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 Long Baby
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can this love of ours go on?
How long, how long baby
Because I know, I know you've been doing me wrong
You've been seen all over town
Playing the field putting me down
How long can this go on?
How long, how long baby
Must you treat me like a fool?
How long, how long baby
Don't you know, you're breakin' the rules?
Do you think it's only a game?
The way that you're acting
You'll drive me insane
How long can this go on?
I want to know, how long, how long baby,
Must you tear my soul apart?
How long, how long baby
When you break, when you break my heart
Oh won't you change your ways
Come on back let me hear you say
That we will start anew
I need you so, I need you so
I need you so, whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa
In the song "How Long Baby," Van Morrison expresses his ambiguous yet intense feelings against a lover who has betrayed him. The lyrics revolve around a series of questions that are directed at the partner who has been "playing the field" and "putting him down." From the beginning, the perspective seems to be of someone who is heartbroken, trying to understand the deeper meaning of the relationship, and questioning how long things might continue this way. He pleads, cajoles, and begs his partner to stop treating him like a fool and asks if they see their relationship as merely a game. The singer is not apathetic as his emotions are clearly visible in the repetition of the lines: "How long, how long baby."
The message of the song appears to be a deliberate attempt to shake up the cheating partner and try to reconcile the broken relationship. The lyrics evoke feelings of desperation and resonate with every heart that has felt the mighty blow of betrayal. The words reveal the singer's unending love and longing to be reunited with his lover. However, it is unsure if the partner in question is moved by the pleading or not. The sense of uncertainty and pain that Morrison conveys is one of the reasons why this song has been so popular and is considered one of the singer's most emotional songs.
Line by Line Meaning
How long, how long baby
The singer is wondering how much longer their relationship can last with the way things are going.
Can this love of ours go on?
He is questioning the possibility of them still being in love.
Because I know, I know you've been doing me wrong
He knows his partner has been unfaithful to him.
You've been seen all over town
There have been sightings of his partner being in the company of other people.
Playing the field putting me down
His partner has been flirting with others and hurting him in the process.
Must you treat me like a fool?
He asks his partner why they keep deceiving him.
Don't you know, you're breakin' the rules?
He is reminding his partner that their actions are not acceptable.
Do you think it's only a game?
He suspects that his partner might not take their relationship seriously.
The way that you're acting, You'll drive me insane
He is warning his partner that their behavior will eventually harm their relationship.
I want to know, how long, how long baby, Must you tear my soul apart?
He is expressing his pain and pleading to his partner to stop hurting him emotionally.
When you break, when you break my heart
He is anticipating that his partner will eventually hurt him deeply.
Oh won't you change your ways
He is asking his partner to make a positive change in their behavior.
Come on back let me hear you say
He is hoping his partner will return to him and apologize for their actions.
That we will start anew
He is suggesting the possibility of rebuilding their relationship.
I need you so, I need you so, I need you so, whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa
He is admitting that despite the pain his partner has caused him, he still loves and needs them in his life.
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