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.
Songwriter
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a songwriter, pen and paper in my hand
Get the words on the page
Please don't call me a sage,
I'm a songwriter
I'm a songwriter and I do it for a living
I'm a songwriter and I write about men and women
I'm a songwriter
I'm a songwriter and I'm hot on your trail
I'm a songwriter and my cheque's in the mail
I can move with the scene, I can make up a dream
I'm a songwriter
Na na na nana, na na na nana
I'm a songwriter I can do it for certain
I'm a songwriter even do it when I'm hurtin'
And if it comes to the bit, have to write another hit
I'm a songwriter
I'm a songwriter I can put it in words
I'm a songwriter and it's not for the birds
I can spin you a yarn, it's as long as my arm
I'm a songwriter
Na na na nana, na na na nana
I'm a songwriter
Na na na nana, na na na nana
I'm a songwriter
Van Morrison's "Songwriter" is a self-affirming song about his craft, in which he proudly announces that he is a songwriter, pen and paper always at the ready. He takes pride in his work and puts out songs about love, life, and everything in between. He doesn't want to be seen as a sage, as he believes he is merely a craftsman. He sees himself as someone who can move with the times and make up a dream. Regardless of how he's feeling, he can write a new hit.
The song, which debuted on his album Wavelength, showcases a man who is both confident about his talent and unafraid to boast about it. He appreciates his craft and loves what he does for a living, regardless of the many difficulties he may face. The repetition of the phrase "I'm a songwriter" throughout the song emphasizes this central theme, as if he's reminding himself and everybody else that he is indeed a songwriter.
Overall, Morrison's "Songwriter" is a lighthearted ode to his profession. Its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and repetitive lyrics make it an anthem for songwriters like himself. Morrison is known to be a poetic lyricist, and this song is just one more demonstration of his songwriting mastery.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a songwriter and I know just where I stand
As a songwriter, I understand my place in the world and my identity as a writer.
I'm a songwriter, pen and paper in my hand
My tools as a songwriter are simply a pen and paper, the tools I need to create.
Get the words on the page
My job as a songwriter is to put the words and ideas in my head down on paper.
Please don't call me a sage,
Although I write about life and experiences, I don't claim to be an expert or wise sage.
I'm a songwriter
My career and passion is solely focused on songwriting.
I'm a songwriter and I do it for a living
Songwriting is my profession and my livelihood.
I'm a songwriter and I write about men and women
My songs are about the human experience and often focus on relationships.
I can write about love and the stars up above
My range as a songwriter allows me to write about anything from love to the cosmos.
I'm a songwriter, and I'm hot on your trail
I'm vigilant as a songwriter, always looking for inspiration and new material.
I'm a songwriter and my cheque's in the mail
As a professional songwriter, my work earns me financial compensation.
I can move with the scene, I can make up a dream
I have a versatile style that can adapt to any musical trend and can create pure fantasy in a song.
Na na na nana, na na na nana
This is a refrain that is repeated throughout the song for rhythmic effect.
I'm a songwriter I can do it for certain
I'm confident in my ability to write great songs and I trust my creative process.
I'm a songwriter even do it when I'm hurtin'
Even in times of emotional distress, I find solace in songwriting and continue to write.
And if it comes to the bit, have to write another hit
As a professional songwriter, I know that sometimes my job requires creating another hit song.
I'm a songwriter I can put it in words
I possess the skill to translate thoughts and emotions into words in a poetic manner.
I'm a songwriter and it's not for the birds
Songwriting is a serious profession that requires talent, hard work, and dedication.
I can spin you a yarn, it's as long as my arm
I have the unique ability to create stories both true and fictional that are rich in narrative detail.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind