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.
So Quiet in Here
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Salt sea air in the morning breeze
Driving cars all along the coastline
This must be what it's all about
Oh this must be what it's all about
This must be what paradise is like
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
The warm look of radiance on your face
And your heart beating close to mine
And the evening fading in the candle glow
This must be what it's all about
Oh this must be what it's all about
This must be what paradise is like
So quiet in here. so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, yeah, so peaceful in here
All my struggling in the world
And so many dreams that don't come true
Step back, put it all away
It don't matter, it don't matter anymore
Oh this must be what paradise is like
This must be what paradise is like
It's so quiet in here, so peaceful in here
It's so quiet in here, so peaceful in here
A glass of wine with some friends
Talking into the wee hours of the dawn
Sit back and relax your mind
This must be, this must be, what it's all about
This must be what paradise is like
Oh this must be what paradise is like
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
Big ships out in the night
And we're floating across the waves
Sailing for some other shore
Where we can be what we want to be
Oh this must be what paradise is like
This must be what paradise is like
Baby it's so quiet in here, so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
So quiet in here, you can hear, it's so quiet
In "So Quiet in Here," Van Morrison sings about the simple pleasures of life and the moments that make them special. The song opens with the sound of foghorns blowing in the night, followed by the smell of salt sea air in the morning breeze as cars drive along the coastline. These sensory experiences set the tone for the song and create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. As the song progresses, Morrison sings about the warmth of a lover's embrace, the fading evening light, and the comfort of good friends and wine in the wee hours of the morning.
The repeated refrain, "This must be what paradise is like," highlights the theme of the song, which is finding joy in simple moments and experiences. Morrison acknowledges that life is full of struggles and unfulfilled dreams, but suggests that these things don't matter when we're surrounded by the people and things we love. The final verses of the song evoke a sense of adventure and possibility, as Morrison sings about big ships sailing to some other shore where we can be who we want to be.
Overall, "So Quiet in Here" is a song about finding peace and contentment in life's small pleasures, and recognizing that these moments are the ones that truly matter.
Line by Line Meaning
Foghorns blowing in the night
The sound of foghorns in the night is peaceful and calming.
Salt sea air in the morning breeze
The salty smell of the ocean is refreshing and invigorating.
Driving cars all along the coastline
The scenery while driving along the coastline is breathtaking.
This must be what it's all about
This moment of peacefulness and contentment is what life is all about.
Oh this must be what it's all about
The artist is acknowledging the significance of this moment.
This must be what paradise is like
The singer considers this moment to be similar to paradise.
So quiet in here, so peaceful in here
The atmosphere of the moment is tranquil and serene.
The warm look of radiance on your face
The artist is admiring the contentment on their loved one's face.
And your heart beating close to mine
The physical closeness between the artist and their loved one intensifies the moment.
And the evening fading in the candle glow
The lighting of candles creates a warm and intimate atmosphere.
All my struggling in the world
The singer acknowledges the difficulties they face in their life.
And so many dreams that don't come true
The artist acknowledges the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams.
Step back, put it all away
The singer suggests taking a break from worrying and stressing about life.
It don't matter, it don't matter anymore
The singer is letting go of the importance of those struggles and unfulfilled dreams in this moment.
A glass of wine with some friends
Drinking wine with friends in a relaxing setting is enjoyable for the singer.
Talking into the wee hours of the dawn
Staying up late having deep conversations with friends is meaningful and fulfilling.
Sit back and relax your mind
The artist suggests taking a break from worrying and overthinking.
Big ships out in the night
Watching large ships on the water is awe-inspiring for the singer.
And we're floating across the waves
The feeling of being on the water is calming and peaceful.
Sailing for some other shore
The artist is implying a desire for exploration and adventure.
Where we can be what we want to be
The artist is expressing a desire for freedom to live as they choose.
Baby it's so quiet in here, so peaceful in here
The artist is emphasizing the tranquil and serene atmosphere of this moment.
So quiet in here, you can hear, it's so quiet
The singer is highlighting the absolute stillness and quietness of the moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind