Cul de Sac
Van Morrison Lyrics

In the cul de sac, so smooth
The singer is in a small residential area with no outlet, where the road is smooth and without potholes.

I look down
The singer is looking at the ground, perhaps feeling introspective or contemplative.

Be less sure, sir
The singer is advising someone to be less confident or dogmatic in their beliefs or assertions.

And take your rest
The artist is suggesting that the other person take a break or relax.

It's been much too long
The artist feels that too much time has passed since they've engaged in something fun or creative.

Since we drifted in song
The singer and someone else previously sang together while improvising or experimenting.

Lay it down wet
The person should create something without overthinking it or being overly self-critical. The use of the word 'wet' may suggest that the resulting art is fresh and fluid.

In this hide-away
The artist feels that they are in a safe or secret place where they can freely express themselves.

Oh I traveled far
The artist has gone on a physical or metaphorical journey.

To the nearest star
The person has traveled as far as they can imagine, symbolically reaching the limit of their aspirations or opportunities.

And met Palomar, mar, mar
The singer may be referring to a radio transmission or a time when they spoke with someone in a remote location. 'Palomar' could also refer to the famous observatory in California.

And we don't care just who you know
The artist does not value a person's social connections, rather who the person truly is as a human being.

It's who you are
The singer places a high value on someone's inner character and personality, rather than their status or fame.

And when they all go home
The singer expects that people will eventually leave and go on with their lives.

Down the cobblestones
The people are leaving the area by walking down a street that is likely paved with cobblestone.

You can double back (spoken 'This is it')
The artist is proclaiming that this cul de sac is the place to end up or return to, despite people leaving or going elsewhere.

To a cul de sac
The artist is referring to the place where they or the other person currently is, which also is a dead-end street.

Mmm
This line doesn't have any clear meaning and may simply reflect the singer's emotions or a sound of satisfaction.

The nearest star
This line is a repetition from earlier in the song, where 'nearest star' represents the limit of one's imagination or goals.

And Mount Palomar, Palomar, Palomar, Palomar
Similar to the earlier line, this may refer to the observatory in California, which is out of reach for the artist.

And we don't care just who d'you know who d'you know
The artist is reiterating that social connections are not as important as a person's true identity.

And who you really are, really are
The artist is telling the listener that their true self is what matters most, not the image they project or the people they know.

And when they all, all go home
Again, the singer is anticipating that other people will eventually leave the area.

You will double back
The artist is suggesting that the listener will return to the cul de sac after others leave.

To a cul de sac
The place where the singer and listener are located that is a dead-end street.

You know, you know you will
The singer is confident that the listener will return to the cul de sac, verifying that it has an important meaning to them.

And not very far
The cul de sac is a short distance away from where the people currently are.

You, you, you, will double back
The artist emphasizes that the listener will return to the cul de sac, using repetition to make the point.

You know, you know it's not very far away
The artist is stating that the cul de sac is nearby and is easily accessible.

No, no
This line likely emphasizes how close the cul de sac is and how accessible it is.

It's just a cul de sac
The singer is acknowledging that it is only a small neighborhood in the grand scheme of things.

Donn, donn, donn
This line doesn't have an obvious meaning but may be a sound effect or emphasize the finality of the cul de sac.

You're not very far away, no oh
The artist is addressing someone who is nearby and easily accessible by returning to the cul de sac.

It's not, it's not very far away
This line repeats the earlier point that the cul de sac is nearby and easily accessible.

It's not as far as a country mile
The singer is using a metaphor to emphasize that the distance to the cul de sac is short and not as far as it may seem.

(You got it)
This line is acknowledging that the listener understands the concept of the cul de sac being nearby and easily accessible.

It's just a cul de sac
The song ends by reiterating that the place is just a small neighborhood and nothing more.