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.
Country Fair
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We were too young to really know
In the country fair
Oh, in the country fair
We laid out in the long green grass
And never thought that it would pass
In the country fair
On an old, on an old open day
On an old rain shine open day
In the country fair
In the cool night air
In sweet summer time
We counted pebbles in the sand
Sand like time slippin' through our hand
In the country fair
In the country fair
On an old, on an old open day
On an old rain track open day
In the country fair
In the cool night air
In sweet summer time
Hmmm mmmm
On an old open day
On an old
Pine cone open day
The first verse of Van Morrison's "Country Fair" expresses nostalgia for a simpler time in life. The singer and a companion watch a river flow and are "too young to really know" anything about life. This scene is reminiscent of childhood innocence and carefree play that are lost as people grow older. The chorus repeats the phrase "in the country fair", reinforcing the idyllic nostalgia of the memories. The second verse describes lying in the grass, unaware of the passage of time. Again, there is a sense of innocence and peace in the moment.
The third verse offers more details about the setting of the memory. The day is open and sunny, with rain having fallen earlier to make everything fresh and clean. This creates an atmosphere of renewal and rejuvenation. The final verse describes counting pebbles in the sand, a simple yet satisfying game. The metaphor of sand like time slipping through their hands creates a bittersweet feeling, as the memory is both enjoyable and indicative of the lost time of youth. Overall, "Country Fair" captures a mood of longing for a time before the stresses and complexities of adulthood took over.
Line by Line Meaning
We stood and watched the river flow
We accompanied the river and watched its unceasing flow.
We were too young to really know
In our young age, we were not aware nor did we fully comprehend what was happening.
In the country fair
We were in the countryside enjoying the fair and marveling at the beauty of nature around us.
Oh, in the country fair
We continued to explore and indulge in the delights of the countryside's summer festival.
We laid out in the long green grass
We lay down on the long, green grass and enjoyed the peace and quiet of our surroundings.
And never thought that it would pass
In our blissful moments, the thought of time passing never crossed our minds.
On an old, on an old open day
We recounted an old, open day when we experienced something similar.
On an old rain shine open day
We reminisced about the day with the rain clearing and the sun shining gloriously.
In the country fair
We were back in the country fair, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the captivating views.
In the cool night air
We savored the night breeze which was fresh, pure, and rejuvenating.
In sweet summer time
We relished the warmth, sun, flowers, and beauty of summer in full bloom.
We counted pebbles in the sand
We enjoyed simple things in life, like playing with pebbles and the sand around us.
Sand like time slippin' through our hand
Just as the sand slipped through our fingers, we realized that time was fleeting and we couldn't hold onto it.
Hmmm mmmm
We hummed and sighed, expressing our contentment and pleasure at this moment in time.
On an old open day
We returned to the memory of that timeless, unforgettable day.
On an old
We respected and cherished the old times with gratitude and nostalgia.
Pine cone open day
We remembered a specific day with pine cones falling gently in the background, adding more charm to the countryside ambiance.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@susanfraser1920
an anthem for all lovers , listen to the clear voice
@phillipbrock6215
I had this playing in my truck a few years ago while driving with my boy, when he was twelve years old. We were driving through beautiful countryside, and I had the strangest sensation. He was young and lost in his own world, a world of the future that I will never visit. Yet, he was oblivious to the sweetness of the moment (how could he not be?) And when that line "We were too young to really know" hit, and I realized that there was no way to explain to him why he should cherish every single moment, it made me cry. We all have to make the journey back on our own, and no one can tell us anything (particularly our fathers) and we have to have our own experience.
"Sand like time flashing through our hands", indeed.
@zenwestroland6413
Beautifully felt moment full of all life has to offer us. Wish we all could recieve that message to remain in the Light of Clarity and to seek to be present in the Love that surrounds us.
@Vickytoriahirt1234
My gosh....this is the most beautiful album I've ever heard.
@benlotus2703
Absolutely beautiful.
I can't stop playing it.
'Country Fair' is like the final tranquillity after a storm.
@michaelh.suzieq6354
There are a fair number of musicians who have arranged trad music into their own world - Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Paul Brady - but no one has blended it into a blues sadness methodology like Van has. This is what makes it unique.
@DisentDesign
this culture seems to be fading away...and this song just hits home so hard...if only we knew what we were going to lose we would have appreciated it more
@rogerferns9760
A great Van song of remembering. It joins Redwood Trees, And It Stoned Me, and Brown Eyed Girl as tales of an idyllic youth.
@citizennobody5518
The sound of the Belfast countryside in summertime.
@stevengrundy4720
my favourite van Morrison album, I dedicate this song to the one... the only one I love