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.
Pagan Heart
Van Morrison Lyrics
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My pagan soul
Got to move on to the crossroads
Got to go to the arcadian groves
Got to move to the crossroads
Down by the crossroads, crossroads
My pagan heart
Got to go to the holy wood
When the sun is good, to the holy wood
You take it in, it's under your skin
It tastes like wine
In the evening time
Down by the crossroads
Down by the crossroads
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
Down, down, down, by
The arcadian groves
Down down down down
By arcadian groves
By the roads
By the roads
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
My pagan soul
I got to go down by the crossroads
The moon is rising
In the evening time
By the crossroads
Crossroads
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
Down down down down
Down by the arcadian grove
Down down down down
Down by the arcadian grove
Got to go down by the crossroads
Crossroads
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
Got to go down by the crossroads
Crossroads
Pagan heart
My pagan soul
Got to go down
To the crossroads
I look at the sun
I take it in
It's under my skin
Pagan heart
Pagan soul
Down by the crossroads
Down by the crossroads
Down by the crossroads
Pagan heart
Pagan soul
I've got to know
I got to know
Pagan heart
Pagan soul
By the crossroads
Put a spell on you
Down by the crossroads
Put a spell on you
Down by the crossroads
My pagan heart
My pagan soul
Pagan heart
Pagan soul
Put a spell on you
Down by the crossroads
When the moon was new
When the moon was new
Put a spell on you
Down by the crossroads
In Van Morrison's song Pagan Heart, the lyrics speak of a connection to nature and spirituality that is rooted in paganism. The singer's pagan heart and soul lead him to seek out the crossroads and arcadian groves, both symbols of liminal spaces where the boundaries between worlds are blurred. The crossroads represents a space where different paths and possibilities meet, while the arcadian groves are areas of natural beauty that invoke a sense of ancient mythology and mysticism.
The singer also mentions holy wood, a reference to the sacredness of nature and the connection between the divine and the natural world. The lyrics suggest that the experience of being in these places is transformative and intoxicating, like wine under the skin. The mention of the moon rising in the evening time adds to the mystical and otherworldly feel of the song.
Overall, Morrison's Pagan Heart is a celebration of the natural world and the spirituality that can be found within it. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels a deep connection to nature that has a transformative effect on his soul, and he seeks out liminal spaces where he can connect with that spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
My pagan heart
The deepest part of my soul that yearns for mystical and ancient beliefs that deviate from the mainstream religion.
My pagan soul
The essence of my being that is consistent with my pagan heart in search of fulfilling desires that are biased to pagan beliefs.
Got to move on to the crossroads
I must embark on a journey to a place where two roads meet, mostly associated with heavy mystical and supernatural beliefs.
Got to go to the arcadian groves
I must journey to a place or region with rustic beauty, simplicity, and enchanting surroundings where I can contemplate with nature and have spiritual experiences.
Got to move to the crossroads
My pagan faith requires that I move to a mystical spot that is identified as the boundary between the physical and the spiritual world, to seek spiritual experiences and revelations.
Down by the crossroads, crossroads
I should be at a place where the two paths intersect, where mystical powers are believed to be accessible, allowing me to have palpable experiences with supernatural powers.
Got to go to the holy wood
I must travel to the sacred forest or region known for its spiritual or supernatural events.
When the sun is good, to the holy wood
During the day or when it's bright, I should visit the enchanted land of holy wood where I can bask in the light of the sun and have spiritual cleansing or healings.
You take it in, it's under your skin
Immersion in the mystical space of the holy wood can have a profound effect on me, and it becomes part of my soul and spiritual identity.
It tastes like wine
It feels intoxicating and rejuvenating like wine, and I cannot seem to get enough of the divine experience.
In the evening time
I should spend my twilight hours and nighttime at the holy wood, where I can immerse myself in the mystical space and achieve higher self-awareness.
By the roads
Along the pathway or direction that leads to the mystical and supernatural world, where I can explore my deepest desires, passions, and faith.
I've got to know
I am eager to acknowledge and understand the mystical powers that govern my pagan faith thoroughly.
Put a spell on you
I have the power to bewitch and penetrate your soul with mystic beliefs, just as I have been bewitched and captivated by them.
When the moon was new
During the first sight of the new moon, that marks the beginning of each lunar cycle, when I can connect with my pagan faith fully.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind