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.
Soul
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soul is not the color of your skin
Soul is the essence, essence from within
It is where everything begins
Soul is what you've been through
What's true for you
Where you going to
Soul is your station for the folk of your nation
Something that you wear with pride
Soul can be your vision or something that is hidden
It's not something that you gotta hide
Soul is what you've been through
What's true for you
Where you going to
What you're gonna do
Soul can be your station for the folk of your nation
Something that you wear with pride
Soul can be your vision it can be your religion
Something that you just can't hide
Soul is a feeling, feeling deep within
Soul is not the color of your skin
Soul is the essence, essence from within
Soul is where everything begins
Van Morrison's song "Soul" is a celebration of the uniqueness and universality of the human soul. The lyrics underscore that the soul is not defined by external factors such as the color of one's skin or particular religious affiliations. Rather, the soul is a personal essence that emanates from within and is shaped by one's experiences and perspectives. The song urges the listener to embrace their soul and be proud of their journey, wherever it may lead them.
The lyrics highlight how the soul is not only something that one possesses but also an active force that shapes one's actions and viewpoints. Soul, thus, becomes a kind of beacon or station by which individuals navigate their lives and connect with their communities. This connection is grounded in a profound sense of pride that arises from recognizing the depth and complexity of one's soul. The song suggests that the soul is a dynamic force that evolves and changes over time, shaped by one's experiences, vision, and beliefs.
Overall, "Soul" is a call to embrace one's uniqueness and the diversity of human experience, free from societal or cultural constraints. The song is infused with a sense of joy and celebration, encouraging listeners to find their own way and vision in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Soul is a feeling, feeling deep within
The concept of soul is an emotion that comes from the deepest part of oneself
Soul is not the color of your skin
The soul is not defined by physical attributes such as skin color, but by qualities that are unique to each individual
Soul is the essence, essence from within
The core of one's soul is made up of qualities and characteristics that are inherent to that individual
It is where everything begins
The soul is the starting point for individuals to embark on their life journey and experiences
Soul is what you've been through
The soul is shaped by life experiences and events that an individual has gone through
What's true for you
The soul is uniquely defined for each individual, and what is true to that person is at the core of their soul
Where you going to
The soul plays a role in determining an individual's path and direction in life
What you're gonna do
The soul influences an individual's decisions and actions throughout their life
Soul is your station for the folk of your nation
The soul can serve as a meeting place for individuals with similar values and beliefs within a larger society
Something that you wear with pride
Having a strong sense of soul is something that an individual can be proud of and display to the world
Soul can be your vision or something that is hidden
The role of the soul can be both a driving force and a hidden aspect of one's identity that is separate from physical appearances
It's not something that you gotta hide
The soul is not something that an individual should feel ashamed to express or reveal to others
Soul can be your religion
The soul can be a guiding force and serve as a source of faith and belief for individuals
Something that you just can't hide
The soul is an intrinsic part of one's identity that cannot be concealed from oneself or others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind