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.
Dead or Alive
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive,
Come up and see me dead or alive".
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
Well he even sent me my picture
(Oh yeah, and hello)
He even sent me my picture
(Yeah yeah)
Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful)
Dead or alive?
How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?
It's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well, it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Van Morrison's "Dead or Alive" is a bluesy song that speaks to the struggles of living in a world where justice and law can be unwarrantedly harsh. In this song, Morrison sings about receiving a letter from the new sheriff which demands his appearance, either dead or alive. Morrison seems to be speaking to the idea that sometimes, the law is unjust, and the punishment for one's actions or lack thereof, can be harsh and unforgiving. The idea of justice "dead or alive" suggests an intense and almost aggressive response to a crime or wrongdoing. Morrison's disdain for the sheriff's actions is made clear in the lyrics "I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff", where the use of the term "hard rock hotel" symbolizes the harsh and unyielding nature of the law.
The repetition of the phrase "hard road dead or alive" seems to be a reminder of the difficulties of navigating through life, and how it can feel like an ongoing battle. The lyrics "he even sent me my picture", which is a nod to the common use of wanted posters, adds another layer of suspicion to the situation. Morrison's question "how do I look boy, dead or alive?" is a powerful way of showing the absurdity and cruelty of the situation.
Overall, "Dead or Alive" is a reflection on the harsh realities of the justice system and the difficulties of navigating life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the new sheriff sent me a letter
The singer has received a letter from the new sheriff.
Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
Reiterating that the new sheriff sent the singer a letter.
He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive,
The sheriff invited the singer to visit him, whether he's alive or dead.
Come up and see me dead or alive".
Further repetition of the sheriff's invitation for the singer to visit him, regardless of his physical state.
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
The journey ahead, whether alive or dead, won't be easy.
It's a hard road dead or alive
Reiteration of the singer's belief that the journey ahead will be tough.
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff
The singer makes it clear to the sheriff that he doesn't like the hard rock hotel.
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff
Explicitly identifying the sheriff as the recipient of the singer's statement.
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Reiterating the singer's refusal to comply with the sheriff's invitation, regardless of the circumstances.
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Further repeating the singer's decision not to visit the sheriff.
Well he even sent me my picture
The sheriff sent the singer a picture.
(Oh yeah, and hello)
The singer greets someone or acknowledges the picture in some way.
He even sent me my picture
Reiterating that the sheriff sent the singer a picture.
(Yeah yeah)
The singer's positive affirmation of something.
Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful)
The singer questions how he looks, and someone responds positively.
Dead or alive?
The singer clarifies whether he looks good no matter his state of being.
How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?
Reiterating that regardless of his physical state, the singer is happy with his appearance.
Dead or alive
Repeating the theme that states that the singer's journey will be difficult, regardless of his state of being.
Dead or alive
Further emphasizing that the concept of 'dead or alive' is a significant theme in the song.
Dead or alive
Repetition of the theme, emphasizing it even more.
Dead or alive
Reiterating that 'dead or alive' is a critical theme present throughout the song.
Dead or alive
Repeating the theme one more time for emphasis before the song ends.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Y, BUFFY SAINTE MARIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind