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.
How Can A Poor Boy
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I was a shepherd of men
Chased the wild goose, chased the pot of gold
Chased the rainbows end
How can a poor boy deliver this message to you?
How can a poor boy? You don't believe anything that's true
Now I'm gonna rise up again
Had my degrees, my initiations
Not speaking to the profane
How can a poor boy get this message to you?
How can a poor boy when you don't believe a thing that's true?
I've been anointed, been appointed
Even been magnified
Spied a chapel all of gold
The priest was laying down with the swine
How can a poor boy get a little message to you?
How can a poor boy when you don't believe anything is true?
How can a poor boy get this message through to you?
How can a poor boy when you don't believe a single thing is true?
Watch the illusion of false security
Play of the shadows that move
Tell me what evil lurks in the hearts of men
Only the shadow knows
How can a poor boy get this message to you?
How can a poor boy when you don't believe a thing that's true, for you
When you don't believe a thing, nothing that's true for you
How can a poor boy ever get next to you?
The lyrics to "How Can A Poor Boy?" by Van Morrison & Taj Mahal appear to be a commentary on the difficulty of conveying a meaningful message when the intended audience is closed off or disbelieving. The singer appears to have held positions of authority in the past, as a "shepherd of men" with a "congregation" and "flock," but has experienced both success and failure. Despite having "degrees" and "initiations," he is still struggling to communicate his message, and feels as though he is speaking to the "profane."
The repeated refrain of "How can a poor boy...?" suggests a sense of frustration and powerlessness, as though the singer is struggling against overwhelming odds. The image of the "chapel all of gold" with a priest "laying down with the swine" suggests a corrupted or fraudulent religiosity, in which those in power have strayed from the true path. The final stanza, with its references to "false security," "illusions," and the "evil in the hearts of men," implies a sense of urgency and a need for wakefulness in the face of danger.
Overall, the lyrics appear to be grappling with the difficulty of sharing a meaningful message in a world that is often cynical, corrupt, and disbelieving. The repeated refrain of "How can a poor boy...?" highlights the sense of frustration and helplessness that can arise when trying to communicate in such an environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Had my congregation, had my flock
I used to have a group of devoted followers
When I was a shepherd of men
When I guided and looked after my followers
Chased the wild goose, chased the pot of gold
I pursued adventure and wealth
Chased the rainbows end
I searched for something elusive and out of reach
How can a poor boy deliver this message to you?
As someone who lacks wealth and power, how can I convey this message to you?
How can a poor boy? You don't believe anything that's true
You are skeptical and do not trust anything I say
Had my rise, had my downfall
I have experienced success and failure in my life
Now I'm gonna rise up again
Despite my past failures, I am determined to succeed once more
Had my degrees, my initiations
I have received academic and spiritual qualifications
Not speaking to the profane
I do not associate with those who lack spiritual insight
I've been anointed, been appointed
I have been chosen and blessed for a special purpose
Even been magnified
My achievements have been celebrated and praised
Spied a chapel all of gold
I saw a church that was rich and ornate
The priest was laying down with the swine
The spiritual leader was associating with immoral and impure people
Watch the illusion of false security
Be aware of the false sense of safety and comfort that is not truly reliable
Play of the shadows that move
The shifting and unpredictable nature of life's circumstances
Tell me what evil lurks in the hearts of men
Reveal to me the hidden malice and selfishness that resides within people
Only the shadow knows
Only those who truly understand the darker aspects of humanity can reveal them
How can a poor boy ever get next to you?
As someone who lacks wealth and status, how can I ever hope to be near you?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, EB MUSIC SERVICES
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ehh Embb
I'm surprised that the universe didn't rip apart when these two met..
Anna Maria Mureddu
Musica meravigliosa, mi sembra di essere ritornata indietro nel tempo e provare emozioni dimenticate! Grazie🥰 grazie grazie Van Morrison, non ti conoscevo, adesso...... non ti lascerò mai più 🌹❤️❤️❤️
Anna Maria Mureddu
Faccio i complimenti a questo duetto..... Sublime♥️🌹
Neil Stone
Love it....as always. Thanks for sharing!
Alfred Rutz
What a glorious tune !!!
When do you meet the pinnacle of Blues:
When an Irish Virtuoso teams up with a Black Virtuoso -
Thanks VM & TMH !!!
lumaz71
best track on the cd.
M Goode
Totally agree.. thats why they put it last
.. wild honey for me is #2
Rev Eddro
Great Duet
Matthew Berryessa
Excellence !
Shari Duff
great album of duos