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.
Caledonia Soul Music
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This one's called
Caledonia
Soul Music
Yeah
Starts out like this
It gets
Do a little
Little pick
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah alright
Alright
It gets low
Make it mellow
Get some horn
You got it
Yeah
And we get down
John, play a taste of mandolin
Yeah
Play it!
Yeah, alright
Hey
Hey hey alright
Whoa whoa Caledonia Soul
Caledonia Soul Music
Tell me what it is
Caledonia Soul Music
Caledonia Soul Music
Tell me what it is
Caledonia Soul Music
Caledonia Soul Music
Tell me what it is
Caledonia Soul
Caledonia Soul
Hey, alright
Alright alright
Make me feel so good
Make me feel alright
Make me feel so good
Make me feel alright
Hey
Make me feel so good
Keep on sailin'
Yeah
Boats go by
Boats go by
Boats go by
Caledonia Soul Music
Caledonia Soul Music
The lyrics of Van Morrison's Caledonia Soul Music seem to be a celebration of the unique, soulful quality of music that comes from Scotland (Caledonia). The song starts with a mellow, gentle melody and gradually builds up with the addition of horns and mandolin. The repetition of the phrase "Caledonia Soul Music" throughout the song seems to emphasize the idea of the song representing a certain type of music that is uniquely Scottish, but also with a soulful quality that is universal.
The song is not straightforward in its meaning and interpretation, but it seems to encapsulate the idea of music that is not only rooted in a certain place and culture but can also transcend boundaries and speak to people across the world. The repeated use of the phrase "Make me feel so good" and "Make me feel alright" suggests that music has the power to uplift and bring people together, regardless of their differences.
Overall, Caledonia Soul Music's lyrics seem to be an ode to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring joy and healing to people. Morrison's use of Scottish terminology throughout the song also suggests a deep pride and appreciation for his heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
The song is starting
This one's called
The title of the song is 'Caledonia Soul Music'
Starts out like this
The music begins with this rhythm
It gets
The music transitions
Gets low
The rhythm slows down
Do a little
Play a simple melody
Little pick
Pluck a guitar string gently
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah alright
An enthusiastic response to the music
Alright
The music is ok
Make it mellow
The music should be relaxing
Get some horn
Add some brass instruments
You got it
The music sounds good
And we get down
The music becomes soulful
John, play a taste of mandolin
The musician named John should play a brief mandolin solo
Play it!
Start playing the mandolin!
Hey
Hey!
Hey hey alright
An enthusiastic response to the music
Whoa whoa Caledonia Soul
An expression of admiration for the music
Tell me what it is
Describe what 'Caledonia Soul Music' means
Caledonia Soul Music
'Caledonia Soul Music' is the name of the music being played
Caledonia Soul Music
'Caledonia Soul Music' is the name of the music being played
Tell me what it is
Request to understand the meaning of 'Caledonia Soul Music'
Caledonia Soul Music
'Caledonia Soul Music' is the name of the music being played
Caledonia Soul Music
'Caledonia Soul Music' is the name of the music being played
Tell me what it is
Request to understand the meaning of 'Caledonia Soul Music'
Caledonia Soul
A type of soulful music originating from Scotland
Hey, alright
An expression of satisfaction with the explanation of 'Caledonia Soul Music'
Alright alright
The music is satisfactory
Make me feel so good
The music is enjoyable and pleasurable
Make me feel alright
The music is satisfactory and pleasant
Hey
Hey!
Make me feel so good
The music is enjoyable and pleasurable
Keep on sailin'
Continue to play the music
Yeah
An expression of enthusiasm
Boats go by
Life goes on
Boats go by
Life goes on
Boats go by
Life goes on
Caledonia Soul Music
'Caledonia Soul Music' is the name of the music being played
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@denasqu
The original bootleg with "Caledonia Soul Music"
"VAN THE MAN
Recorded 1970/71, New York/San Francisco
In 1970 Van Morrison was hot property when Moondance, his second album for Warners, became an FM radio staple. But the improvisational, elongated song form that defined Morrison’s Warners debut, Astral Weeks, still held a deep fascination. Add his esoteric belief in the ancient kingdom of Caledonia (a landmass combining Scandinavia and Scotland/Northern Ireland) as the birthplace of the blues and the epic, largely instrumental, 18-minute musical voyage “Caledonia Soul Music” was the result. Recorded during sessions for His Band And The Street Choir, a tape of the track was passed to and played several times on San Francisco KSAN radio station but left off the album. Morrison later admitted Street Choir was “a compromise… I lost control of it.” The track was released here with a live version of “Moondance” from the Fillmore West in 1970, and a 1971 Pacific High Studios radio broadcast that included a rare outing for the Them track “Friday’s Child”, a combative “Hound Dog” and a caustic, seven-minute deconstruction of Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman”.
Sound quality: Raw and live with slight distortion
See also: The Real Philosopher’s Stone"
https://www.uncut.co.uk/features/uncuts-50-best-bootlegs-68155/10
@denasqu
The original bootleg with "Caledonia Soul Music"
"VAN THE MAN
Recorded 1970/71, New York/San Francisco
In 1970 Van Morrison was hot property when Moondance, his second album for Warners, became an FM radio staple. But the improvisational, elongated song form that defined Morrison’s Warners debut, Astral Weeks, still held a deep fascination. Add his esoteric belief in the ancient kingdom of Caledonia (a landmass combining Scandinavia and Scotland/Northern Ireland) as the birthplace of the blues and the epic, largely instrumental, 18-minute musical voyage “Caledonia Soul Music” was the result. Recorded during sessions for His Band And The Street Choir, a tape of the track was passed to and played several times on San Francisco KSAN radio station but left off the album. Morrison later admitted Street Choir was “a compromise… I lost control of it.” The track was released here with a live version of “Moondance” from the Fillmore West in 1970, and a 1971 Pacific High Studios radio broadcast that included a rare outing for the Them track “Friday’s Child”, a combative “Hound Dog” and a caustic, seven-minute deconstruction of Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman”.
Sound quality: Raw and live with slight distortion
See also: The Real Philosopher’s Stone"
https://www.uncut.co.uk/features/uncuts-50-best-bootlegs-68155/10
@rpkrauss1
Caledonia is simply put, Scotland....!!
@ChristoferKraft
is there a way to get the full album some where?
Crk.
@stevemorris4836
I bought a pressing of this album - Van the Man - in Kingston, Ontario back around 1973-74. Caledonia Soul Music was certainly the highlight of the album, though Side 1 offered a hidden treasure in that it was a quality Ray Charles album (don't remember which now). No problems with Brother Ray, but I was looking forward to the 'original' Side 1.
@jongilchrist7229
TB Sheets is one of my all time favorites. Very talented songwriter and a great soul man. Underrated in this century. Wild night always makes me want to out and do something on a Saturday night.
@kennethjohnson3895
I commented in the first 10 seconds. ^5
@ethioUSA
If there is or ever was a better "ditty" than Caledonia Soul, I would believe I had met the Lord... "Makes me feel so good"
@benlotus2703
Van Morrison- the greatest musical poet, performer, and troubadour.
He is one in a billion; his musical proverbs will be played on Mars and beyond.
@j.k.barber6877
i think this inspires the best reason for man to go to mars...to deliver a sound system with this recording...and then come home
@benlotus2703
@@j.k.barber6877
You could be correct. Everybody needs to hear this on a high-end audio system e.g. ClearAudio Innovation Wood/Universal tonearm/Da Vinci V2 record player with Thiel speakers !
And, Audio Research Amps and Preamps!
LoL'