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.

You Can Count On Me
Van Morrison Lyrics

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Let's talk it over, let's get get it straight
Don't let th' situation escalate
You know there's always problems when a man is wrapped up in his art
But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part

You keep on working, I'm looking round
Don't let your girlfriend put me down
You know it's tough these days for a proud man to make a start

But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part

You wash the dishes, I've gotta run
You know that night life ain't such fun

Now don't wait up for me 'cause I know you need your rest, sweetheart
But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part

Overall Meaning

Van Morrison's song "You Can Count on Me" is a heartfelt assurance of loyalty and a promise of support to his loved one. He is urging his partner to trust him and depend on him through thick and thin. The song revolves around the theme of mutual trust, understanding, and the importance of being there for one another, no matter what.

The song begins with Morrison asking to "talk it over" and "get it straight," signifying his willingness to have an open conversation with his partner about their issues. He acknowledges that there are always problems that come with being an artist but assures that she can count on him to do his part. He then switches to addressing his partner's ambition and urges her to "keep on working" while he looks around. Morrison's suggestion to look around implies that he is supportive of his partner's pursuits and believes that her success is just as important.

In the next verse, Morrison acknowledges the difficulties of trying to make a living as a musician and the toll it can take on one's pride. He reminds his partner that he understands what it takes to start from the bottom and encourages her to believe in their collective efforts. The verse then ends with Morrison leaving to attend to his obligations but making sure to tell his partner that she can trust him to do his part.

Overall, "You Can Count on Me" is a reassuring ballad that showcases Morrison's sensitivity as a songwriter and his devotion to his partner. The song's simple yet powerful lyrics touch on themes that resonate with many people, reminding us that love and trust are the pillars of any successful relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Let's talk it over, let's get get it straight
We need to have an honest and open conversation to resolve any issues.

Don't let th' situation escalate
We shouldn't let the situation get worse by ignoring it or not taking action.

You know there's always problems when a man is wrapped up in his art
Being heavily invested in one's work can sometimes lead to problems and conflicts in relationships.

But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part
I will do everything in my power to support and help you even if I'm busy with my own work.

You keep on working, I'm looking round
I'll take care of the other things while you focus on your work.

Don't let your girlfriend put me down
Don't let your girlfriend's negative opinions or criticism affect how I support and help you.

You know it's tough these days for a proud man to make a start
Starting something new can be challenging for someone who takes pride in what they do.

But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part
I will be here to support and help you even when it's difficult for you to start something new.

You wash the dishes, I've gotta run
I'll take care of other things while you do the dishes, but I have to go now.

You know that night life ain't such fun
Going out at night isn't as enjoyable as it used to be for me.

Now don't wait up for me 'cause I know you need your rest, sweetheart
You should go to bed and get some rest because I know you need it.

But don't you worry baby you can count on me to do my part
No matter what, I will always be there for you and support you in whatever way I can.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MOSE ALLISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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