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.
Comfort You
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to comfort you
I want to comfort you
Just let your tears run wild
Like when you were a child
I'll do what I can do
I want to comfort you
You put the weight on me
You put the weight on me
When it gets too much for me
When it gets too much, much too much for me
I'll do the same thing that you do
And I'll put the weight on you
Huh
I'll put the weight on you
I'll put the weight on you
And I'll do the same thing that you do
I'll put the weight on you
I want to comfort you
I want to comfort you
And I want to comfort you
Just let your tears run wild
Like when you were a child
I'll do what I can do
I just want to comfort you
The song "Comfort You" by Van Morrison is a beautiful ode to the power of comfort and support between two individuals in a relationship. The song opens with the repeated line "I want to comfort you" as a declaration of the singer's desire to be there for their partner during difficult times. This sentiment is reinforced throughout the song as the singer emphasizes their willingness to take on their partner's emotional weight and to offer solace in any way possible. The lyrics "Just let your tears run wild, like when you were a child" are especially poignant, as they suggest that the singer recognizes the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable and to feel one's emotions fully in order to heal.
The verses of the song alternate between the singer's desire to comfort their partner and the recognition that they too may struggle with the weight of their partner's emotions. This acknowledgment that providing support can also be emotionally taxing is a testament to the singer's commitment to their partner and the importance of mutual care in a healthy relationship. Ultimately, the song is a moving testament to the power of love and emotional support to heal and bring comfort in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to comfort you
The singer wants to provide comfort to the person they are addressing.
I want to comfort you
The singer reiterates their desire to comfort the person.
I want to comfort you
The singer again emphasizes their desire to provide comfort.
Just let your tears run wild
The artist is encouraging the person to express their emotions freely and without reservation.
Like when you were a child
The artist compares the person's current state to that of a child, suggesting that the person may be feeling vulnerable and in need of nurturing.
I'll do what I can do
The singer is expressing their willingness to help in any way they can.
You put the weight on me
The singer acknowledges that the person has shared their burdens with them.
You put the weight on me
The artist reiterates that the person has placed their burdens on them.
You put the weight on me
The artist again emphasizes that the person has shifted their burdens onto them.
When it gets too much for me
The artist acknowledges that they may struggle to carry the weight of the person's burdens.
When it gets too much, much too much for me
The singer emphasizes that they may become overwhelmed by the person's burdens.
I'll do the same thing that you do
The artist suggests that they may need to rely on the person for comfort and support when they are feeling overwhelmed.
And I'll put the weight on you
The singer is acknowledging that they may need to shift their burdens back onto the person when they are struggling.
Huh
An interjection that expresses surprise or agreement.
I'll put the weight on you
The singer reiterates their willingness to shift their burdens back onto the person when they need support.
I'll put the weight on you
The artist again emphasizes their willingness to rely on the person for support.
And I'll do the same thing that you do
The artist is expressing their willingness to reciprocate the support and comfort that they have received from the person.
I'll put the weight on you
The singer reiterates their willingness to rely on the person for support.
I want to comfort you
The singer reaffirms their desire to provide comfort to the person.
I want to comfort you
The artist reiterates their desire to comfort the person.
And I want to comfort you
The artist again reaffirms their desire to provide comfort to the person.
Just let your tears run wild
The artist is encouraging the person to express their emotions freely and without reservation.
Like when you were a child
The singer compares the person's current state to that of a child, suggesting that the person may be feeling vulnerable and in need of nurturing.
I'll do what I can do
The artist is expressing their willingness to help in any way they can.
I just want to comfort you
The singer emphasizes that their sole intention is to provide comfort to the person.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind