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.
Open the Door
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Open the door to your soul
Get back in the flow
Open the door to your heart
Money doesn't make you fulfilled
Money's just to pay the bills
It's need not greed
You've got eyes to see
And ears to hear
Then why don't you quit
Crying in your beer my dear
If nobody gets what they want
Tell me what's the use in that
Everybody just get's fat
Open the door to your heart
Backbiters always make mistakes
If you want to get an even break
Think of everything that's at stake
Open the door to your heart
Don't you think I know who my enemies are
Their slip is showing and the door is ajar
Well this time they pushed me too far
Open the door to your heart
If you've got eyes to see
And ears to hear
You better quit, quit
Crying in your beer my dear
If you can't hear the song you're wrong
I've been around too long
Just listen to the words that's all
Open the door to your heart
Open the door to your heart
Open the door to your soul
Got to get back in the flow
Open the door to your heart
Come on
Yeah, yeah, open the door to your heart
Open the door to your soul
Get back in the flow
Open the door to your heart
Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on
Open the door to your heart
Open the door to your soul
Got to get back in the flow now
Open the door to your heart
Come on, come on, come on, come on come on
Da, da-da, da da, da da-da da da
Open the door to your heart
Yeah, yeah
The first few lines of "Open the Door" by Van Morrison encourages listeners to open themselves up to the world and let their true self shine through. This can be interpreted in multiple ways, but the central idea is that money and other material possessions shouldn't prevent you from living a fulfilling life. Van Morrison's lyrics in this song suggest that the people who are happiest and most at peace are the ones who are true to themselves and aren't swayed by societal pressures or unrealistic expectations.
The second half of the song points out how backbiters always seem to make mistakes and advises listeners to think about what's really important when making decisions in their lives. Van Morrison seems to be calling on people to really examine their motivations and to stop crying in their beer when things don't go as planned. He urges people to listen to his words and open their hearts to the world–to be accepting of others and themselves–so they may live a more satisfying and authentic life.
Overall, Van Morrison's "Open the Door" is a plea for listeners to listen to their hearts and be true to themselves. The song suggests that true happiness and fulfillment are found when we embrace our true selves rather than trying to live up to societal expectations or chasing after material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
Open the door to your heart
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and let love in
Open the door to your soul
Connect with your innermost self and find your purpose
Get back in the flow
Regain your momentum and start moving towards your goals
Money doesn't make you fulfilled
Material possessions do not bring true happiness or contentment
Money's just to pay the bills
Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself
It's need not greed
Focus on fulfilling your basic needs rather than excessive or selfish desires
You've got eyes to see
You have the ability to perceive your surroundings and gain understanding
And ears to hear
You have the ability to listen and gain knowledge
Then why don't you quit
Stop engaging in negative behavior
Crying in your beer my dear
Feeling sorry for yourself and drowning your sorrows in alcohol
If nobody gets what they want
The pursuit of individual desires may result in disappointment and dissatisfaction for all
Tell me what's the use in that
What is the point of being unhappy and unfulfilled if everyone feels the same way?
Everybody just get's fat
Success and excess can lead to complacency and gluttony
Backbiters always make mistakes
Gossip and slander often backfire and cause harm to the singer
If you want to get an even break
If you want to be treated fairly and justly
Think of everything that's at stake
Consider the consequences of your actions, both positive and negative
Don't you think I know who my enemies are
I am aware of those who wish me harm
Their slip is showing and the door is ajar
Their true intentions are becoming evident and their opportunity to harm me is present
Well this time they pushed me too far
I have reached my limit in tolerating their harm and interference
If you can't hear the song you're wrong
If you cannot perceive the deeper meaning and purpose of life, you are not living it fully
I've been around too long
I have gained wisdom and insight from my life experiences
Just listen to the words that's all
Pay attention to the deeper messages and lessons provided by life
Come on
Encouraging the listener to take action and follow their heart
Yeah, yeah, open the door to your heart
Urging the listener to let love and vulnerability into their life
Got to get back in the flow
Take control of your life and start moving towards your goals
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SAMUEL JONATHAN JOHNSON, CARL N MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind