Sir George Ivan "Van" Morrison, OBE (generally known as Van Morrison or Van… Read Full Bio ↴Sir George Ivan "Van" Morrison, OBE (generally known as Van Morrison or Van The Man) (born 31 August 1945) is a Grammy Award-winning artist from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He's a singer, songwriter, author, poet, and multi-instrumentalist, who has been a professional musician since 1958. He plays a variety of instruments, including the guitar, harmonica, keyboards, drums, and saxophone. Featuring his characteristic growl - a unique mix of folk, blues, Irish, scat, and Celtic influences - Morrison is widely considered one of the most unusual and influential vocalists in the history of rock and roll. He has received numerous music awards during his career, including six Grammy Awards (1996–2007); inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (January 1993), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (June 2003), and the Irish Music Hall of Fame (September 1999); and a Brit Award (February 1994).

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.

Whenever God Shines his Light
Van Morrison Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Whenever God shines his light on me
Opens up my eyes so I can see
When I look up in the darkest night
And I know everything's going to be alright
In deep confusion, in great despair
When I reach out for him he is there
When I am lonely as I can be
And I know that God shines his light on me

Reach out for him (reach out for him), he'll be there (he'll be there)
With him your troubles (with him your troubles) you can share (you can share)
If you live (if you live), the life you love (the life you love)
You get the blessing (yeah) from above (from above)

Heals the sick and he heals the lame
Says you can do it too in Jesus' name
He'll lift you up and turn you around
And put your feet back (feet back) on higher ground

Reach out for him (reach out for him), he'll be there (he'll be there)
With him your troubles (with him your troubles) you can share (you can share)
Oh, you can use his higher power
Every day (every day) and any hour (any hour)
Heals the sick and heals the lame
And he says you can heal them too in Jesus' name

He lifts you up and turns you around
Puts your feet back (puts your feet back, puts your feet back) on higher ground

When
When he shines his light
Whenever God shines his light
On you
On you
He is the way
He is the truth
He is the light, hoo
Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
Higher ground
Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
On higher ground
Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
On higher ground
Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
On higher ground
Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
Put your feet on higher ground

Put your feet back, put your feet back, higher ground, put your feet back
Back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Whenever God Shines His Light" by Van Morrison are about finding hope and comfort in times of darkness and despair through faith in God. The song talks about how God's light opens up the eyes of the singer, allowing them to see that everything will be alright even in the darkest night. When the singer is lonely and confused, they know that they can reach out to God and he will always be there for them. The song also emphasizes the belief that through God's power, anyone can heal the sick and the lame.

The repeated phrase "put your feet back on higher ground" is a metaphor for rising above life's troubles and finding a stronger foundation through faith. The song encourages listeners to turn to God and trust in his higher power, which can provide guidance and healing.

Overall, "Whenever God Shines His Light" is an uplifting and hopeful song that emphasizes the power of faith and spirituality to bring light and comfort to life's darkest moments.

Line by Line Meaning

Whenever God shines his light on me
Acknowledges the power of God and how his light illuminates the path towards a life filled with hope and joy.

Opens up my eyes so I can see
Describes how God's love and care help one to see things clearly, even in the darkest of times.

When I look up in the darkest night
Suggests that even in the most trying of times, the light of God can be a guiding beacon.

And I know everything's going to be alright
Reflects the sentiment that God's intervention can bring a sense of assurance and peace in one's heart.

In deep confusion, in great despair
Alludes to the heavy burden and distress one faces during life's many trials.

When I reach out for him he is there
Conveys the unshakeable belief that God is always present to lift and support those who seek his guidance and comfort.

When I am lonely as I can be
Describes the feeling of isolation and lack of companionship that often accompany life's challenges.

And I know that God shines his light on me
Reaffirms that God's love is a constant source of light and hope, even in the darkest of times.

Reach out for him (reach out for him), he'll be there (he'll be there)
Encourages one to reach out to God and trust that he will always respond with his love and grace.

With him your troubles (with him your troubles) you can share (you can share)
Suggests that talking to God and sharing one's burdens with him can bring comfort and provide a sense of release.

If you live (if you live), the life you love (the life you love)
Encourages one to live a fulfilling life that aligns with their passions and aspirations.

You get the blessing (yeah) from above (from above)
Suggests that living a life true to oneself can bring blessings and favor from God.

Heals the sick and he heals the lame
Acknowledges God's power to heal both physical and emotional ailments.

Says you can do it too in Jesus' name
Encourages one to have faith in their ability to overcome their challenges with the help of God's love and guidance.

He'll lift you up and turn you around
Alludes to God's power to lift one from despair and change the direction of their life for the better.

And put your feet back (feet back) on higher ground
Implies that God can elevate one's life and lead them towards a greater purpose.

Oh, you can use his higher power
Encourages one to tap into the power of God to help them overcome their challenges and fulfill their potential.

Every day (every day) and any hour (any hour)
Suggests that one can seek God's guidance and love at any moment of their life.

He lifts you up and turns you around
Reiterates God's power to lift one from their troubles and guide them towards a brighter future.

Puts your feet back (puts your feet back, puts your feet back) on higher ground
Implies that God can lead one towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

He is the way
Affirms that God is the path towards a life filled with love, hope, and purpose.

He is the truth
Suggests that God embodies truth and can help one navigate life's many challenges with clarity and wisdom.

He is the light, hoo
Describes God's love as a powerful light that illuminates one's path and brings hope and comfort.