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.
Underlying Depression
Van Morrison Lyrics
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Underlying depression don't want to know about the moon in June
Outside there's a cavalcade of clowns but they're bringing me down
With underlying depression
Underlying depression and it's starting in my backyard
Underlying depression, and these times ain't even so hard
Lord I was born with the blues and my blue suede shoes
Underlying depression and there's just nowhere to turn
Underlying depression and things just seem to turn in on one
Sometimes I'm stuck in the corner just like Little Jack Horner
With underlying depression
Underlying depression and I just can't get it right
Underlying depression I've got to fight it with all of my might
Right now I don't want to be alone
Get my baby on the telephone
Underlying depression
Have to make some concessions when everything is working right
Have to count my blessings, helps me make it through the night
I've got love in my life as well as trouble and strife
And underlying depression
Underlying depression, underlying depression, underlying depression
Ain't nothing but the blues
Underlying depression ain't nothing but the blues
Underlying depression, ain't nothing but the blues
Underlying depression
Van Morrison's "Underlying Depression" is a song that explores the experience of depression and the ways it can be an ever-present force in one's life. The repetition of the phrase "underlying depression" throughout the song emphasizes the pervasive nature of this mental health disorder. In the first verse, Morrison sings about how depression can make one retreat into their own room and feel disconnected from the outside world. He contrasts this with the popular image of summertime joy and the "moon in June," suggesting that depression can make even the most joyful moments feel hollow or unattainable.
In the second verse, Morrison describes how depression can appear even when life isn't objectively difficult. He suggests that some people may be predisposed to depression, using his own blue suede shoes as a symbol of his innate tendency towards the blues. In the third verse, Morrison explores the feeling of being trapped by depression, describing himself as "stuck in a corner" like Little Jack Horner. This sense of being overwhelmed can make it difficult to move forward or find a way out of the darkness.
The song then shifts towards a more hopeful tone in the final verse. Morrison acknowledges that while depression may always be present in his life, there are ways to cope and find moments of joy. He sings about the importance of love and counting one's blessings to make it through the tough times. In this way, the song represents a nuanced portrayal of depression - acknowledging its power and the ways it can be all-encompassing, while simultaneously suggesting there is hope for those struggling with this mental health disorder.
Line by Line Meaning
Underlying depression, have to crawl into my room
I'm feeling really depressed and I just want to hide away from the world.
Underlying depression don't want to know about the moon in June
My depression is so bad that I don't even care about the beauty of nature anymore, like the moon in June.
Outside there's a cavalcade of clowns but they're bringing me down
Even though there are happy and fun things happening around me, my depression is weighing me down and I can't enjoy them.
Underlying depression and it's starting in my backyard
I can't escape my depression, it's even affecting my own home and personal space.
Underlying depression, and these times ain't even so hard
Even though things might not be that bad, my depression makes everything seem worse than it is.
Lord I was born with the blues and my blue suede shoes
I've always had a predisposition for feeling sad and down, it's just part of who I am.
Underlying depression and there's just nowhere to turn
I feel lost and hopeless, like there's no solution to my depression.
Underlying depression and things just seem to turn in on one
My depression is making me feel trapped and suffocated, like everything is closing in on me.
Sometimes I'm stuck in the corner just like Little Jack Horner
I feel like I'm backed into a corner with my depression, like there's nowhere to go or no way to escape it.
Underlying depression and I just can't get it right
No matter what I do, I can't seem to shake my depression or make it go away.
Underlying depression I've got to fight it with all of my might
I know I need to work hard to overcome my depression and not let it control my life.
Right now I don't want to be alone
Get my baby on the telephone
Underlying depression
I don't want to be by myself because my depression will just consume me, so I need to call someone to be with.
Have to make some concessions when everything is working right
Even though my depression might make me feel like giving up or giving in, I need to keep pushing forward and appreciating what is going well in my life.
Have to count my blessings, helps me make it through the night
I need to focus on the good things in my life and be grateful for them in order to get through the tough times.
I've got love in my life as well as trouble and strife
And underlying depression
Even though there are hard times and my depression is present, I still have love and positivity in my life that I can rely on.
Underlying depression, underlying depression, underlying depression
Ain't nothing but the blues
My depression might feel overwhelming and all-consuming, but in a way it's just a part of the larger human experience, like the blues.
Underlying depression ain't nothing but the blues
Underlying depression, ain't nothing but the blues
Underlying depression
My depression might feel bad and isolating, but it's something that many people experience and something that can be overcome with help and support.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind