt-dahn"
Van Morrison changes the phrase a bit so that the song has a unique style.
"A-Dahnt-dahn"
Van Morrisons emphasizing the necessary change in the repeated phrase to keep the song from becoming monotonous.
"A-Dahnt-dahn"...
Van Morrison ends the song with this unique rhythm that he created to make the song his.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind