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.
Wild Children
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Born 1945
When all the soldiers came marching home
Love looks in their eye
Tennessee Tennessee Williams
Let your inspiration flow
Let it be around when we hear the sound
Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando
Standing with their heads bowed on the side
Crying like a baby thinking about the time
James Dean took that fatal ride, took that ride
Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Williams
Let your inspiration go
Will you be around to hear the sound
When the spring time rivers flow, rivers flow
And Steiger and Marlon Brando
Standing with their heads bowed on the side
Crying like a baby thinking about the time
James Dean took that fatal ride, took that ride
And we were the Wild Children
Back in 1945
When all the soldiers came marching home
Love looks in their eyes, in their eyes
The song "Wild Children" by Van Morrison is an ode to the generation that was born in the aftermath of World War II. The opening lines, "We were the War Children/ Born 1945/ When all the soldiers came marching home/ Love looks in their eye," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The 'Wild Children' symbolize the free-spirited, rebellious nature of this generation, who grew up during a time of immense change.
The reference to Tennessee Williams in the lyrics, "Tennessee Tennessee Williams/ Let your inspiration flow/ Let it be around when we hear the sound/ When the springtime rivers flow when the rivers flow," suggests that the playwright's work was a significant influence on this generation. Williams' portrayal of characters struggling with social conventions and their own inner demons perfectly encapsulates the disillusionment of the post-WWII era.
The second half of the song mentions two iconic actors, Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando, who were known for their intense, emotional performances. The reference to James Dean, who died young in a car crash, reinforces the idea that the 'Wild Children' were a generation that lived fast and died young. The chorus, "And we were the Wild Children/ Back in 1945/ When all the soldiers came marching home/ Love looks in their eyes, in their eyes," beautifully captures the spirit of a generation that was full of hope, passion, and energy.
Line by Line Meaning
We were the War Children
Referring to the generation born during World War II, who came of age in the post-war era.
Born 1945
Specifically referring to the year when many of this generation were born.
When all the soldiers came marching home
Alluding to the joyous return of troops and the end of the war, which marked a new era for the country and this generation.
Love looks in their eye
Describing the hopeful and optimistic outlook of these soldiers who had come back from war.
Tennessee Tennessee Williams
Referring to the famous playwright, suggesting that his creative influence is needed.
Let your inspiration flow
Encouraging the inspiration and creativity of Tennessee Williams to continue and inspire others.
Let it be around when we hear the sound
Expressing a desire for inspiration to be present during positive and joyful moments, represented by the sound of springtime rivers flowing.
When the spring time rivers flow when the rivers flow
Repeating the desire for inspiration to be present and for the beauty of nature to be appreciated.
Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando
Referring to famous actors, who may represent the rebellious and emotional spirit of the Wild Children.
Standing with their heads bowed on the side
Symbolizing reverence and mourning for something or someone lost.
Crying like a baby thinking about the time
Describing the depth of emotion felt by these actors and the Wild Children, when reflecting on past experiences and moments of loss or change.
James Dean took that fatal ride, took that ride
Alluding to the death of James Dean, who was a symbol of youth, rebellion, and change, and whose loss was felt by many in this generation.
And we were the Wild Children
Identifying the singer and their peers as part of the Wild Children generation.
Back in 1945
Referring again to the year when this generation was born, highlighting the importance of that historical moment.
When all the soldiers came marching home
Repeating the joyful and hopeful sentiment of earlier lines, emphasizing the impact of this historical moment on the Wild Children generation.
Love looks in their eyes, in their eyes
Reiterating the positive and optimistic outlook of the soldiers who came home, which was inherited by the Wild Children.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANCESCA RICHARD, JEFF JONES, PAUL POLI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind