May 5, 2017

The Great Souls of Our Time: Van Morrison

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Morrison9.jpgBut darlin', those days are gone
Oh yeah
Stop dreaming
And live on in the future
But darlin', a-don't look back
Whoa, no-no
Don't look back

-- John Lee Hooker

Ah, but we do, don't we? We always look back. Seeing the shapes, getting the measure, going the distance and finding -- if only for a moment -- the safe harbors of your life requires a spiritual sextant for sighting the fixed stars. It's a ghost ship's voyage with what lies ahead a blank white screen while what is behind fades into the smoke of the world well lost. There are shallows, shoals and the fatal allure of Sirens and the lee shore. Times in irons, then storms, then stretches of clear open ocean on a broad reach, but always with the sense of hidden reefs and an unknowable destination. It helps to track others' voyages, to follow similar arcs, to watch if they pass, or seem to pass, the same checkpoints. Some are siblings. Others are friends and lovers. Still others are artists that, at some point, strike us as sharing if not a life then at least a similar trajectory.

Everybody has a different set of charts, but some overlap. Among these are the singer-songwriter / poets of our era. These are our troubadours, the most influential of which in our time, is Bob Dylan. Indeed, I've often thought that it must gall the endless pile of disposable poets stashed in the academy that, for all their pallid effort, the greatest American poet of this era is Dylan. But Dylan, for all his protean output and achievement, misses the music as much as he hooks the mind.

For my money, the singer-songwriter-poet among my contemporaries, that both hooks the ear and brings the music is Van Morrison.

Not only for his ability to play his voice like some transoceanic jazz choir, nor his manner of mining the blues and jazz traditions and his own life, but also because -- like Dylan -- he endures. Not only that, but he reports back. And like a few others in music, painting and writing, the arc of his life seems to resonate with mine. It may be just a fluke of years lived in the same unfolding history, but it seems larger. It seems, as it always seems with the great souls, that there's an emotional and spiritual concordance happening, as one bell might pick up the tone of another nearby even though it has not itself been struck.

"Take me back, there, take me way back there..."

But that was later, and this is earlier, much earlier. Before there really was "Van Morrison." When he was just a singer. When he was one of THEM.

Comes a-walkin' down my street
When she comes to my house
She knocks upon my door
And then she comes in my room
Yeah, an' she make me feel alright

G-L-O-R-I-A (GLORIA)

Remembering that song the first thought is "Who, but who, was ever that young?" But of course we all were. And the number of times that the 45s of Mystic Eyes and Gloria were spun on the turntables in those years pretty much surpass memory. I do recall they made for some long and fine white nights. Gloria, played at the right time, could pretty much close the deal.

"The cool room, Lord, is a fool's room."

Make-out songs weren't the only thing in Van Morrison's bag, even in those years. Something else was there. Something that lived in the deep and would insist upon rising.

Within two years Morrison left "Them" and soloed, releasing the trendily titled Blowin' Your Mind! from Bang Records. The hit on that album was "Brown-Eyed Girl" and it has, thanks to the continuing and increasing supply of brown-eyed girls in the world, stayed pretty much a perennial since then. Boomers used it first for seduction and later for lullabies.

But there was another song on that first album that foreshadowed Morrison's work much more deeply, "T. B. Sheets." This is a dark and haunting evocation of death and sickness. Junkies like to think it's about them, but junkies think everything is about them. It's bigger than that. Much bigger. And it is, in its provenance as well as it's lyrics, nothing like any pop song that came before, and very little like any that came after. In the other songs on Blowin' Your Mind! you hear a young singer pulling out everything he knows in quest of a hit, any hit. But "T. B. Sheets" is vastly different. In it you hear the song of an old soul, one that has been here before; one that knows the deal and has paid the bill.

The origin of "T. B. Sheets" is, figuratively and literally, in nightmare.

His mother, Violet Morrison said that the song originally had emerged from a nightmare her son had and that he had felt it so strongly that he couldn't tell it to her but sang it instead with verses lasting for an hour.
An hour? The song on the album runs nearly 10 minutes, twice the length of any of the others, and an eternity for a pop album of the mid-60s. But an hour? Just to stay in that mental space for 10 minutes is enough for most people. (The song did not chart.) But an hour is inconceivable.

Still, I'd like to hear it. It's a song that first insinuates itself deep into your lungs and then crawls down your bones:

So open up the window and let me breathe,
I said, open up the window and let me breathe
I'm looking down to the street below
Lord, I cried for you, Oh, Lord.

The cool room, Lord, is a fool's room,
The cool room, Lord, is a fool's room,
And I can almost smell your T.B. sheets
And I can almost smell your T.B. sheets, on your sick bed.

I gotta go, l gotta,
And you said, please stay.
I want, I want a drink of water,
I want a drink of water,
I went to the kitchen to get me a drink of water,

I gotta go baby.
I send, I send, I send somebody around here later,
You know we got John comin' around
Later with a bottle of wine for you, babe.

So much for the easy pop songs from a handsome young jazz singer who had gotten mixed up in rock-and-roll. There's Milton's "darkness visible" writhing at the center of that song, something seldom seen in pop music -- especially in the days of "Do you believe in magic/ in a young girl's eyes?"

"Darkness visible." That was to be a recurring image in Van Morrison's work. That and a search for the light as well.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

-- Traditional hymn, recorded in Hymns to the Silence, 1991

Light seen sometimes in the present, and sometimes in the past. But always with a sense of trying to learn, in the end, what he hears from John Lee Hooker:
Don't look back
To the days of yesteryear
You cannot live on in the past

Ah, but we do. Don't we?

[Bird Dog @ Maggie's reminds us that today is....Van Morrison's birthday - Maggie's Farm He's only 69. Looks 79. Acts 89. We appreciate his work, though.]

Posted by Vanderleun at May 5, 2017 12:10 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

For me, it's "Cleaning Windows".
(working in a machine shop days, playing bass on the weekends...)

Posted by: ed in texas at December 5, 2007 7:52 AM

Darn good stuff.

Posted by: bird dog at December 5, 2007 9:26 AM

Lately, for me, with the unruly middle child getting ready to have her day in court, and me wondering: Is she going to Juvy or will it be boot camp? Perhaps it will only be house arrest. At any rate, "Shadow of Doubt" is the all-encompassing theme of my life these days. Bonnie Raitt, accompanied by her slide guitar, and rhythmic foot stomp and harmonica player do this song great justice.

Shadow Of Doubt

Just another homesick child
Tired of running wild
Ready to stand trial and move on
Though I'm guilty in your sight
Have some mercy tonight
I can't make it through the fight alone

Oh but lord, no don't make it easy
Keep me working till I work it on out
Just please shine enought light on me
Til I'm free from this shadow of doubt
Keep me out of the Shadow of Doubt
As I try to make some sense
Of this world I'm up against
Well I know my best defense is your love
When the struggle gets insane
And the lesson's full of pain
Keep me calling out your name with Love

Oh but lord, no don't make it easy
Keep me workin' till I work it on out
Just please won't you shine
Enough light on me
Til I'm free from this shadow of Doubt

Well I whisper in the dark
From the bottom of my heart
And I'm searchin for one star to shine
I will shout from mountain high
And I'll reach into the sky
Til you open up my eyes so blind

Oh but lord no, Don't make it easy
Keep me workin' til I work it on out
Just please, please shine enough light on me
'Til I'm free from this shadow of doubt
Keep me out of the Shadow...

Posted by: Jauhara al Kafirah at December 5, 2007 9:32 AM

For Van-o-philes out there, his entire back catalogue is being remastered and released with bonus material beginning in January '08. Also of interest is an excellent, career-spanning 3 CD compilation that isn't available domestically, but can be gotten through Amazon UK for under $30, including shipping (like the American release it's also called "Still on Top").

Yes, both Dylan and Morrison seemed to come out the chute artistically fully formed. When all is said and done, they are easily the greatest artists of the rock era. However, from a purely musical standpoint, some of the instant live concert CDs of the revitalized Allman Brothers Band have to be heard to be believed. Their two guitarists, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, are from another planet.

Posted by: Gagdad Bob at December 5, 2007 9:50 AM

Another one you might enjoy: Why Van Should be Taught in Our Schools

Posted by: Gagdad Bob at December 5, 2007 11:12 AM

Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

Posted by: TerryH at December 5, 2007 7:06 PM

I always thought TB Sheets was a sort of one-off inspiration of Van Morrison's, but in fact, it's part of a long blues tradition. A wonderful Ottawa-area DJ named Brian Murphy, who used to do a roots show at a local rock station back when we still had such things, once played a whole series of TB-sheets songs, ending in Morrison's. Who knew?

Posted by: alias clio at January 29, 2008 4:25 PM

However, the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

Like walking a jungle trail in the pre-dawn light, straining ones eyes to tears, looking for sure footing, and then there, a leaf, a rock a tree. All the things that brushed up against us in the dark of our unknowing are revealed to be solid, abiding and real. And yet we must press forward around that next bend, where everything is still unknown.

I appreciate the "second sight" of Van Morrison's journey, and his return to the Mystic.

Posted by: Joan of Argghh! at July 29, 2009 3:49 AM

Van Morrison is a treat to all the human senses. His music not only is a pleasure to listen to, but his music is a sensual experience to the mind and soul.

Posted by: Cilla Mitchell at July 29, 2009 6:09 AM

When the night returns just like a friend
When the evening comes to set me free
When the quiet hours that wait beyond the day
Make peaceful sounds in me

Took a drag from my last cigarette
Took a drink from a glass of old wine
Closed my eyes and I could make it real
And feel it one more time

Can you hear it, babe
Can you hear it, babe
From another time
From another place
Do you remember it, babe

And the radio played like a carnival tune
As we lay in our bed in the other room
When we gave it away for the sake of a dream
In a penny arcade, if you know what I mean
If you know what I mean, baby

And here's to the song we used to sing
And here's to the times we used to know
Its hard to hold them in our arms again
But hard to let them go

Do you hear it, babe
Do you hear it, babe
It was another time
It was another place
Do you remember it, babe

And the radio played like a carnival tune
As we lay in our bed in the other room
When we gave it away for the sake of a dream
In a penny arcade, if you know what I mean
If you know what I mean

If you know what I mean
If you know what I mean
If you know what I mean
If you know what I mean, baby
If you know what I mean

Dylan and Morrison belong at the top of the list, but even better, IMHO, is the best lyricist (poet) of my generation, Neil Diamond.

What a beautiful noise
Comin up from the street
Got a beautiful sound
Its got a beautiful beat

Its a beautiful noise
Goin on everywhere
Like the clickety-clack
Of a train on a track
Its got a rhythm to spare

Its a beautiful noise
And it's sound that I love
And it fit me as well
As a hand in a glove
Yes it does, yes it does

What a beautiful noise
Comin' up from the park
It's the song of the kids
And it plays until dark

It's the song of the cars
On their furious flights
But there's even romance
In the way that they dance
To beat of the lights

Its a beautiful noise
And it's a sound that I love
And it makes me feel good
Like a hand in a glove
Yes it does, yes it does
What a beautiful noise

Its a beautiful noise
Made of joy and of strife
Like a symphony played
By a passing parade
Its the music of life

What a beautiful noise
Comin' up to my room
And its beggin' for me
Just to give it a tune

Aaaah the memories music evokes.

Posted by: Sara (Pal2Pal) at July 29, 2009 12:41 PM

What no music ?

Are ya'll Comfortably Numb ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CirSD6p1uFs

Posted by: McKiernan at July 30, 2009 1:56 PM

In an era of profound musical decadence, bordering on anarchy, one occasionally speculates on the durability of any commercial music produced since 1963 The only two musicians who have the power truly to - excuse the paraphrase of Harold Bloom - reinterpret the human are Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. To put it another way, which late 20th century popular musical artist will Captain Kirk be listening to on the deck of the Enterprise? It certainly will not be the Beatles or Michael Jackson. Who else but those two?

Posted by: boqueronman at July 31, 2009 9:54 AM

You said it true, Gerard. The man's music is a wonder.

Posted by: Daphne at July 31, 2009 2:07 PM

I'd like to ask Arthurstone: Who wrote 'Soldier of Fortune' on Van Morrison's A Night in San Francisco? Or what studio album is it from? I love the medley with See Me Through-Soldier of Fortune-Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf. I see Arthurstone's CD has SOF in a different medley. Would love to hear it, since that link to Amazon has it as unavailable.

Thanks.

Posted by: R. Emmett McAuliffe at August 22, 2009 9:50 PM

I liked Van Morrison a lot better when David Lee Roth was their singer.....

(I know, I know.....)

Posted by: Blastineau at December 30, 2009 11:47 AM

As long as you understand you are now on the list for summary execution during my reign as Mad Emperor of Earth.

Posted by: vanderleun at December 30, 2009 12:30 PM

I recieved a cassette tape of a bootleg of a show from LA in 1973 (no date or venue provided, A+ soundboard type sound) when I was about 17 or 18 that contained most of the songs from Moondance amongst other classics of the era (including a 10-12 minute Cypress Avenue that rivals or surpasses others found on live offerings from the same era). This was probably 1990 or so and I was blown away. The tape remained a staple of my listening habits well into the CD/computer era until it was somehow lost probably about 10 years ago. I've downloaded other shows from that era but the tape I had just could not be beaten. It contained redhot versions of every song on it but the Glad Tidings and Caravan found Van and the Caledonia Soul Orchestra (thats what he called them) playing with an urgency and passion that were spectacular. I got hooked and have been a really big fan ever since. I have scoured the internet for years looking for it but haven't had any success finding it.

Posted by: Big E at December 30, 2009 2:34 PM

If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dream
Where mobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop

Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down in silence easy
To be born again, to be born again

From the far side of the ocean
If I put the wheels in motion
And I stand with my arms behind me
And I'm pushin' on the door

Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down in silence easy
To be born again, to be born again

There you go standin' with the look of avarice
Talkin' to Huddie Ledbetter
Showin' pictures on the wall
Whisperin' in the hall
And pointin' a finger at me

There you go, there you go
Standin' in the sun darlin'
With your arms behind you
And your eyes before
There you go

Takin' care of your boy
Seein' that he's got clean clothes
Puttin' on his little red shoes
I see you know he's got clean clothes

A puttin' on his little red shoes
A pointin' a finger at me
Standing in your sad arrest
Trying to do my very best

Lookin' straight at you
Comin' through, darlin'
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dreams
Where mobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop

Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down in silence easy
To be born again, to be born again
To be born again, to be born again

In another world, darlin'
In another world
In another time
Got a home on high

Ain't nothing but a stranger in this world
I'm nothing but a stranger in this world
I got a home on high in another land
So far away, so far away

Way up in the heaven, way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven, way up in heaven, oh
In another time, in another place
In another time, in another place

Way up in the heaven
In another time, in another place
In another time, in another place
In another face

Posted by: Aquila at December 30, 2009 3:24 PM

Yes, brother Vanderleun, yes, amen. Van Morrison is it. One of those people you can almost use as a friend-gage ('Hey, what do you think of Van Morrison?") 'Full Force Gale' is a gospel rocker that makes you want to get born-again. His treck throught the world of pop/rock/jazz/gospel almost seems beside the point. He is in tune with a beautiful vibe in the universe - God bless the Vanmo.

Posted by: Das at December 30, 2009 5:42 PM

But Dylan, for all his protean output and achievement, misses the music as much as he hooks the mind.

I have to disagree vehemently, Gerard. Dylan is a musical genius. I've always felt that his music is every bit the equal to his lyrics. Heck, I can't even begin to describe it in words, so I'll quit trying.

But I should pay more attention to Van Morrison than I have so far. You're right about that.

Posted by: rickl at December 30, 2009 7:31 PM

Oops! Looks like the baby announcement was a hoax.

Posted by: Aquila at December 31, 2009 9:33 AM

I agree, he IS a genius.

Posted by: make money at January 9, 2010 9:20 PM

Love.

Posted by: Leslie at September 1, 2012 1:36 PM

"We always look back. Seeing the shapes, getting the measure, going the distance and finding -- if only for a moment -- the safe harbors of your life requires a spiritual sextant for sighting the fixed stars."

It is very comforting when someone shares their Captains' Logbook with you.

In one of the places I have worked, I remember how one of my co-workers would share (most quietly in a 1 to 1 conversation - important distinction) how he kept his sick leave time as low as possible. Teh person worked there for years, and yet, there was less than 20 hours on the books. I marveled how he was able to this this on a variety of fronts: Looking in the mirror every morning, the ability to pull it off without management stepping in, how none of the Coworkers ever started a crusade to end it, etc...

I finally realized how it was done: The person never/rarely brought up past experiences and if an experience was brought up, it was the same old ones. When people attempted to reminisce with my coworker on one thing or another, as almost a matter of policy the subject would be changed or the conversation would be stopped with one social marker or another (yes/no responses, 'I don't remember", gotta go to the bathroom, etc...). In other words, the person never shares his Captains Log.

I now distrust people who never look back.

Posted by: Cond0011 at September 2, 2012 11:11 AM

'transoceanic jazz choir'

beautiful, man

Posted by: Decky Corr at October 6, 2013 12:08 PM

this guy is one of the best of all time ;-)

Posted by: sammy at January 14, 2014 12:00 AM

Van the man was more responsible for my getting laid back when it mattered than any other factor.

Meanwhile
This is the culture that the chosen filth are destroying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj6r3-sQr58

Posted by: Bill Jones at May 5, 2017 5:28 PM