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.
Was
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will there be any sign or a trace of th' lovely contour of your face
And will there be someone around
With essentially my kinda sound
When am turns to was and now is back when
Will someone have moments like this
Moments of unspoken bliss
Or just a dark new age of complaints
When I become was and we become were
Will there be any Susans and Ralphs
Lookin' at old photographs
And wondering aloud to a friend
Van Morrison's song Was is a poetic and introspective meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The lyrics begin with a question: "When I become was and we become were, will there be any sign or a trace of th' lovely contour of your face?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea of what happens to memories, relationships, and identities when time passes and people change.
The idea of becoming "was" and "were" suggests a kind of disconnection from the present moment and a nostalgia for the past. The singer wonders if there will be any evidence left of the people and experiences that once defined their life. Will there be someone who shares their "kinda sound" or moments of "unspoken bliss"? Or will the future be characterized by a "dark new age of complaints"?
These questions are not answered in the song, but the final lines suggest a hopefulness and a recognition of the power of memory to connect us across time and space. The mention of "Susans and Ralphs looking at old photographs" creates a sense of continuity and shared experience, even as time marches on.
Overall, Was is a beautifully crafted song that grapples with the profound themes of mortality, memory, and identity. It invites the listener to reflect on their own life and relationships, and to consider how the past informs the present.
Line by Line Meaning
When I become was and we become were
When the present changes into the past and our relationship becomes a thing of the past
Will there be any sign or a trace of th' lovely contour of your face
Will there be any remaining evidence of the beauty of your features
And will there be someone around
Will there be anyone present to appreciate it
With essentially my kinda sound
Will there be anyone with whom I share a similar taste in music
When am turns to was and now is back when
When the present moment turns into a past memory that we long for
Will someone have moments like this
Will other people experience similar moments of nostalgia and longing
Moments of unspoken bliss
Moments of happiness that are difficult to put into words
And will there be heroes and saints
Will there be figures of greatness and morality to admire
Or just a dark new age of complaints
Or will society just be a pessimistic, negative one filled with grievances
Will there be any Susans and Ralphs
Will there be any couples with names like Susan and Ralph
Lookin' at old photographs
Reflecting on and reminiscing about old memories through pictures
And wondering aloud to a friend
Discussing these memories with a trusted companion
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MOSE ALLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
José Sáez Castilla
01. Someone Like You (0:00 - 4:09)
02. Wild Night (4:10 - 7:41)
03. Brown Eyed Girl (7:42 - 10:45)
04. Its All Over Baby Blue (10:46 - 14:35)
05. Tupelo Honey (14:36 - 18:42)
06. Philosopher's Stone (18:43 - 25:02)
07. Moondance (25:03 - 29:40)
08. Theres Are The Days (29:41 - 34:49)
09. Have Told You Lately That I Love You (34:50 - 39:09)
10. Into The Mystic (39:10 - 42:41)
11. Reminds Me Of You (42:41 - 48:30)
12. Bring It On Home To Me (48:31 - 53:09)
13. Sweet Thing (53:10 - 57:38)
14. Sometimes We Cry (57:39 - 1:02:55)
15. Astral Weeks (1:02:56 - 1:10:00)
16. Bright Side Of The Road (1:10:01 - 1:13:50)
17. Days Like This (1:13:50)
PEACE LOVE & JOY
Def the soundtrack to my high school years!
Dave Mason too!
1970 - 1974 these were the magical years when summer went on for ever and we couldn't wait to get back to school!
Music really has changed hasn't it?
66 and grateful I was born with the best 🎼📀
Come on people now
shine on your brother
everybody get together
gotta love one another
Right Now! ☮️💟💋
Carol Weidig
Van Morrison has written so so so many beautiful and forever songs that pull at my heartstrings and so many other people's. Thank you, Van Morrison!
George Ivan Morrison
Thank you for the love and support over the time ❤❤❤
Katherine Page
Van has gotten me through the darkest and lowest of times, but has brought me up to the highest peaks that I have ever experienced. I owe so much to the fabulous song writer that writes from his heart and soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you Heavenly Father for brining the most compassionate song writer that has ever lived. He writes from his heart, soul and his life experiences. ❤ I am so grateful for his fabulous talent.
delfindaffy
same here....totally agree!!!
George Ivan Morrison
Thank you for the love and support over the time ❤❤❤
Munzyman
Van Morrison's music is truly a world treasure! I never tire of his music!
José Sáez Castilla
01. Someone Like You (0:00 - 4:09)
02. Wild Night (4:10 - 7:41)
03. Brown Eyed Girl (7:42 - 10:45)
04. Its All Over Baby Blue (10:46 - 14:35)
05. Tupelo Honey (14:36 - 18:42)
06. Philosopher's Stone (18:43 - 25:02)
07. Moondance (25:03 - 29:40)
08. Theres Are The Days (29:41 - 34:49)
09. Have Told You Lately That I Love You (34:50 - 39:09)
10. Into The Mystic (39:10 - 42:41)
11. Reminds Me Of You (42:41 - 48:30)
12. Bring It On Home To Me (48:31 - 53:09)
13. Sweet Thing (53:10 - 57:38)
14. Sometimes We Cry (57:39 - 1:02:55)
15. Astral Weeks (1:02:56 - 1:10:00)
16. Bright Side Of The Road (1:10:01 - 1:13:50)
17. Days Like This (1:13:50)
Angelina Cordoba
Thank you!!!!
Ass!s
Thank you!
Pepe Villafranca
Buen trabajo. Gracias