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.
Educating Archie
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Which is ruled by the global elite
What happened to, the individual
What happened to, the working class white
They filled his head with so much propaganda
Entertainment on tv and all kinds of shite
What happened to the individual
Tell you up is down and wrong is right
Nothing to hang your hat on, can't even get uptight
You're controlled by the media
Everything you say and do
What happened to, the individual
Tell me what happened to you
Tell you up is down, not able to fight
Keep you docile and complacent, can't even get uptight
Controlled by the media and you don't know what you can do
They took away your constitution you don't even know what happened to you
Waffle is the language that they taught you, taught you to talk
But you can't even get any angle 'cause you forgot how. keep on walking the walk
You're a slave to the capitalist system and it's controlled by the global elite
Double dealing with the banks, behind your back, just can't fight
Van Morrison's song "Educating Archie" is a commentary on the power of the capitalist system and how individuals are at the mercy of those in control. The lyrics describe how people have become slaves to the system and have given up their individuality and rights in exchange for propaganda and entertainment.
The song opens with the line "You're a slave to the capitalist system, which is ruled by the global elite," setting the tone for the rest of the lyrics. Morrison questions what has happened to the individual and the working class, who have lost their rights and are unable to fight back against the power of the media and the banks. He highlights how propaganda and entertainment on TV have filled people's heads, and they have given up their individual rights in exchange for compliance.
The lyrics suggest that the media has taken control of people's lives, and they are not even aware of it. They are kept docile and complacent, unable to get uptight and take a stand against the system. The song encourages listeners to question what they are being told and to regain their individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
You're a slave to the capitalist system
You're controlled by the capitalist system
Which is ruled by the global elite
The capitalist system is controlled by the global elite
What happened to, the individual
What happened to the importance of the individual?
What happened to, the working class white
What happened to the working class white people?
They filled his head with so much propaganda
The media filled everyone's head with propaganda
Entertainment on tv and all kinds of shite
All kinds of low-quality entertainment on TV
When he gave up all of his rights
When he surrendered all his rights
Tell you up is down and wrong is right
They confuse right with wrong
Nothing to hang your hat on, can't even get uptight
There's nothing solid to stand for, so no one gets mad
You're controlled by the media
The media controls you
Everything you say and do
Everything you do is dictated by the media
Tell me what happened to you
What happened to you as an individual?
Tell you up is down, not able to fight
They convince you that right is wrong, so you can't fight back
Keep you docile and complacent, can't even get uptight
They keep you passive and compliant, so you can't even get angry
They took away your constitution you don't even know what happened to you
They took away your rights, and you don't even know it
Waffle is the language that they taught you, taught you to talk
They taught you to speak nonsense
But you can't even get any angle 'cause you forgot how
You can't even think critically because you've forgotten how
Keep on walking the walk
Just keep going and accepting things blindly
Double dealing with the banks, behind your back, just can't fight
The global elite are deceiving you with the banks, and you can't do anything about it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind