Caledonia
Van Morrison & The Caledonia Soul Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
She's got great big feet
She long lean and lanky and
Ain't had nothin' to eat!
But she's my baby and I
Love her just the same
Crazy about that woman 'cause
Caldonia is her name
Caldonia! Caldonia!
What makes your big head so hard? Huh!
I love you, love you just the same
I'll always love you baby 'cause
Caldonia is your name you know
My momma told me to leave Caldonia alone
That's what she told me, no kiddin'!
That's what she said! She says
"Son, keep away from that woman
She ain't no good, don't bother with her!"
But momma didn't know what
Caldonia was puttin' down!
So I'm goin' down to Caldonia's house
And ask her just one more time!
Caldonia! Caldonia!
What makes your big head so hard? Now!
In the lyrics to "Caledonia" by Van Morrison & The Caledonia Soul Orchestra, the singer is describing his love for a woman named Caledonia, who is depicted as tall, thin, and seemingly hungry. Despite her physical characteristics, the singer expresses his unwavering affection for her, emphasizing that he loves her just the way she is. This portrayal of Caledonia as someone who may not fit traditional standards of beauty or societal norms adds depth and complexity to the singer's love for her, highlighting the idea that true love transcends superficial appearances.
The repeated refrain of "Caldonia! Caldonia!" along with the question "What makes your big head so hard?" suggests a playful and affectionate tone in the song. The singer's declaration of love for Caledonia despite any perceived flaws or challenges further underscores the sense of loyalty and devotion he feels towards her. The lyrics also touch upon the theme of defiance, as the singer's mother warns him to stay away from Caledonia, indicating that she may not be the most reputable or conventional choice for a partner. However, the singer's determination to pursue his love for Caledonia regardless of others' opinions reflects a sense of agency and independence.
The mention of the singer going to Caledonia's house and asking her "just one more time" hints at a sense of persistence and longing in his pursuit of her affections. This persistence in the face of potential obstacles or objections signifies the depth of the singer's feelings for Caledonia, underscoring the idea that love can be a powerful and transformative force. The song captures the essence of infatuation and passion, portraying a love that is genuine, intense, and undeterred by external influences. Through its vivid imagery and emotive lyrics, "Caledonia" encapsulates the timeless theme of love's ability to transcend barriers and endure despite adversity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@denasqu
The original bootleg with "Caledonia Soul Music"
"VAN THE MAN
Recorded 1970/71, New York/San Francisco
In 1970 Van Morrison was hot property when Moondance, his second album for Warners, became an FM radio staple. But the improvisational, elongated song form that defined Morrison’s Warners debut, Astral Weeks, still held a deep fascination. Add his esoteric belief in the ancient kingdom of Caledonia (a landmass combining Scandinavia and Scotland/Northern Ireland) as the birthplace of the blues and the epic, largely instrumental, 18-minute musical voyage “Caledonia Soul Music” was the result. Recorded during sessions for His Band And The Street Choir, a tape of the track was passed to and played several times on San Francisco KSAN radio station but left off the album. Morrison later admitted Street Choir was “a compromise… I lost control of it.” The track was released here with a live version of “Moondance” from the Fillmore West in 1970, and a 1971 Pacific High Studios radio broadcast that included a rare outing for the Them track “Friday’s Child”, a combative “Hound Dog” and a caustic, seven-minute deconstruction of Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman”.
Sound quality: Raw and live with slight distortion
See also: The Real Philosopher’s Stone"
https://www.uncut.co.uk/features/uncuts-50-best-bootlegs-68155/10
@denasqu
The original bootleg with "Caledonia Soul Music"
"VAN THE MAN
Recorded 1970/71, New York/San Francisco
In 1970 Van Morrison was hot property when Moondance, his second album for Warners, became an FM radio staple. But the improvisational, elongated song form that defined Morrison’s Warners debut, Astral Weeks, still held a deep fascination. Add his esoteric belief in the ancient kingdom of Caledonia (a landmass combining Scandinavia and Scotland/Northern Ireland) as the birthplace of the blues and the epic, largely instrumental, 18-minute musical voyage “Caledonia Soul Music” was the result. Recorded during sessions for His Band And The Street Choir, a tape of the track was passed to and played several times on San Francisco KSAN radio station but left off the album. Morrison later admitted Street Choir was “a compromise… I lost control of it.” The track was released here with a live version of “Moondance” from the Fillmore West in 1970, and a 1971 Pacific High Studios radio broadcast that included a rare outing for the Them track “Friday’s Child”, a combative “Hound Dog” and a caustic, seven-minute deconstruction of Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman”.
Sound quality: Raw and live with slight distortion
See also: The Real Philosopher’s Stone"
https://www.uncut.co.uk/features/uncuts-50-best-bootlegs-68155/10
@rpkrauss1
Caledonia is simply put, Scotland....!!
@ChristoferKraft
is there a way to get the full album some where?
Crk.
@stevemorris4836
I bought a pressing of this album - Van the Man - in Kingston, Ontario back around 1973-74. Caledonia Soul Music was certainly the highlight of the album, though Side 1 offered a hidden treasure in that it was a quality Ray Charles album (don't remember which now). No problems with Brother Ray, but I was looking forward to the 'original' Side 1.
@jongilchrist7229
TB Sheets is one of my all time favorites. Very talented songwriter and a great soul man. Underrated in this century. Wild night always makes me want to out and do something on a Saturday night.
@kennethjohnson3895
I commented in the first 10 seconds. ^5
@ethioUSA
If there is or ever was a better "ditty" than Caledonia Soul, I would believe I had met the Lord... "Makes me feel so good"
@benlotus2703
Van Morrison- the greatest musical poet, performer, and troubadour.
He is one in a billion; his musical proverbs will be played on Mars and beyond.
@j.k.barber6877
i think this inspires the best reason for man to go to mars...to deliver a sound system with this recording...and then come home
@benlotus2703
@@j.k.barber6877
You could be correct. Everybody needs to hear this on a high-end audio system e.g. ClearAudio Innovation Wood/Universal tonearm/Da Vinci V2 record player with Thiel speakers !
And, Audio Research Amps and Preamps!
LoL'