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.
Raincheck
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it's rock and roll, got to go, go, go, go, go
Gonna keep moving on up to the higher ground
Gonna keep on moving on up, I got to stand my ground
Gonna keep on moving on up, I want to stick around
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Call me raincheck in the afternoon
Call me raincheck, need a shot of rhythm and blues
Call me raincheck, on a golden autumn day
Call me raincheck, I won't fade away, I won't fade away
I don't fade away, I don't fade away, unless I want to
Can't take my love away, ah 'cause it's here to stay
If it fades away, come back another day
Gonna keep on moving on up to the higher ground
Gonna keep on moving on up, I want to stick around
Gonna keep on moving on up, oh gonna stand my ground
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Won't let the bastards grind me down
My name is raincheck in the afternoon
My name is raincheck, need a shot of rhythm and blues
My name is raincheck, on a golden autumn day
My name is raincheck, and I don't fade away, I don't fade away
I don't fade away, I don't fade away, unless I want to
Move it up, move it up, move it up, move it up
Move it up, move it up, move it up, move it up
Move it up, move it up, move it up, move it up, move it up
Grind me down, grind me down, grind me down
My name is raincheck in the afternoon
My name is raincheck, need a shot of rhythm and blues
My name is raincheck, on a golden autumn day
My name is raincheck, and I don't fade away, I don't fade away
I don't fade away, I don't fade away, unless I want to
Put on your dancing shoes, dance away your blues
When I'm feeling like this, I got nothing to lose
want to keep on moving on up to the higher ground
want to keep on moving on up and I'll stick around
want to keep on moving on up, got to stand my ground
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Won't let the bastards grind me down
Oh, won't let the bastards grind me down
My name is raincheck in the afternoon
My name is raincheck, need a shot of rhythm and blues
My name is raincheck, on a golden autumn day
My name is raincheck, and I don't fade away, I don't fade away
I don't fade away, I don't fade away, unless I choose
I choose, I choose, I choose
No, I don't fade away, I don't fade away, I don't fade away
Unless I choose, I choose, I choose
I choose, I choose, I choose
I choose, I choose, I choose
I choose, I choose, I choose
I choose, I choose, I choose
No, I won't fade away, I won't fade away, I don't fade away
Unless I want to
In Van Morrison's song, Raincheck, the lyrics communicate a message of resilience and perseverance despite challenges that may arise. Morrison emphasizes the importance of heart and soul, rather than high finance, when it comes to rock and roll, and the need to keep moving on up to higher ground. He refuses to let anyone or anything, including "the bastards" or those who try to bring him down, grind him down. Morrison encourages listeners to put on their dancing shoes and dance away their blues, showing the power of music as a form of catharsis and a means of overcoming obstacles.
The repetition of phrases like "gotta go, go, go, go, go" and "move it up, move it up" emphasize the forward momentum that is essential in overcoming adversity. The name "raincheck" is taken on by the singer, perhaps as a way of reclaiming a moment of disappointment or difficulty and turning it into a source of strength. Ultimately, the singer asserts their agency and control, stating that they will not fade away unless they choose to.
Overall, Raincheck is an anthem of resilience and determination in the face of challenges, extolling the virtues of perseverance and soulful expression through music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not high finance, it's called heart and soul
Creating something meaningful doesn't have to involve fancy investments, it's all about putting passion and emotion into it.
If it's rock and roll, got to go, go, go, go, go
When it comes to rock and roll, you have to fully commit and be ready to give it your all.
Gonna keep moving on up to the higher ground
I will continue to work hard and improve until I reach my goals and ambitions.
Gonna keep on moving on up, I got to stand my ground
I will persevere and stand firm in my beliefs and values, despite any obstacles I may face.
Gonna keep on moving on up, I want to stick around
I want to keep pushing myself and remain relevant and present in the ever-changing world of music.
Won't let the bastards grind me down
I refuse to let negativity or naysayers bring me down or discourage me.
Call me raincheck in the afternoon
I may not always be available or ready to go, depending on my mood or circumstances.
Call me raincheck, need a shot of rhythm and blues
Sometimes I just need a boost of great music to inspire and uplift me.
Call me raincheck, on a golden autumn day
I may need to take some time for myself and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.
Call me raincheck, I won't fade away, I won't fade away
I won't let my passion for music and my career fade away, no matter the challenges or setbacks.
I don't fade away, I don't fade away, unless I want to
I will only leave the music scene when I choose to, not because of others' expectations or criticisms.
Can't take my love away, ah 'cause it's here to stay
My love and passion for music are unshakable and will stay with me forever.
If it fades away, come back another day
If my love or inspiration fades, I will take a break and come back stronger later on.
Move it up, move it up, move it up, move it up
Let's keep the energy and momentum going!
Grind me down, grind me down, grind me down
Don't try to bring me down or wear me out with negativity and criticism.
Put on your dancing shoes, dance away your blues
Music has the power to heal and uplift, so let's dance and forget our troubles.
When I'm feeling like this, I got nothing to lose
When I'm inspired and passionate about what I'm doing, I'm not afraid to take risks or put myself out there.
I won't fade away, I won't fade away, I won't fade away
I refuse to let my love and passion for music diminish or disappear over time.
Unless I choose, I choose, I choose
My decisions and choices about my career and music path are mine to make and follow through on.
No, I won't fade away, I won't fade away, I don't fade away
My love and passion for music are a constant in my life, even when the challenges and obstacles come my way.
Unless I want to
The only person who can decide to move on or step back from music is me, and I will make that decision on my terms.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind