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.
Transformation
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna be a transformation, baby, now that you know
Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation, baby, down in your soul
Remember when we were downhearted? Didn't have nowhere to go
And the wisdom of insecurity, just knowing that we know
That stuff that starts happening, feel like you're on a road
God's like a river, keeps on wantin' to flow
Peeks on events and waits to will them you know
Time has a rhythm when the love is the law
Love is forever, baby, down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation, baby, down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation now that you know
Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation, baby now that you know
Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation right down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation now that you know
Get used to righteousness, make you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
The lyrics of "Transformation" by Van Morrison speak to the idea of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. The song suggests that there is a profound change occurring within the individual's heart and soul. This transformation is described as a deep knowing and understanding, leading to a feeling of completeness and righteousness. The lyrics imply that once this transformation takes place, it becomes a permanent part of the person's being.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the transformative journey. It emphasizes that this change will occur in the individual's heart and soul. The word "transformation" implies a fundamental shift in beliefs, values, and perception. It suggests that one's entire being will be affected, leading to a new way of experiencing life.
The following lines hint at a past struggle or period of uncertainty. The mention of being downhearted and having nowhere to go suggests a state of emotional and spiritual emptiness. However, the lyrics also emphasize the importance of embracing this feeling of insecurity and using it as a source of wisdom. This highlights the idea that personal growth often comes from facing and overcoming challenges.
The reference to God as a river further emphasizes the theme of constant change and flow. The lyrics suggest that God is continuously moving and urging individuals to evolve and transform. The line about time having a rhythm when love is the law reinforces the belief that love and righteousness are timeless and essential aspects of the transformative process.
The repetition of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes the message of the lyrics. The lyrics encourage the individual to accept and become accustomed to righteousness because it brings a sense of wholeness. It implies that once this transformation takes place, it becomes a part of the individual's core, residing deep within their soul.
In conclusion, "Transformation" speaks to the idea of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. The lyrics suggest that a fundamental shift will occur within the individual, leading to a sense of completeness and righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and using insecurity as a source of wisdom. Ultimately, the song conveys the idea that this transformation is a lifelong process that becomes an integral part of the individual's soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna be a transformation in your heart and soul
There is going to be a profound change in your innermost being
Gonna be a transformation, baby, now that you know
Now that you are aware, there will be a powerful and significant change
Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole
Embrace doing what is right and just, especially when it brings you a sense of completeness
Gonna be a transformation, baby, down in your soul
There will be a fundamental, soul-deep alteration within you
Remember when we were downhearted? Didn't have nowhere to go
Recall those times when we felt despondent and without direction
And the wisdom of insecurity, just knowing that we know
However, the true wisdom lies in recognizing our own lack of certainty
That stuff that starts happening, feel like you're on a road
As events unfold, it feels as if you are on a journey or path
Gonna be a transformation, baby, down in your soul
There will be a profound change deep within your very being
God's like a river, keeps on wantin' to flow
The divine essence is akin to a flowing river, constantly seeking progress
Peeks on events and waits to will them you know
It observes events and patiently influences them according to its desires
Time has a rhythm when the love is the law
When love governs, time follows a harmonious and predictable pattern
Love is forever, baby, down in your soul
Love transcends time and resides eternally at the core of your being
Gonna be a transformation, baby, down in your soul
There will be a profound change deep within your very being
Gonna be a transformation now that you know
Now that you are aware, there will be a powerful and significant change
Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Embrace doing what is right and just, especially when it brings you a sense of completeness
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
There will be a fundamental, soul-deep alteration within you
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
There will be a profound change deep within your very being
Gonna be a transformation, baby now that you know
Now that you are aware, there will be a powerful and significant change
Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Embrace doing what is right and just, especially when it brings you a sense of completeness
Gonna be a transformation right down in your soul
There will be a profound change directly within the depths of your being
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
There will be a profound change deep within your very being
Gonna be a transformation now that you know
Now that you are aware, there will be a powerful and significant change
Get used to righteousness, make you feel whole
Embrace doing what is right and just, as it will bring you a sense of completeness
Gonna be a transformation down in your soul
There will be a fundamental, soul-deep alteration within you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Solartony Tony
Gonna be a transformation
In your heart and soul
Gonna be a transformation
Now that you know
Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
'member when we were downhearted
Didn't have nowhere to go
And the wisdom of insecurity
Just knowin' that we know
Then something starts happenin'
Feel like you're on a roll
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
thistimenextyear77
Gonna be a transformation
In your heart and soul soul
Gonna be a transformation, baby now that you know
Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation, baby down in your soul
'Member when we were downhearted
Didn't have nowhere to go
And the wisdom of insecurity
Just knowin' that we know
Then something starts happenin'
Feel like you're on a roll
Gonna be a transformation, baby
Down in your soul
But like a river keeps on wantin' to flow
Keeps on advancing with the wisdom you know
Time has a rhythm when the love is the love
Love is forever, baby down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation, baby down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation, now that you know
Get used to rightenouness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation, baby now that you know
Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation right down in your soul
(Gonna be a transformation down in your soul)
(Gonna be a transformation, baby now that you know)
(Get used to righteousness 'cause it makes you feel whole)
Gonna be a transformation right down in your soul
Gonna be a transformation right down in your soul
Winter S.
I was in the beginning stages of my spiritual awakening in 2017. I just came off of a spiritual high and darkness was starting to set in. I didn’t understand what was going on with me. I stumbled across a new song by a man whose older music I used to listen to and gave it a listen. Little did I know it would be meant for me to hear at that precise time; telling me I was undergoing a transformation down in my soul. Thank you, Van. You were my synchronicity.
Bob Haskell
Many times he has pulled me out of that sad, dark, lost place too.
cookiejungle. by joshua
Van is just magic. His music is medicine for the soul.
Debra Carrier
cookiejungle. by joshua I have to have my Van fix everyday of my life!!🎶🎤🎶🎤🎶🎤🎶
cookiejungle. by joshua
Here's to many more years listening to his beautiful music Liz
Liz Ross
I totally agree. I have been listening to him all of my adult life and I just love him. I am now 61 years old and hopefully will still be listening to him and enjoying him as much when I am 81 years old!!
Solartony Tony
Gonna be a transformation
In your heart and soul
Gonna be a transformation
Now that you know
Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
'member when we were downhearted
Didn't have nowhere to go
And the wisdom of insecurity
Just knowin' that we know
Then something starts happenin'
Feel like you're on a roll
Gonna be a transformation
Down in your soul
janice shaw
His music raises up one's soul, Van's music has been life changing for me
Gianpiero Fiallo
MARVELLOUS Song . Van Morrison is always at the top ( his voice , his music , his words ... ) . " SPIRIT DON'T EVER DIE "
Martin Retsch
Van Morrison is one of the greatest of all time