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.
Higher Than the World
Van Morrison Lyrics
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And I'm livin' in my dreams
I'll make it better than it seems
Today
And I'm higher than a cloud
And I'm living in the sound
I'll make it better than it seems
Higher than the world
But my head is in a swirl
I gotta give a life a whirl
Today
Higher than the clouds
Wrapped up in the sound
I'll make it better all around
Today
Higher than the world
But my head is in a swirl
I gotta give a life a whirl
Today
Higher in my mind
I'm going leave these blues behind
And I'll find what I find
Today
Cause I'm higher than the world
And I'm wrapped up in my dreams
I'll make it better than it seems
Today
Yes, I'm higher than the world
And I'm livin' in my mind
I got to hold on to what I find
Today
Just a little bit higher
Little bit higher
The lyrics to Van Morrison's song 'Higher Than the World' describe the feeling of being elevated above the ordinary experiences of life, in a state of transcendence. The singer expresses that he is living in his dreams, higher than the world and the clouds. He describes being wrapped up in the sound and feeling as though his head is in a swirl. Despite this, he asserts that he will make it better than it seems, and that he is going to give life a whirl. The song suggests that there is a sense of liberation to be found in embracing this higher state of mind and letting go of the blues.
Morrison's lyrics speak to the human desire to break free from the constraints of daily life and seek something beyond the mundane. They capture the experience of being in a heightened state of consciousness, where the world can be seen from a new perspective. The repetition of the phrase 'Today' emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment and seizing the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm higher than the world
I am feeling an immense rush of joy and elation that elevates me above the mundane world.
And I'm livin' in my dreams
I am experiencing a state of euphoria where my dreams and fantasies become my reality.
I'll make it better than it seems
I have the power to elevate my reality and transform it into something better than it appears to be.
Today
I am living in the present moment, and taking control of my destiny right now.
And I'm higher than a cloud
I am soaring above the world, free as a bird, experiencing the full extent of my potential.
And I'm living in the sound
I am deeply immersed in the music, allowing it to carry me away into higher realms of consciousness.
Higher than the world
I have achieved an unprecedented level of transcendence that separates me from the rest of the world.
But my head is in a swirl
I am caught up in the intensity of the moment, feeling a dizzying array of emotions and sensations.
I gotta give a life a whirl
I need to take some risks and explore life to the fullest, without hesitation or reservation.
Wrapped up in the sound
I am completely absorbed in the music, losing myself in its rhythms and melodies.
I'll make it better all around
I have the power to improve the collective human experience, by spreading positivity and love wherever I go.
Higher in my mind
I am experiencing a heightened state of consciousness, where my thoughts and perceptions are clearer and more profound.
I'm going leave these blues behind
I am shedding my negative emotions and moving on to a brighter, more joyful future.
And I'll find what I find
I am following my inner compass, trusting that it will guide me towards my ultimate destiny.
I'm livin' in my mind
I am exploring the depths of my consciousness, delving into the mysteries of existence itself.
I got to hold on to what I find
I am determined to hold onto the profound insights and powerful experiences that I discover on my journey.
Just a little bit higher
I am striving to elevate myself to the next level of existence, reaching for my highest potential.
Little bit higher
I am continuing to climb the ladder of consciousness, striving towards greater heights with every step.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind