I Shall Sing
Van Morrison Lyrics


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I shall sing,
sing my song,
be it right,
be it wrong.
In the night,
in the day,
any how,
any way,
I shall sing.
La la la la la la la la la
na na na na na na na na na
na na na na na na na na na
na na na na na na na na na
Oh, oh,
na na na na na naaa na
With my heart,
with my soul,
[from ?] the young
or the old,
when I'm high,
when I'm low,
when I'm fast,
when I'm slow,
I shall sing.
La la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la la
na na na na na na na na na
na na na naaa

I shall sing,
sing my song,
be it right,
be it wrong.
In the night,
in the day,
any how,
any way,
I shall sing.
La la la la la la la la la
na na na na na na na na na
La la la la la la la la la
na na na na na na na na na
Oh, oh,




un, oh, oh
I shall sing

Overall Meaning

Van Morrison's song "I Shall Sing" is a song of ultimate defiance and perseverance in the face of confusion and uncertainty. The songwriter announces that he shall sing his song, regardless of whether it's right or wrong, in the night or the day, in any way, any how. The song is an ode to the power of singing and the certainty that it provides, even when everything else in life is uncertain. The repetition of "la la la" and "na na na" thrown in-between the verses gives the song an almost childlike playfulness, while also stressing the importance of the song being sung with a certain lightness of heart. The song is a reminder to listeners that no matter what, they can always sing their own song.


The song has a simple lyric that is easy to sing along to, and the message is clear: Times may be tough, but it's important to hold onto the possibility of joy, even when things are bleak. The choice to sing one's own song as a coping mechanism may seem insignificant, but it's often in the simplest things that we find our greatest relief. By the simple act of singing, the songwriter and the listener are able to transcend the troubles that plague them and enter into an unencumbered freedom. "I Shall Sing" is a timeless song about humanity's unbreakable spirit, and the important role that music and the act of singing plays in maintaining that indomitable human spirit.


Line by Line Meaning

I shall sing,
No matter the circumstances, I will always sing.


sing my song,
I will sing the song that is meant for me, regardless of the opinions of others.


be it right,
My song may be what is considered correct or appropriate.


be it wrong.
My song may not align with societal expectations or norms.


In the night,
My singing is not limited by the time of day.


in the day,
My singing is not limited by the time of day.


any how,
No matter the way or manner it is expected of me to sing.


any way,
No matter the way or manner it is expected of me to sing.


I shall sing.
I will sing regardless of any external factors.


La la la la la la la la la
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


na na na na na na na na na
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


na na na na na na na na na
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


na na na na na na na na na
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


Oh, oh,
An emotional expression that can signify joy or pain.


na na na na na naaa na
A prolonging of the free form vocalization.


With my heart,
My singing is an expression of my emotions and true self.


with my soul,
My singing is a reflection of my innermost being.


[from ?] the young
I will sing for those who are young and have different experiences and perspectives.


or the old,
I will sing for those who are old and have different experiences and perspectives.


when I'm high,
I will sing regardless of being in a state of elation or intoxication.


when I'm low,
I will sing regardless of being in a state of sadness or depression.


when I'm fast,
I will sing regardless of the tempo of the music.


when I'm slow,
I will sing regardless of the tempo of the music.


I shall sing.
I will sing regardless of any external factors.


La la la la la la la la la
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


La la la la la la la la la
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


La la la la la la la la la
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


na na na na na na na na na
A free form of vocalization that carries no particular meaning.


na na na na naaa
A prolonging of the free form vocalization.


I shall sing
I will sing regardless of any external factors.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Van Morrison

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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