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.
I Don't Want Much
Van Morrison Lyrics
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I don't want much in this world
It's th' simple things I treasure
'Till I die I would get by on fame, riches and sensual pleasure
I don't ask much in this life
No special consideration
Of a friendly OPEC nation
Some people
Just don't know when to stop
Some people
Just won't quit until they reach the top
But I'm so easy going
I'd make my way through life
On love and understanding
From a rich and beautiful life
Some people
Just never seem to get enough
Some people
Want salvation, paradise and all that stuff
But I'm so easy going
Don't even keep the score
All I want is plenty, but I will take more
If you ask me
I will take more
Say please
I will
Take more
In Van Morrison's song "I Don't Want Much," he sings the lyrics of Mose Allison giving his listeners an insight into his worldview. Allison's lyrics emphasize a desire for a simple and unencumbered life that isn't predicated on accumulating wealth and fame. Instead, Allison values love, understanding, and the simple things in life rather than material possessions or power. With a lighthearted tone, the song questions the values of society that put such a high premium on wealth, success, and power.
The first verse implies that Allison is aware of what he treasures in life and is content with what he has. He doesn't want much in this world, just the simplicity of life that he can treasure even upon his deathbed. He prefers to live a life of independence rather than being reliant on great wealth or fame. His perspective emphasizes the importance of living life with genuineness and simplicity, which makes it more fulfilling as it focuses on the things that are truly valuable.
The refrain, "Some people just don't know when to stop" and "Some people just never seem to get enough" points out the cycle of desire in people that leads to excess, which results in never being fully content or satisfied. Allison brings to the fore that it's essential to appreciate what one has in life rather than always yearning for more. He emphasizes that the pursuit of material things and power doesn't necessarily guarantee a happy life. Instead, it's the love and understanding one has that makes life substantially richer.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want much in this world
I am a person who is content with the simple things in life.
It's th' simple things I treasure
I value the small and uncomplicated things that life has to offer.
'Till I die I would get by on fame, riches and sensual pleasure
Although I don't require much to lead a happy life, I wouldn't mind having fame, wealth, and carnal pleasures if given the opportunity.
I don't ask much in this life
I don't have any specific demands or needs in my life.
No special consideration
I don't expect to be treated differently than anyone else.
Just treat me like His Majesty of a friendly OPEC nation
Treat me with respect and honor similar to how a ruler of an OPEC-affiliated country would be treated.
Some people just don't know when to stop
There are individuals who have difficulty recognizing when they've had enough of something.
Some people just won't quit until they reach the top
There are those who will relentlessly pursue their goals until they achieve great success.
But I'm so easy going
I have a laid-back personality.
I'd make my way through life on love and understanding from a rich and beautiful life
I believe that life's journey can be sustained by genuine love and understanding, and that living a fulfilling life is more important than material possessions.
Some people just never seem to get enough
There are people who can never find satisfaction or fulfillment, no matter how much they have.
Some people want salvation, paradise and all that stuff
There are individuals who are driven to obtain spiritual enlightenment and a life of eternal happiness.
But I'm so easy going
I don't get emotionally invested in external material things.
Don't even keep the score
I don't place importance on keeping track of how well I am doing in life compared to others.
All I want is plenty, but I will take more
I'm content with what I have, but wouldn't say no to additional blessings or opportunities.
If you ask me, I will take more
If given the opportunity for more blessings or benefits, I would not decline.
Say please
If you politely request something of me, I will accept it with gratitude.
I will take more
Given permission, I'm open to having additional resources, opportunities, or benefits.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MOSE ALLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind