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.
Mystic of the East
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mystic with no brief, back here on the street
Mystic out of reach, can't find no reason to speak
I just got in too deep for the mystic of the east
I was deep in the heart of down
Deep in the heart of down
Deep in the heart of down
Mystic with no peace, back here in the east
Fed up to the teeth, mystic of the east
I was deep in the heart of down
Deep in the heart of down
Deep in the heart of down
Deep in the heart
Mystic out of reach, can't seem to find my brief
Gone with the wild geese and I've had it up to the teeth
Mystic of the east, back here on the streets
Mystic with no brief, I can't find any reason to speak
Mystic of the east, east, east, east
Back here on the street, back on the street
Back on the street, mystic of the east
Back here on the street, mystic of the east
The song "Mystic of the East" by Van Morrison is a reflection on the challenge of finding peace and purpose in life. The mystic referred to in the song is a symbol of the search for spiritual guidance and enlightenment. The song suggests that this search can be difficult and uncertain, as the mystic is often elusive and out of reach.
The lyrics also suggest a feeling of being lost and disconnected, with no clear direction or purpose in life. The repeated refrain of "deep in the heart of down" reinforces this sense of being stuck in a negative emotional state. The song seems to suggest that finding meaning in life requires a willingness to take risks and explore new avenues, even if they seem uncertain or difficult.
Overall, "Mystic of the East" is a reflective and introspective song that explores themes of spirituality, purpose, and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
Mystic of the east, mystic from the streets
Referring to a wise person from the eastern part of the world who has lived and learned from the streets
Mystic with no brief, back here on the street
An individual who speaks from intuition rather than a well-prepared brief, now living among regular people
Mystic out of reach, can't find no reason to speak
A mysterious person who isn't easily understood and doesn't feel the need to voice themselves
I just got in too deep for the mystic of the east
Having involved oneself too far beyond the reach of the wise person from the east
Mystic with no peace, back here in the east
A wise person who is unable to find inner peace despite being back in their homeland
Fed up to the teeth, mystic of the east
The wise person from the east is extremely tired and annoyed
Mystic out of reach, can't seem to find my brief
An enigmatic person who is unable to remember their purpose or objective
Gone with the wild geese and I've had it up to the teeth
The wise person has left with wild geese and they have reached the limit of their patience
Mystic of the east, back here on the streets
The wise person from the east has returned to the streets
Mystic with no brief, I can't find any reason to speak
A wise person who has no specific message and sees no reason to communicate it
Mystic of the east, east, east, east
Reiterating the wise person's origin
Back here on the street, back on the street
Again emphasizing the wise person's return to the streets
Back on the street, mystic of the east
A wise person from the eastern part of the world who is now back on the streets
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave Darnell
Been chasing this guys songs for forty-five years and he always amazes me.
Colin Rogan
This man just gets better and better. Love this version and wish I could have been at the school gig.
frijou
Love how there's a beautiful song to start every weekend :)
Jim Rennie
WOW he gets better and better NOBODY BEATS VAN
BazSC6
This is one of those songs that I daren't listen to too often, for fear of it becoming less enjoyable.
Peter Cowden
Your might fear that Van's songs will become less enjoyably if they're listened to too often, but I'm here at share I've listened to many of Van's songs hundreds of times and they only only ever get better.... The Man is one of a kind that history testify to...
Pauline Bryan
That's got my morning of to a perfect start. Thanks Van , you make every day better
Mark Turkington
Today I turned 61. Today I found this song. When a song touches my heart like this one, I know that GOD does love me.
LayyZ StarR
I've been trying to told ya...beautiful album and song, Born to Sing is to far ahead of its own time...even with a Plan B!
Levandetag
Lovely Van One <3