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.
Green Mansions
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Green mansions, quiet and still
Big wall all around
It's where my baby will be found
Waiting for that day, to come
Green mansions, high upon a hill
In the countryside where the birds begin to sing
Where the story does unfurl
Waiting on that day to come
Tried in vain to forget
Just how it ought to be
Over and over and over and over again
'Bout what it means to me
Green mansions, I can hear the mocking bird
Birds singing in a melancholy wood
The big wall all around
Where my baby will be found
Waiting for that day to come
Well I've tried in vain, to forget
Yeah what it ought to be
Over and over, over again
Just what it means to me
Green mansions, high upon a hill
Green mansions, quiet and still
Big wall all around
Where my baby will be found
Waiting for that day to come
Green mansions, high upon a hill
Green mansions, quiet and still
Big wall all around
Where my baby will be found
Waiting for that day to come.
The song "Green Mansions" by Van Morrison is a melancholic ballad about a place where he believes he will find his lost love. The "Green Mansions" mentioned in the song refers to a secluded and peaceful house situated on top of a hill. The singer of the song sees this place as an ideal location that is free from worldly distractions and glamour, where he can be reunited with his lover. The wall surrounding the mansion suggests that the house is isolated and hidden away from everything else, creating a sense of mystery and longing.
The song is characterized by a reflective tone and a melancholic melody. The singer is trying to come to terms with the loss of his love and is haunted by memories of their time together. The lines "Tried in vain to forget, Just how it ought to be" and "Over and over and over and over again, 'bout what it means to me" illustrate the repetitive nature of his thoughts and feelings. The melody of the song is simple and gentle, adding to the introspective mood of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Green mansions, high upon a hill
The place in the countryside where the birds are chirping
Green mansions, quiet and still
A peaceful place, untouched by the world
Big wall all around
A physical barrier, an indication of privacy
It's where my baby will be found
The place of solace where the artist's lover resides
Waiting for that day, to come
The anticipation of being reunited with the beloved
Tried in vain to forget
Attempts to clear the mind of thoughts of the lover
Just how it ought to be
Imagining a life with the beloved in a perfect world
Over and over and over and over again
Repetitive thinking about the same idea
'Bout what it means to me
Contemplating the significance of the lover in the artist's life
Green mansions, I can hear the mocking bird
The peacefulness and tranquility of the place
Birds singing in a melancholy wood
The birds' mournful song, possibly an indication of sadness or loneliness
Well I've tried in vain, to forget
Multiple unsuccessful attempts to push thoughts of the lover out of the mind
Yeah what it ought to be
Thinking about an ideal life with the beloved
Green mansions, high upon a hill
The beautiful, scenic location of the lover's dwelling
Green mansions, quiet and still
Peaceful and calm, a refuge from the chaos of the world
Waiting for that day to come
Looking forward to the day when the artist can reunite with the beloved
Big wall all around
A sign of privacy and protection for the artist's loved one
Where my baby will be found
The place where the singer's beloved is located
Waiting for that day to come
Anticipating the reunion with the beloved
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind