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.
Avalon of the Heart
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Avalon of the heart
On down by Avalon
Gonna make a brand new start
Oh the Holy Grail
Baby behind the sun
Oh the Holy Grail
Well I came upon
The enchanted veil
Down by the viaducts of my dreams
Down by Camelot, hangs the tale
In the ancient vale
Oh the Avalon sunset
Avalon of the heart
Me and my lady
Goin' down by Avalon
Well I came upon
The enchanted vale
Down by the viaducts of my dreams
Near Camelot, hangs the tale
Of the enchanted vale
In the upper room
There the cup does stand
In the upper room
Down by Avalon
Goin' down by Avalon
Oh my Avalon of the heart
Goin' down by Avalon
Gonna make a brand new start
Oh down by Avalon
Oh baby behind the sun
Goin' down by Avalon
Well the journey's just begun
Oh down by Avalon
Sweet Avalon of the heart
Goin' down by Avalon
Gonna make a brand new start
The lyrics to Van Morrison's "Avalon of the Heart" speak of a journey towards one's inner sanctum, represented by the mythical Avalon. The song's imagery invokes the legends of Arthurian legend, particularly the magical veil that separates the mortal world from the realm of the mystical. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, evoking a mantra that the listener can use to journey towards their own center.
The song's references to the Holy Grail and Camelot highlight the song's theme of spiritual questing, as does the mention of the "upper room," a reference to the Last Supper and the act of communion. These symbols come together in the final lines to suggest a rebirth or new beginning, as the singer and his companion descend towards Avalon to make a fresh start.
Overall the song is an ode to spiritual seeking and a call to journey towards one's inner most heart. The repetition of the lines, and the simple melody underscore the song's message, inviting the listener to come along on the journey towards Avalon.
Line by Line Meaning
On down by Avalon
Going towards the mystical place of Avalon
Avalon of the heart
A spiritual destination within a person's mind and emotions
On down by Avalon
Continuing the journey towards inner peace
Gonna make a brand new start
Seeking a fresh perspective and change in life
Oh the Holy Grail
The ultimate quest for enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment
Baby behind the sun
The ultimate goal is out of sight, but within reach
Oh the Holy Grail
Reaffirming the importance of a higher purpose
Down by Avalon
Where one can find the answers and guidance towards a spiritual awakening
Well I came upon
Discovering an enchanted and magical place
The enchanted veil
A mysterious place of wonder and beauty
Down by the viaducts of my dreams
Along the pathways of one's imaginations and aspirations
Down by Camelot, hangs the tale
The mythical setting is where the story is centered
In the ancient vale
A sacred and profound place from the past
Oh the Avalon sunset
A beautiful and serene view of the mystical location
Avalon of the heart
A destination that is deeply personal and meaningful
Me and my lady
Referring to a significant other or partner in the journey
Goin' down by Avalon
Continuing the journey towards fulfillment and inner peace
Well I came upon
Stumbling upon a magical place of wonder
The enchanted vale
A captivating and bewitching place
Down by the viaducts of my dreams
Along the paths of one's psyche and emotions
Near Camelot, hangs the tale
Where the mythical story is set
Of the enchanted vale
A legendary place of great mystery and beauty
In the upper room
A spiritual place of deep focus and contemplation
There the cup does stand
The symbol of enlightenment and inner peace
In the upper room
A personal space of profound reflection and enlightenment
Down by Avalon
Continuing the quest to reach this sacred place
Goin' down by Avalon
On the journey towards the destination of inner peace
Oh my Avalon of the heart
The deeply personal and significant location within oneself
Gonna make a brand new start
Hoping to achieve a new beginning and a fresh perspective
Gonna make a brand new start
Starting afresh with a revitalized outlook
Oh down by Avalon
Heading towards the destination of spiritual awakening
Baby behind the sun
The ultimate goal is just out of sight
Gonna make a brand new start
Wanting to make positive changes in life
Well the journey's just begun
The path towards enlightenment is an ongoing and evolving one
Sweet Avalon of the heart
A deeply spiritual and fulfilling location within oneself
Goin' down by Avalon
Continuing on this path towards inner peace and fulfillment
Gonna make a brand new start
Hoping to achieve a fresh and positive outlook on life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind