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.
If You Love Me
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will give your heart
Why should we be apart
If you love me
If you love me
You will know the truth
I wasn't born to lose
Affinity and communication
That makes reality
Understanding is the first thing
It means so much to me
If I love you
I will find the key
If it's meant to be
'Cause I love you
Affinity and communication
That is reality
Understanding is the first thing
It means so much to me
If I love you
I will find the key
If it's meant to be
'Cause I love you
Van Morrison's song "If You Love Me" talks about the nature of intimacy, trust and the complexities of love. The first stanza of the song emphasizes the importance of commitment in a relationship where Van Morrison asks his lover to give their heart if they truly love him. He refuses to accept the idea of being apart and emphasizes that love should bring people together, not apart. The second stanza emphasizes the importance of truth in a relationship emphasizing that understanding is key. Van Morrison notes that affinity and communication are essential in building an intimate relationship that will lead to a deeper understanding of each other. The last couplet of both stanzas expresses a deep devotion to his lover, and the idea of his willingness to find the key to make things work shows the complexity of true love, which often requires struggle and sacrifice to make it work.
The repetition throughout the song highlights the importance of communication, trust, and the complexities of love. When he sings "If you love me" in the chorus, it can both be perceived as a question or a statement. It might imply that Van Morrison is asking his lover if they truly love him, or it could also mean that Van Morrison believes that true love requires a specific action as proof of love.
Line by Line Meaning
If you love me
This is the conditional statement for the rest of the song - the singer implies that if the person addressed truly loves them, then they would follow through with certain actions.
You will give your heart
The singer is saying that if the person addressed truly loves them, then they should open themselves up and be vulnerable with their feelings.
Why should we be apart
The singer is questioning why they should be apart if there is love between them.
If you love me
Repeating the conditional statement from the beginning of the song.
You will know the truth
The artist implies that if the person addressed truly loves them, then they would understand the artist's true intentions and feelings.
I wasn't born to lose
The singer asserts their self-worth and suggests that they are not meant to fail in matters of love.
And I love you
The singer affirms their love for the person addressed.
Affinity and communication
This line describes two key components in a successful relationship that the artist believes are important.
That makes reality
The artist is saying that these two components are essential in making a relationship work in the real world.
Understanding is the first thing
The artist places a high value on understanding each other in order for the relationship to thrive.
It means so much to me
The singer emphasizes how important understanding is to them in a relationship.
If I love you
The conditional statement shifts from the person addressed to the artist - if the artist loves the person addressed, they will take certain actions.
I will find the key
The singer is saying that they will figure out what it takes to make the love between them and the person addressed work.
If it's meant to be
The singer acknowledges that even if they take all the right actions, the relationship may not work out if it's not meant to be.
'Cause I love you
The singer reaffirms their love for the person addressed as the reason why they are willing to take certain actions in the relationship.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JUSTICEATNIGHT
After 21 years four girls four grand children and three great grand kids we are still in love with each other she is the most and only beautiful woman I have ever seen. I love you Cindy Lou DePriest
@debh6304
Cindy is a lucky woman
@jodicubbler761
Mmmmmmm.....wonderful.....I havent been lucky in love. Too late now..I am 69 today
@debh6304
You must treat her right
@sitarajabeen6581
How lucky she is.... That her husband loves her so much...
@sheilabarron5532
Hold her tight in yourβ€my brother lost his wife of 52 yrs of covid 19 2 days ago laugh a lot live to the fullest and love a lot warm wishes to you and wifeββ€to y'all
@bencelinehaulussy8782
Obsessed with this song: a killer marriage of Vanβs voice with BBβs magic guitar play
@stevelivingston3499
This is in my top two, maybe one, or behind Willie Nelson anything!
@inekebruijns9911
So many memorable moments in this video πβ€οΈ B.B. King together with Van Morrison.. just great! ππ§
@kimberlys.t.7206
Itβs been raining 3 days straight. Waking up to more rain. Iβm ready for some sunshine π Van Morning β€