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 Work and No Play
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Makes Jack a dull chap
When it comes to the crunch
It s too much I've got to stop
No pain and no gain it s driving me insane
I d like to be somewhere else
Like to be all by myself
Relaxing at the sugar shack
Hot dogs coffee black
Coca cola kicking back
I'm just a wild and crazy guy
But I m tearing at the seams
Before you can say Jack Robinson
I'll be seeing you in my dreams
She's on a blanket with a book
In the shade, white suit
Happy hour at the bar
And I m jamming with some friends
We're up to the same tricks
Drinking cocktails getting our kicks
Later on by the pool
Looking good ah, be cool
There's no craic double back
Moving on down the track
Moving on down the line
Got to chill out in style
Got to ease my troubled mind
Thinking just might be a crime
All work and no play
Makes Jack a dull chap
When it comes to the crunch
It's too much I've got to stop
No pain no gain it's all going
Down the drain
"All Work and No Play" by Van Morrison is a song that talks about the importance of taking a break from work and engaging in recreational activities. The song emphasizes how overworking can cause one to become dull and possibly even lose their sanity. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of working and would rather be enjoying time alone or with friends, engaging in activities such as going to the beach, drinking at the bar, or relaxing by the pool.
The opening line, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull chap," is a commonly used phrase that warns against the negative consequences of overworking. The reference to "Jack Robinson" is another expression that is often used to emphasize speed or suddenness. The singer then goes on to describe the things they would rather be doing like going to the beach and relaxing at the sugar shack while sipping Coca-Cola and eating hot dogs. They also mention jamming with friends and drinking cocktails, emphasizing the importance of socializing and having good times.
The song suggests that the singer is on the verge of losing their sanity and needs to take a break to "chill out in style" and "ease [their] troubled mind." As the song comes to an end, the singer laments about how all their hard work is going "down the drain."
Overall, "All Work and No Play" by Van Morrison is a song that encourages listeners to take a break from the stresses of work and enjoy some recreational activities. It emphasizes the importance of socializing, relaxing, and having a good time to maintain one's sanity and avoid becoming "dull."
Line by Line Meaning
All work and no play
Being serious all the time without having any fun in life.
Makes Jack a dull chap
Being too serious can make you uninteresting and tiresome to be around.
When it comes to the crunch
When the pressure is at the highest level.
It s too much I've got to stop
The workload is unbearable, and I can't take it anymore.
No pain and no gain it s driving me insane
Working and struggling without getting any benefit from the work can drive a person to insanity.
I d like to be somewhere else
Wanting to escape from the current situation.
Like to be all by myself
Wanting some alone time.
Like to be down at the beach
Wanting to go to the seaside.
Relaxing at the sugar shack
Taking it easy in a comfortable place.
Hot dogs coffee black
Having some food and drink at the beach.
Coca cola kicking back
Drinking a refreshing soft drink and chilling out.
I'm just a wild and crazy guy
I am someone who likes to have fun and be adventurous.
But I m tearing at the seams
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Before you can say Jack Robinson
Before you know it.
I'll be seeing you in my dreams
I will be daydreaming about having fun and being carefree.
She's on a blanket with a book
A woman is enjoying some leisure time by reading a book on a picnic blanket.
In the shade, white suit
Wearing a white suit in the cool shade.
Happy hour at the bar
A time for drinking and socializing at a bar.
And I m jamming with some friends
Playing music with some buddies.
We're up to the same tricks
We are doing the same things we always do when we hang out.
Drinking cocktails getting our kicks
Having fun while drinking alcoholic beverages.
Later on by the pool
Spending time at the pool in the evening.
Looking good ah, be cool
Feeling good and trying to maintain a calm demeanor.
There's no craic double back
There's no excitement in going back to the same old things.
Moving on down the track
Looking at new things and moving in a different direction.
Moving on down the line
Continuing to move forward and try new things.
Got to chill out in style
Need to relax and unwind in a fashionable way.
Got to ease my troubled mind
Need to calm down and reduce stress.
Thinking just might be a crime
Thinking too much can cause problems and increase anxiety.
No pain no gain it's all going
Working hard without any reward or benefit, and losing everything in the end.
Down the drain
Wasted and gone forever.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind