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.
Crazy Arms
Van Morrison Lyrics
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That old storm brewin' in this heart of mine
Someday, your crazy arms will hold somebody new
But now, I'm so lonesome all the time
Crazy arms that reach to hold somebody new
While your yearnin' heart keeps sayin'
You're not mine (not mine)
My troubled mind grows blue
To another, you'll be wed
But now I'm so lonesome, all the time
Now take all those precious dreams
I had for you and me
And take all the love I thought was mine
Someday, your crazy arms will hold somebody new
But now, I'm so lonesome all the time
Crazy arms that reach to hold somebody new
But my yearnin' heart keeps sayin'
You're not mine (not mine)
My troubled mind grows blue
To another you'll be wed
And now I'm so lonesome all the time
And now, I'm so lonesome all the time
Yeah, now I'm so lonesome all the time
The lyrics of Van Morrison's song "Crazy Arms" are a poignant exploration of betrayal, heartbreak, and loneliness. The singer begins the song by suggesting that the word "blue" doesn't even come close to describing the depth of his emotional pain. He feels a storm brewing inside his heart and predicts that one day, the person he's singing to will hold somebody new in their arms. But for now, he's consumed by feelings of loneliness and sadness.
The chorus features the image of "crazy arms" - arms that reach out to hold someone new, but a heart that continues to yearn for the one who's been lost. The singer's troubled mind grows blue as he contemplates the future - imagining the person he loves getting married to someone else. Despite his despair, he can't let go of the love he had for this person and can't reconcile himself to the idea of being alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Now blue ain't the word for the way that I feel
I am feeling much more than just blue.
That old storm brewin' in this heart of mine
My heart is torn apart by a long-standing storm of emotions.
Someday, your crazy arms will hold somebody new
You will eventually find someone else to hold in your arms.
But now, I'm so lonesome all the time
But for now, I am constantly alone and sad.
Crazy arms that reach to hold somebody new
Your arms that constantly crave for someone new.
While your yearnin' heart keeps sayin'
As your heart keeps yearning for something more.
You're not mine (not mine)
I am no longer the one you belong to.
My troubled mind grows blue
I am increasingly troubled and sad.
To another, you'll be wed
You will eventually marry someone else.
Now take all those precious dreams
All the hopes and dreams I had with you.
I had for you and me
Which I thought we would fulfill together.
And take all the love I thought was mine
Take away all the love I believed was exclusively for me.
And now, I'm so lonesome all the time
And now, I remain sad and alone most of the time.
Yeah, now I'm so lonesome all the time
Yes, now I am constantly alone and sad.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHUCK SEALS, RALPH EUGENE MOONEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind