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.
Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No. 2
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart
I'm just wild about it I can't live without it
I'm just wild about it I can't live without it
Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart
Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
[Spoken]
I'm a soul in wonder
I'm a soul in wonder
I'm a soul in wonder
A soul in wonder
A soul in wonder
Van Morrison's Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No.2 expresses the limitations of language in conveying deep emotions and feelings. The repetitive use of the phrase "Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart" emphasizes the inability of language to express the complexity and depth of human emotions. The song creates a sense of wonder and awe towards the world, while simultaneously acknowledging the limits of language in describing it. The phrase "I'm a soul in wonder" is repeated throughout the song, as an expression of the sublime beauty that surrounds us, and the human struggle to find the words to describe it.
The song can be seen as a personal statement on the part of Morrison, who has frequently written about his own search for meaning and connection to his Irish roots. The use of the phrase "Inarticulate speech" can also be seen as a nod to the poet WB Yeats, who in his poem "The Circus Animals' Desertion" wrote of his own struggle to find the words to express his deepest feelings. The repetition of the phrase "I'm a soul in wonder" can be seen as an expression of Morrison's own existential crises, as he tries to come to terms with the meaning of his own life and the world around him.
Overall, Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No.2 is a deeply introspective and meditative song, which reflects on the limitations of language in expressing complex emotions, while simultaneously celebrating the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Inarticulate speech, inarticulate speech of the heart
The inability to express one's feelings and emotions through words, resulting in incoherent and vague communication in matters of the heart
I'm a soul in wonder (ahahah)
I am a person who is amazed and awestruck by the mysteries of life, yet unable to properly articulate my thoughts and feelings
I'm just wild about it I can't live without it
I am deeply passionate, even obsessed, about something in my life that I cannot imagine living without
[Spoken] I'm a soul in wonder
Reiterating my earlier statement that I am someone constantly fascinated by the unknown aspects of existence, yet struggling to convey my innermost beliefs and sensations
A soul in wonder
Continuing to describe myself as an individual perpetually perplexed and astounded by the complexities of the universe
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind