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.
Hard Nose the Highway
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't that some inspiration
When Sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle strings
Then takes a vacation
Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
I was tore down at the dead's place
Shaved head at the organ
But that wasn't half as bad as it was oh no
Belfast and Boston
Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing
The first verse of the song "Hard Nose the Highway" by Van Morrison highlights the importance of the first takes and how they can serve as a great inspiration for people. The song talks about how Frank Sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle strings and then takes a vacation, inspiring people to take a break when they deserve one. The next verse talks about the tough times people go through and how they need to keep moving forward. The lines "Seen some hard times, drawn some bad lines, no time for shoeshines, hard nose the highway" emphasizes the importance of resilience and hard work.
The third verse of the song recounts the singer's experiences in different places such as the Dead's place, Belfast, and Boston. The singer goes through hard times, including shaving his head at the organ in the Dead's place. The fourth verse emphasizes the importance of putting your money where your mouth is and taking a risk to get something going. The last line of the song- "In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime and leave one or two cards showing" highlights the concept of taking risks and making calculated decisions for success.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey kids dig the first takes
Appreciate the raw and unedited versions of artistic expressions
Ain't that some inspiration
Isn't it amazing how inspiration can be found in imperfection
When Sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle strings
The delightful combination of Sinatra's voice with Nelson Riddle's orchestral arrangements
Then takes a vacation
And yet, the artists still need time to rest and rejuvenate
Seen some hard times
Experienced difficult and challenging periods
Drawn some bad lines
Made mistakes and wrong decisions in life
No time for shoeshines
No need to focus on minor details or superficial things
Hard nose the highway
Stay focused and determined to get through the challenges ahead
I was tore down at the dead's place
I was emotionally broken at the Grateful Dead's concert
Shaved head at the organ
Having a bald head while playing the organ
But that wasn't half as bad as it was oh no
Despite the challenges faced, there were still worse situations
Belfast and Boston
The cities with significant cultural and historical relevance to the artist
Put your money where your mouth is
Make sure your actions align with your words
Then we can get something going
Only when there is true commitment and dedication, can progress be made
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
Being willing to take risks and face failure is essential for success
And leave one or two cards showing
Not completely hiding your intentions or strategies, but hinting at them to keep your opponents guessing
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Forrest George
Hey kids dig the first takes
Ain't that some inspiration
When sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle Strings
Then takes a vacation
Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway
I was tore down at the dead's place
Shaved head at the organ
But that wasn't half as bad as it was oh no
Belfast and Boston
Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing
R. R. Rubin
Hey kids dig the first takes
Ain't that some interpretation
When Sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle Strings
Then takes a vacation Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway I was tore down at the dead's place
Shaved head at the organ
But that wasn't half as bad as it was oh no
Belfast and Boston Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway further on up the road
further on up the road it may not be today
maybe tomorrow
if you live for the day
got to keep in mind
it may be be tomorrrow further on further on further on
further on up the road
ohhhhhhhhhh the highway
further on up the road
i know you paid your dues in Canada
R. R. Rubin
Hey kids dig the first takes
Ain't that some inspiration
When sinatra sings against Nelson Riddle Strings
Then takes a vacation
Seen some hard times
Drawn some bad lines
No time for shoeshines
Hard Nose the Highway
I was tore down at the dead's place
Shaved head at the organ
But that wasn't half as bad as it was oh no
Belfast and Boston
Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing
First Change Yourself . Then The World
...Put your your money where your mouth is then we can get something started
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime and leave 1 or 2 cards showing..
...wow what sage words of advice that if I had a son (instead of daughters)
This would be this kernel of all I tried to teach him
It would all originate in this teaching in this song as it
Seems that Van has been a teacher of mine in so many ways;
Books people thinking behavior Thank you
Sir Van
...Yes Sir ...!
Jacob Chavez
I am 17 years old, born in 2001, and I cannot get enough of this album
Zero Ohms
i'm nearly a half century older than you, & feel the same way!
Irene Baldwin
Bless you ❤️🙂👍
Miguel Almeida
Listening right Now and i am 16 🇵🇹🇵🇹
Ellen Ewaskowitz
listening right now with my 18 year old grandson.
Donut 47
Born in 2006 Love These songs
Rolando Aponte
Knowing only Van's commercial output (Brown Eyed Girl, Domino and a few others), which is somewhat limited, I only discovered the marvelous songs of Van only a couple of years ago (I'm 64)...I was baffled and amazed at the richness and beauty of Van Morrison music!!! A true genius.
professormacdeezy
he has ao many great albums. Check out Veedon Fleece and Common One, two of the greats
Joan Wilcox
Without a doubt the most underrated musician ever.
Martin Holmes
@world peace Van Morrison is very highly rated