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.
Russian Roulette
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All this Spring fever's just way over my head
Stealing my moments, taking up all my time
It's playing Russian Roulette with my mind
It's none of my business baby just what's going on
I'm not going to wait till somebody throw me a bone
I'm way out on a limb now, and nothing seems to rhyme
I think that you've caught on, that you've been used and all
I'm going down New Orleans, I've got to see Dr. John
Got my mojo working everything will be fine
Stop playing Russian Roulette with my mind
It's not easy baby when everything starts getting out of control
Hang on your hat now, hang on to your soul
Don't worry baby, I want to throw you the line
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
Too many hustlers, I've been here before
None of them really know just who that you are
Everything gets contracted and space gets confined
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
In Van Morrison's song, Russian Roulette, the lyrics describe someone who feels like they are being manipulated and taken advantage of. The metaphor of playing Russian Roulette with their mind suggests a dangerous and unpredictable situation that they are unable to control. The constant "stealing" of their moments and "taking up" of their time creates a sense of exhaustion and frustration. They feel like they are "way out on a limb" and nothing seems to make sense. The lyrics seem to address the idea of feeling lost and confused, and how that can make someone feel powerless.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "they're playing Russian Roulette with your mind." This line serves to emphasize the danger and unpredictability of the situation the singer is in. It also acts as a commentary on the nature of power dynamics in relationships. The singer is being controlled and manipulated by someone else, and they are powerless to stop it.
The final verse suggests that the singer may have realized what is happening to them and is taking steps to regain control. They are going to see Dr. John and have their "mojo working." This implies that they are going to seek help and regain their strength, so they are no longer vulnerable to being manipulated by others.
Line by Line Meaning
Take it or leave it I've heard it been said
I've heard from others that there's a choice to make
All this Spring fever's just way over my head
I can't keep up with all the excitement and activity
Stealing my moments, taking up all my time
It's overwhelming and taking away from other important things in my life
It's playing Russian Roulette with my mind
It's risky and dangerous to my mental health
It's none of my business baby just what's going on
I don't want to interfere in someone else's affairs
I'm not going to wait till somebody throw me a bone
I'm going to take action for myself
I'm way out on a limb now, and nothing seems to rhyme
I'm taking a risk and things are not making sense
It's playing Russian Roulette with my mind
It's risky and dangerous to my mental health
I think that you've caught on, that you've been used and all
I believe you've been taken advantage of
I'm going down New Orleans, I've got to see Dr. John
I need to seek help from someone I trust
Got my mojo working everything will be fine
I'm confident that things will improve
Stop playing Russian Roulette with my mind
The risky behavior needs to stop to preserve my mental health
It's not easy baby when everything starts getting out of control
Things can't be dealt with easily when they spiral out of control
Hang on your hat now, hang on to your soul
Hold on tight and don't lose yourself
Don't worry baby, I want to throw you the line
I want to help you out of this situation
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
Others are taking risks with your mental health
Too many hustlers, I've been here before
I've seen this situation of exploitation too many times
None of them really know just who that you are
They are unaware of your true identity and worth
Everything gets contracted and space gets confined
The situation becomes more restrictive and limiting
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
Others are taking risks with your mental health
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're engaging in dangerous behavior
They're playing Russian Roulette
They're engaging in dangerous behavior
They're playing Russian Roulette with your mind
Others are taking risks with your mental health
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind