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.
The Lion This Time
Van Morrison Lyrics
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He's in the circus in a cage
He's trying to break out of the frame
The lion this time
He hears that same old sad refrain
But they can't hold him with no chain
And they just can't denounce his claim
And he's trying to get free
He knows that something's bothering me
That I'm not too blind to see
The lion again
Oh, the love that's in his soul
Is trying to get out you know
If only you could hear it roar
The lion again this time
They couldn't take away his throne
He knows that he must stand alone
If need be, have a heart of stone
The lion again
The lion this time again
He's in the circus in a cage
No wonder that he's in a rage
The lion again
And he's trying to get free
And he knows that something's bothering me
Oh, but I'm not too blind to see
The lion this time
The longing that's in his soul
Is trying to get out you know
Only you could hear it roar
For the lion this time
They couldn't take away his throne
He knows that he must stand alone
If need be have a heart of stone
The lion again
The lion again this time
He's in the circus in a cage
No wonder that he's in a rage
The lion this time
The lion this time again
He's in the circus in a cage
No wonder that he's not the same
The lion again
The lion this time, the lion this time
The lion this time, the lion this time
The lion this time, the lion this time
The lion this time, the lion this time
The lion this time
The Lion This Time by Van Morrison is a contemplative song about a caged lion in a circus. The lion is trying to break free from the cage and the circus environment. The verse "He's trying to break out of the frame" shows the lion's desire to escape and roam free in its natural habitat. The song goes on to elucidate the lion's longing for freedom and how the lion's love, soul, and longing are trying to break free. The release of the lion is viewed as a moment of liberation, strength, and power.
The song also touches on issues of identity, power, control, and freedom. The verse "They couldn't take away his throne/ He knows that he must stand alone/ If need be have a heart of stone" shows the lion's defiance against being tamed, his determination to resist attempts to strip him of his identity, and his willingness to fight for his right to freedom. The lion represents a symbol of nature, wildness, and authentic self, which refuses to be caged and take a subservient role.
In conclusion, Van Morrison's song, The Lion This Time, is a poignant commentary on the importance of individuality, freedom, and self-expression in society. It highlights the dangers of suppressing one's identity and voice and the beauty that arises when one dares to break free from societal constraints and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
The lion this time again
The singer, symbolized as the lion, is back again, emphasizing its significance.
He's in the circus in a cage
The lion is trapped in a circus against its will, evoking sympathy and pity.
He's trying to break out of the frame
The lion is attempting to escape captivity and regain its freedom, signifying its strong will and determination.
The lion this time
The repetition of the phrase implies the continuity of the lion's struggle and its importance.
He hears that same old sad refrain
The lion is constantly reminded of its captivity and the despair associated with it, intensifying its distress and suffering.
But they can't hold him with no chain
Despite the lion's confinement, it remains unbroken and untamed, representing its strength and resilience.
And they just can't denounce his claim
The lion's presence and power cannot be denied or ignored, reflecting its importance and influence.
And he's trying to get free
Despite the odds, the lion persists in its struggle for liberation, demonstrating its courage and tenacity.
He knows that something's bothering me
The lion is aware of the artist's troubles and cares for them, indicating its empathy and sensitivity.
That I'm not too blind to see
The artist is perceptive and understands the lion's predicament, highlighting its wisdom and intuition.
Oh, the love that's in his soul
The lion possesses an affectionate and compassionate nature, underscoring the purity and sincerity of its emotions.
Is trying to get out you know
The lion's emotions are suppressed and constrained, creating a sense of injustice and frustration.
If only you could hear it roar
The lion longs to express its true feelings and reveals its defiance and vitality when given the chance.
They couldn't take away his throne
The lion remains king and in charge of its own destiny, despite the attempts of others to diminish its power.
He knows that he must stand alone
The lion accepts its solitude and takes responsibility for its actions, highlighting its independence and self-reliance.
If need be, have a heart of stone
The lion is prepared to be ruthless and unyielding, emphasizing the seriousness and gravity of its situation.
No wonder that he's in a rage
The lion's anger and indignation are understandable and justified, given its situation and treatment.
The longing that's in his soul
The lion's yearning for freedom and justice is profound and deeply felt, evoking empathy and compassion.
Is trying to get out you know
The lion's desire cannot be suppressed or ignored, emphasizing its urgency and persistence.
The lion this time
Reiterating the importance and relevance of the lion's struggle and plight.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind