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.
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Van Morrison Lyrics
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Baby, please don't go
Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans
You know I love you so
Baby, please don't go
Baby, your man done gone
Well, your man done gone
He had his shackles on
Baby, please don't go
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog to get you way down here
I make you walk alone
Baby, please don't go
Hey
Baby, please don't go
Baby, please don't go
Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans
You know I love you so
Baby, please don't go
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog get you way down here
Make you walk alone
Baby, please don't go
Know how I feel right now
My baby leavin', on that midnight train
And I'm cryin'
Baby, please don't go
Oh, baby please don't go
Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans
You know I love you so
Baby, please don't go, yeah
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog
Before I be your dog to get you way down here
I make you walk alone
Baby, please don't go, yeah
Alright
Van Morrison's classic song "Baby Please Don't Go" is a plea to his lover not to leave him for New Orleans. The song has a raw and bluesy feel and is characterized by Morrison's deep and soulful voice. The lyrics talk about the singer's apprehension and fear of losing his lover, and he goes on to plead with her to stay with him. The lines "Before I be your dog, I'll get you way down here" suggest that the singer is willing to do anything to make his lover stay, but he also reveals his vulnerability with the line "Make you walk alone."
The repetition of the lines "Baby, please don't go" acts as a constant reminder of the singer's desperation and the intense feeling of loss that he would feel if his lover left him. The mention of the "county farm" and the "shackles" alludes to the tough life the singer had led, and the desperation and sadness he feels at the prospect of losing his only source of happiness.
Overall, "Baby Please Don't Go" is a classic blues song that showcases Van Morrison's expertise at delivering raw and emotive songs. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the song has become an iconic part of blues and rock music history.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, please don't go
The singer is pleading for their beloved to not leave their side.
Baby, please don't go down to New Orleans
The singer doesn't want their beloved to go to New Orleans, which might symbolize leaving for good.
You know I love you so
The singer reminds their beloved of the depth of their love for them.
Baby, your man done gone
The artist is pointing out that the beloved's previous partner has left, leaving them in a vulnerable state.
Well, your man done gone, left the county farm
The previous partner has left for good and left the beloved alone, possibly in a rural and isolated environment.
He had his shackles on
The previous partner was restrained or constrained in some way, possibly by the law or social norms.
Before I be your dog
The singer is stating that they would rather not be their beloved's subordinate or servant in a relationship.
To get you way down here
The artist implies that their beloved wants them to come to them, but they would rather not be forced to make that decision.
I make you walk alone
The artist would rather let their beloved go without them than be forced to comply with their demands.
Know how I feel right now
The artist is stating that they are currently feeling very upset and heartbroken by their beloved's potential departure.
My baby leavin', on that midnight train
The beloved is leaving on a train and the singer is deeply saddened by it.
And I'm cryin'
The artist is shedding tears because they cannot bear the thought of their beloved leaving them.
Baby please don't go, yeah
The singer reiterates their plea for their beloved to stay with them.
Alright
This is simply an interjection to signify the end of the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joseph Lee Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind