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.
Goin' Down to Monte Carlo
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goin' down to Monte Carlo about 25k from Nice
Got to get myself together, gotta get my head some peace
Sartre said that hell is other people, I believe that most of them are
Sartre said hell is other people, I believe that most of them are
Well their pettiness amazes me, even after I've gone this far
Goin' down to Monte Carlo 'bout 25k from Nice
Gotta get my head together, gotta get my head some peace
Playing in the background some kind of phony pseudo jazz
Playing in the background in the restaurant, some kind of phony pseudo jazz
I don't care I'm trying to get away from people, that are trying to drive me mad
After everything I've worked for, not goin' to throw everything away
After everything I worked so hard for, I'm not goin' to give it all away
I just need to take a raincheck, I can't live to fight another day
Goin' down to Monte Carlo, 25k from Nice
Goin' down, goin' down to Monte Carlo, still about 25k from Nice
Got to get my head showered, got to find some release
The lyrics to Van Morrison's song Goin' Down to Monte Carlo talk about the need for escape from the chaos of everyday life. The singer is on his way to Monte Carlo, a distance of about 25k from Nice, seeking respite and tranquility. The repetition of the line "Got to get myself together, gotta get my head some peace" emphasizes the need for solitude and clarity to overcome the noise and distractions of the world.
The next lines are a reference to a famous quote by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who claimed that "hell is other people." The singer declares that he believes that most people are the cause of their own hell, and their petty behavior amazes him even after he has gone "this far" into his journey. This suggests that the singer has been struggling with human interaction for some time and has finally decided to distance himself from it.
The singer goes on to describe the setting of a restaurant where fake jazz music is playing in the background, but he is not bothered by it as much as he is by the people trying to drive him mad. He has worked hard for everything he has achieved and does not want to throw it all away, but rather than fighting, he just needs to take a break.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person seeking solitude to find peace and a break from everyday stresses. It highlights the struggle to find balance between the pressures of society and the need for inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Goin' down to Monte Carlo about 25k from Nice
Heading towards Monte Carlo which is approximately 25 kilometers from Nice
Goin' down to Monte Carlo about 25k from Nice
Going to Monte Carlo which is located 25 kilometers from Nice
Got to get myself together, gotta get my head some peace
Need to get myself organized and find some mental solace
Sartre said that hell is other people, I believe that most of them are
Sartre claimed that other people are what makes life hell and I support this view for the most part
Sartre said hell is other people, I believe that most of them are
Referring to Sartre's statement that people make life unbearable and I tend to agree with this perception for the majority of cases
Well their pettiness amazes me, even after I've gone this far
Despite having come this far, I am still amazed by the triviality of some individual's behavior
Playing in the background some kind of phony pseudo jazz
There is a kind of insincere imitation of jazz music playing in the background of this restaurant
I don't care I'm trying to get away from people, that are trying to drive me mad
I am focused on removing myself from individuals who are causing me frustration and irritation
After everything I've worked for, not goin' to throw everything away
I have put in substantial effort and sacrifice towards my goals and I refuse to give up now
After everything I worked so hard for, I'm not goin' to give it all away
I have dedicated significant effort and persistence towards achieving my objectives and I am not willing to relinquish it all
I just need to take a raincheck, I can't live to fight another day
I need to take a break and delay the continuation of the struggle, as I cannot continue to operate at this pace indefinitely
Goin' down to Monte Carlo, 25k from Nice
Embarking on an excursion to Monte Carlo, which is around 25 kilometers away from Nice
Goin' down, goin' down to Monte Carlo, still about 25k from Nice
Traveling towards Monte Carlo and noting that I am still approximately 25 kilometers away from Nice
Got to get my head showered, got to find some release
Need to cleanse my mind and locate a means of emotional or physical relief
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