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.
Aryan Mist
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Among the bridges
You hang by the river
You've been here forever
Aryan mist
What can the matter be
In a world full of glamor
Or is it railway carriage charm
You just sit here
And look from your carriage
As you watch the scene go by
Gurus from the east
Gurus from the west
Does it lift you up
Or is it railway carriage charm
Aryan mist
Among the bridges
You hang by the river
You've been here forever
Aryan mist
Aryan mist
There's so many people
Going down by the river
Down by the river
To get clean
The fog of illusion
The fog of confusion
Is hanging all over the world
Gurus from the east
Gurus from the west
Does it lift you up
Or is it railway carriage charm
Aryan mist
You've been here forever
Remind me of Krishna
Love first sweet kiss
Aryan mist
Aryan mist
Among the bridges
You hang by the river
You've been here forever
Aryan mist
Does it lift you up
Or is it railway carriage charm
The song "Aryan Mist" by Van Morrison is a reflective and contemplative piece that explores the concept of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. The opening lines, "Aryan mist, among the bridges, you hang by the river, you've been here forever," set the tone for a meditative experience that invokes a sense of timelessness and eternity. The mist, which is symbolic of the spiritual realm, is always present, surrounding and enveloping the world, but is often unnoticed except by those who are seeking enlightenment. The repetition of the term "Aryan mist" throughout the song reinforces the idea that spiritual awareness transcends individual cultures and religions.
In the second stanza, Morrison questions the relevance of materialism and fame in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. He wonders if the glamor of the world lifts people up or if it is merely a superficial charm, akin to the fleeting distractions of a train ride. The third stanza describes the observer, who is content to watch the world go by from the comfort of their carriage. The fourth stanza refers to the many seekers who flock to the river to cleanse themselves, perhaps seeking spiritual renewal. The final stanza brings the song full circle, back to the mist and the eternal realm of the spiritual. Morrison invokes the name of Krishna, a deity often associated with divine love, suggesting that true spiritual enlightenment is found through love.
Overall, "Aryan Mist" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking song that touches on themes of spirituality, materialism, and the eternal.
Line by Line Meaning
Aryan mist
The hazy mist that surrounds one of the bridges, which has been present since ancient times
Among the bridges
The fog is present amid the bridges in the area
You hang by the river
The mist is present near the river bank, possibly attached to the water or the riverside vegetation
You've been here forever
The mist has been omnipresent since the bridge and the river have existed
Aryan mist
The same haze from the first verse, again mentioned to reinforce its significance
What can the matter be
The singer ponders the value and effect of the mist
In a world full of glamor
In a world with expensive luxuries and attractions
Does it lift you up
Asks if the mist brings spiritual enlightenment, or upliftment to the viewer
Or is it railway carriage charm
Asks if the mist's appeal is only akin to the fancy decor of an expensive train ride
You just sit here
The observer does nothing but stare at the misty scene
And look from your carriage
The observer is likely in a vehicle and only looking through the window
As you watch the scene go by
The observer simply observes the mist and surrounding area
Gurus from the east
Mentions spiritual teachers from the East
Gurus from the west
Mentions spiritual teachers from the West
Does it lift you up
Reinforcing the prior question of whether the mystic spiritual leaders bring enlightenment
Or is it railway carriage charm
Reinforcing the prior question of whether the mystic spiritual leaders appeal is only akin to a fancy train ride
Aryan mist
Again mentions the significant mist that has been present for ages
Among the bridges
Reiterating that the mist is present around the bridges in the area
You hang by the river
Reiterating that the mist is present near the river bank
You've been here forever
Reiterating that the mist has a timeless presence
Aryan mist
The same haze from earlier reiterated one last time
There's so many people
There are many individuals
Going down by the river
Heading towards the river
To get clean
Going to the river to cleanse themselves physically, mentally, or spiritually
The fog of illusion
Mentions the confusing haze that covers the world, making it harder to understand reality
The fog of confusion
Reiterating the idea of a confusing atmosphere or mindset
Is hanging all over the world
The haze mentioned before is spread throughout the world as a pervasive force
Gurus from the east
The singer repeats the mention of spiritual teachers from the East
Gurus from the west
The singer repeats the mention of spiritual teachers from the West
Does it lift you up
Reinforcing the prior question of whether the mystic spiritual leaders bring enlightenment
Or is it railway carriage charm
Reinforcing the prior question of whether the mystic spiritual leaders appeal is only akin to a fancy train ride
Aryan mist
The same haze from earlier iterated one last time
You've been here forever
Reiterating the timelessness of the haze present for ages
Remind me of Krishna
Krishna is an Indian deity associated with love and often depicted surrounded by a mist
Love first sweet kiss
The mist is compared to the first kiss of love, which is pure, sweet, and memorable
Aryan mist
The same haze from earlier iterated one final time
Among the bridges
Reiterating the mist's location near the bridges in the area
You hang by the river
Reiterating the mist's presence near the river bank
You've been here forever
Reiterating the timelessness of the mist's presence
Aryan mist
The same haze from earlier iterated one final time
Does it lift you up
Reiterating the question of whether the mist brings spiritual enlightenment
Or is it railway carriage charm
Reiterating the question of whether the mist's appeal is only akin to a fancy train ride
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind