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.
Drivin' Wheel
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go to jail.
You look so pale when ya' do the Drive and Wail.
Sock it to me baby.
One more time.
Just-a one more time.
Sock it to me baby.
Oh yeah.
Sock it to me baby.
Oh yeah.
Sock it to me.
Drive and wail baby.
Van Morrison's "Drivin' Wheel" is a song that features a simple arrangement of guitar, bass, drums, and Hammond organ. The lyrics are straightforward and repetitive, capturing the essence of a driving, bluesy rock jam. The chorus features the phrase "Drive and wail", which is likely a reference to the high-energy, hard-driving boogie woogie riffs that are a staple of the blues genre. The line "Go to jail" may reference the reckless abandon of the music, suggesting that the raw energy of the song could lead one to trouble with the law.
Line by Line Meaning
Drive and wail.
Driving recklessly and loudly crying out can land you in jail. It's clear that you appear weak and fearful when you undertake the reckless actions of driving and howling.
Go to jail.
The consequences of your wild driving and vocalizing can be going behind bars.
You look so pale when ya' do the Drive and Wail.
Your physical appearance shows how vulnerable and scared you are when you drive dangerously and scream loudly.
Sock it to me baby.
Keep giving it to me with fervor, vigor, and enthusiasm.
One more time.
Just once more, please rock my world, my baby.
Just-a one more time.
All I ask of you is to do it one more time, that's all it takes to get me excited.
Oh yeah.
I'm loving this and I'm feeling it - yeah, baby!
Sock it to me baby.
I want more from you, keep dishing it out to me.
Oh yeah.
This is so awesome; keep it coming, baby.
Sock it to me.
Give me all you've got, baby; don't hold back.
Drive and wail baby.
Once more, baby, drive recklessly and let out a loud, pained cry
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind