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.
Irish Heartbeat
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stay a while with your own ones
Don't ever stray
Stray so far from your own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing for your soul
That you share with your own ones
Rush away from your own ones
Just one more day
One more day with your own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing 'bout your soul
That you share with your own ones
There's a stranger
And he's standing at your door
Might be your best friend, might be your brother
You may never know
I'm going back
Going back to my own ones
Come back to talk
Talk a while with my own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing 'bout your soul
You share with your own ones
Oh won't you stay
One more day with your own ones
Don't rush away
Rush away from your own ones
This old world is so cold,
Don't care nothing for your soul
You share with your own ones
The song "Irish Heartbeat" by Van Morrison is a nostalgic and emotional plea to cherish your family and loved ones. The lyrics talk about the importance of staying close to your own ones, reminding us that the world is cold and doesn't care about our soul or the relationships we have. The first stanza urges the listener to not ever stray so far from their own ones because the world is indifferent to their soul and only cares for their own interests.
In the second stanza, the lyrics become more personal as Morrison sings of not rushing away from one's own ones and spending just one more day with them. He acknowledges the coldness of the world and the importance of family as a source of warmth and comfort. The final stanza recognizes the possibility of a stranger appearing at the door who could either be the listener's best friend or brother, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
Overall, the song is a stirring reminder of the importance of familial bonds and staying close to those who matter most. It encourages listeners to not take their loved ones for granted and cherish the moments spent together.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh won't you stay
The singer is pleading for someone to stay.
Stay a while with your own ones
He wants them to spend time with their loved ones.
Don't ever stray
The singer is urging his audience to never move away from their families.
Stray so far from your own ones
He doesn't want them to move far away from their family members.
Cause the world is so cold
The world is an unforgiving place to be alone.
Don't care nothing for your soul
The world doesn't care about a person's soul, only their productivity.
That you share with your own ones
The singer is emphasizing the importance of sharing their souls with loved ones.
Don't rush away
The singer is asking someone to not leave so abruptly.
Just one more day
The singer wants them to spend just one more day together.
One more day with your own ones
He wants them to spend one more day with their family members.
There's a stranger
The singer brings up the possibility of a stranger showing up at their door.
And he's standing at your door
The stranger is literally at their door.
Might be your best friend, might be your brother
The stranger could be someone familiar or even related to them.
You may never know
The point is that you never know who is going to show up in your life.
I'm going back
The singer is going back to his own family.
Going back to my own ones
He wants to be with his own family members.
Come back to talk
The singer wants to have a conversation with his loved ones.
Talk a while with my own ones
He wants to spend some time talking to his family members.
This old world is so cold,
The world is cruel and unforgiving.
You share with your own ones
The idea that you should share your soul with loved ones is repeated.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Disent Design
Oh won't you stay
Stay a while with your own ones
Don't ever stray
Stray so far from your own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing for your soul
That you share with your own ones
Don't rush away
Rush away from your own ones
Just one more day
One more day with your own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing 'bout your soul
That you share with your own ones
There's a stranger
And he's standing at your door
Might be your best friend, might be your brother
You may never know
I'm going back
Going back to my own ones
Come back to talk
Talk a while with my own ones
Cause the world is so cold
Don't care nothing 'bout your soul
You share with your own ones
Oh won't you stay
One more day with your own ones
Don't rush away
Rush away from your own ones
This old world is so cold,
Don't care nothing for your soul
You share with your own ones
Velma O' Donoghue
This song means the world to me and our family. Back in 2004, I had to travel to NZ where my daughter was fighting for her life in a burns unit. I played this album (and particularly this song) practically non-stop - praying she would survive and that we could bring her home. She did - and we did bring her home. She's been living a fantastic life since. I've always loved love Van, and the Chieftains - and they are magical together!
Ellen Gallagher
Keep strong
Sue
That's lovely to hear. God Bless 🙏
Peter Tack
I saw Van and the Chieftains live and I can relate to your story. It was uplifting.
Bettie Mccall
Words can't express how much I love this song!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Van Morrison for your music and these songs that are so real!
unterwant
you're right! words can' express .....!!!!!!
and don't forget the band - the chieftains ...
paddy malony, the piper at the gates of dawn
and and and ....
Bonnie Harbin
Dedicated to Devlin Harbin
CatarinaCabral
I love your music, dear Van Morrison. It always heals my moodiness. Thank You. :)
Edna Soares Brasil
What a beautiful,deep and meaningful lirics. Van, you are the best romantic singer for me! Congratulations!
Otilia Zepeda
Beautiful song 😢❤