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' Home
Van Morrison Lyrics
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He'll be leavin', leavin' here today
Well, if he don't leave now
Won't be goin' nowhere
Well, home is where the heart is
Then my home's in New Orleans
Take me to that land of dreams
I won't be goin' nowhere, nowhere
Goin' home
He's goin' home, yeah, yeah, yeah
He'll be leavin', leavin' here today
Well, if he don't go now
I won't be goin' nowhere
What you say and what you do
Well, it's times like that, then I'm tellin' you
Well, if you don't leave now
I won't be goin' nowhere, nowhere, nowhere, Lord
And if I don't leave now
I won't be goin' nowhere
If I don't leave now
I won't be goin' nowhere
Ooh, yeah
In Van Morrison's song, "Goin' Home," he conveys a sense of urgency and excitement as the singer finally decides to return home. The song is brimming with imagery and emotion as the singer tells of his journey home to New Orleans. The lyrics, "Home is where the heart is, then my home's in New Orleans," portrays the character’s attachment to his hometown. He describes it as a "land of dreams," indicating that it holds great importance to him. The phrase "If you don't leave now, I won't be going nowhere" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the sense of immediacy and critical decision-making.
The song encapsulates a strong feeling of longing and desire, as the singer yearns for familiarity and comfort. The phrase "Goin' home, he's goin' home" is repeated throughout the song, expressing his eagerness and willingness to return home. The repetition of the phrase instills a sense of determination and strength in the character. He knows where he belongs, and he's determined to get there.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of hope, purpose, and direction. It encourages the listener to trust their intuition and follow their hearts. The singer's resolve to return home represents the universal human desire for belonging and the place where we feel happiest and most content.
Line by Line Meaning
Goin' home, he's goin' home
The subject is heading home, and it is mentioned twice to imply a sense of urgency and importance.
He'll be leavin', leavin' here today
The subject is leaving his current location, likely never to return.
Well, if he don't leave now
It is necessary for the subject to leave immediately, or he risks not being able to go anywhere at all.
Won't be goin' nowhere
If the subject does not leave now, he will be stuck in his current location with no possibility of leaving in the future.
Well, home is where the heart is
The artist believes that home is wherever you feel most comfortable and happy.
Then my home's in New Orleans
The singer feels most at home in New Orleans.
Take me to that land of dreams
The singer longs to return to the place where they feel most at home and where their dreams can become a reality.
Lord, and if I don't leave now
The subject is acknowledging the urgency of the situation and the need to leave immediately.
I won't be goin' nowhere, nowhere
If the subject does not leave now, they will indeed be stuck in their current location and unable to go anywhere.
He's goin' home, yeah, yeah, yeah
The repetition of the subject heading home is continued to emphasize the significance of returning home.
What you say and what you do
The singer is acknowledging the importance of actions over words in the pursuit of their goals.
Well, it's times like that, then I'm tellin' you
The artist is emphasizing the importance of taking action when the opportunity arises.
If you don't leave now
The subject is again emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need to leave immediately.
I won't be goin' nowhere, nowhere, nowhere, Lord
The repetition of nowhere emphasizes the finality and permanence of not being able to leave.
And if I don't leave now
The subject is acknowledging that leaving now is the only choice they have.
I won't be goin' nowhere
If the subject does not leave now, they will be stuck and unable to pursue their dreams.
If I don't leave now
The subject is reinforcing the importance of leaving immediately.
I won't be goin' nowhere
If the subject does not act now, they risk being trapped in their current location with no possibility of leaving in the future.
Ooh, yeah
A simple, emotional exclamation to emphasize the urgency and importance of the situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN HADLEY, KEVIN WELCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind