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.
Hang On Groovy
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Let your hair hang down Groovy.
Groovy, groovy, groovy, groovy.
Hang on Groovy.
You're in the groove.
Groovy, hang on.
The lyrics of Van Morrison's song Hang On Groovy are simple and repetitive, but they convey the spirit of the time in which it was written. The song was released in 1967, at the height of the hippie movement, and it captures the exuberance and optimism of that era. The first four lines of the song, "Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on," are a call to action, an encouragement to keep going, to keep believing in the ideals of peace, love, and freedom that were the driving force of the era. The repetition of the phrase adds to the sense of urgency and commitment.
The following two lines, "Let your hair hang down Groovy. Groovy, groovy, groovy, groovy," are a nod to the fashion of the time, when long hair was a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity. The phrase "hang on Groovy" is repeated again, as if to reinforce the idea that the person being addressed is the embodiment of the spirit of the moment. The last two lines of the song, "You're in the groove. Groovy, groovy, groovy. Groovy, hang on," are a reminder to keep dancing to the beat of the music, to keep moving forward even in the face of adversity.
Overall, the lyrics to Hang On Groovy are an ode to the optimism, freedom, and joy of the 1960s counterculture movement. They speak to the desire for change, for a better world, and for a life lived fully and authentically.
Line by Line Meaning
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Hold on tight, Groovy, don't let go of this feeling.
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Keep going, Groovy, don't stop now.
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Stay with it, Groovy, don't give up.
Hang on Groovy, Groovy hang on.
Keep the momentum, Groovy, don't slow down.
Let your hair hang down Groovy.
Relax, Groovy, let loose and enjoy the ride.
Groovy, groovy, groovy, groovy.
You're really feeling it, Groovy, keep it up.
Hang on Groovy.
Stay focused, Groovy, don't lose your grip.
You're in the groove.
You've found your rhythm, Groovy, stay on track.
Groovy, groovy, groovy.
You're doing great, Groovy, keep it up.
Groovy, hang on.
You've got this, Groovy, don't give up now.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRANDON R. YOUNG, LIZ SHARPE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind