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.
Almost Independence Day
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear them calling way from Oregon
And it's almost Independence Day
Me and my lady, we go steppin', we go steppin'
We go steppin' way out on China town
All to buy some Hong Kong silver
And the wadin' rushing river, we go steppin'
I can hear the fireworks
I can hear the fireworks
I can hear the fireworks
Up and down the, up and down the San Francisco bay
Up and down the, up and down the San Francisco bay
I can hear them echoing
I can hear, I can hear them echoing
I can hear, hear them echoing
Up and down the, up and down the, up and down the San Francisco bay
I can see the boats in the harbor, way across the harbor
Lights shining out, lights shining out
And a cool, cool night
And a cool, cool night
And a cool and a cool
And a cool and a cool, cool night and across the harbor
I can hear the fireworks
I can hear the people, people, people shouting out
I can hear the people shouting out
Up and down the line, up and down the line
And it's almost
And it's almost Independence Day
I can see the lights way out in the harbor
And the cool, and the cool, and the cool and the cool night
And the cool, and the cool, cool night breeze
And I feel the cool night breeze
And I feel, feel, feel the cool night breeze
And the boats go by
And it's almost Inde, Inde, almost Independence Day
And it's, and it's and it's almost, and it's almost Independence Day
Way up and down the line
Way up, way up and down the line
Way up and down the line
Way up, way up and down the line
Way up, way up, way up and down the line
Way up and
Way up and down the line
Way up and down the line
Way up and
Way up and down the line
Way up and down the line
Way up and down the line
Way up and down the line
In Van Morrison's "Almost Independence Day," the song is about the excitement leading up to the Fourth of July celebration in San Francisco, CA. Morrison sings about how he can hear the people shouting and fireworks going off up and down the San Francisco Bay. He also mentions seeing the boats in the harbor, their lights shining out and feeling the cool night breeze.
The opening two lines of the song, "I can hear them calling way from Oregon / I can hear them calling way from Oregon" establish a sense of anticipation and excitement, building up for the celebration of Independence Day. The following lyrics which talk about stepping out to Chinatown and wading through a rushing river further highlight a sense of adventure and movement. The song expresses the joy and freedom that comes with Independence Day, and how it brings people together in celebration.
Overall, "Almost Independence Day" is a lively, upbeat song about the joyous celebration of Independence Day in San Francisco. It is a celebration of the freedom and unity of the people, who come together to enjoy a summer evening filled with fireworks and music.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hear them calling way from Oregon
The singer is able to hear people calling out from a distant state, Oregon.
And it's almost Independence Day
The occasion being mentioned is almost the day when the United States celebrates its independence.
Me and my lady, we go steppin', we go steppin'
The singer and their partner go out for a walk.
We go steppin' way out on China town
The artist and their partner go far out to visit the historic Chinatown.
All to buy some Hong Kong silver
The purpose of the artist's visit to Chinatown is to purchase some silver originating from Hong Kong.
And the wadin' rushing river, we go steppin'
The singer and their partner are walking near a river with fast-moving water.
We go out on the, out on the town tonight
The singer and their partner are planning to spend the night out in the city.
I can hear the fireworks
The artist can hear the loud sounds of fireworks.
Up and down the, up and down the San Francisco bay
The fireworks can be heard from different points spanning the entirety of the San Francisco Bay.
I can hear them echoing
The sound of the fireworks echoes through the air.
I can hear, I can hear them echoing
The sound of the fireworks echoes loudly enough to be heard several times.
I can hear the people, people, people shouting out
The artist can hear the voices of people shouting out.
Up and down the line, up and down the line
The sounds of people shouting can be heard across a wide area.
And it's almost
The occasion that is being celebrated is close.
And it's almost Independence Day
The occasion that is nearly here is the celebration of the US's independence.
I can see the lights way out in the harbor
The artist can see the lights in the harbor from their location.
And the cool, cool night
It is a comfortably cool night.
And a cool and a cool, cool night and across the harbor
The singer remarks on how the cool weather is present throughout the harbor.
I feel the cool night breeze
The singer is able to sense the cool breeze that is present.
And the boats go by
The artist notices as boats pass by.
And it's almost Inde, Inde, almost Independence Day
The occasion that is approaching is nearly here, the celebration of the US's independence.
Way up and down the line
The sounds of people and fireworks can be heard over a wide area.
Way up and down the line
The sounds are making their way across the area.
Way up, way up and down the line
The sounds can be heard from afar.
Way up and down the line
The sounds are being carried across the area.
Way up, way up and down the line
The sounds can be heard from far distances.
Way up, way up, way up and down the line
The sounds can be heard over an extensive region.
Way up and
The sounds extend far out.
Way up and down the line
The sounds can be heard throughout a wide area.
Way up and down the line
The sounds are reaching many different places.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Uddenberg
And I feel, feel the cool night breeze
And the boats go by
And it's almost Independence Day
And it's almost, and it's almost Independence Day
Way up and down the line
Way up and down the line...
( Recorded fifty years ago at Pacific High Studios
In San Francisco )
Jan van der Waal
One of the greatest songs ever made. Wish you were here of Pink Floyd is influenced by this song.
Tim Sayer
Influenced is putting it mildly, i would say note for note ripped off.
L Trane
Yes it is true, Gilmour says he’s borrowed licks from songs he likes. This came out 2yrs b4 Wish u were here
xiropigado
No it isn't
Hugh Jorgin
Is that true?
1957PLATO
His songs never grow old, but nobody can cover them because his voice is so unique.
ls1959
This album, Saint Dominic's Preview, doesn't get the recognition and classic rock radio play that some of Van Morrison's other early classic music does. But it stands right up there with the best of Van's music. In fact, along with Moondance, this is my favorite of Van's albums.
keep on rollin 79
Veedon fleece as well
Jan van der Waal
One of the greatest songs ever made. But you don't find in any list of best songs.
TR
One of his most gorgeous tracks ever. Sounds like a diary entry. A moment captured in time