Astral Weeks

Van Morrison

About Astral Weeks

"Astral Weeks" is the title song and opening track on the 1968 album Astral Weeks by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison.


Year:
1968
5:50
56 
#4

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If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dream
Where immobile 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' good 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
And here I am
Standing in your sad arrest
Trying to do my very best
Lookin' straight at you
Comin' through, darlin'
Yeah, yeah, yeah
If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dreams
Where immobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop
Could you find me
Would you kiss-a my eyes
Lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
To be born again
In another world
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 the heaven
In another time
In another place
In another time
In another place
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
We are goin' up to heaven
We are goin' to heaven
In another time
In another place
In another time
In another place
In another face

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Van Morrison

Van Morrison, OBE (born George Ivan Morrison; 31 August 1945) is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are described as transcendental, while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are critically acclaimed and appear at the top of many greatest album lists. more »

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Written by: VAN MORRISON

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Astral Weeks" is classified under the rock, folk rock, and Mystic folk genres. This musical hybridity reflects Van Morrison's style, combining Irish folk traditions with rock, jazz, and soul elements.
Album
The song is the title track of the album "Astral Weeks," considered by many to be Van Morrison's masterwork. The album was released in 1968.
Live Performance
Despite the album's critical success, Van Morrison did not perform any songs from "Astral Weeks" live until 40 years later in 2008, when he played the entire album in two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
Recording Process
Instead of rehearsing the songs, Van Morrison instructed his accompanying musicians to just follow his lead and trust their instincts, leading to a unique, improvisatory sound in the song and album.
Critical Acclaim
"Astral Weeks" is often cited as one of the greatest albums in rock music history. It’s ranked #19 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Songwriting
Van Morrison wrote "Astral Weeks" during an emotionally difficult time after breaking from his band, "Them," and moving from Belfast to Boston. The song's themes of spiritual rebirth are often interpreted as a reflection of his personal struggles.
Band Contributions
Richard Davis played double bass, Jay Berliner played guitar, Warren Smith, Jr., provided percussion, and John Payne played flute and soprano sax. Their jazz background infused the song with a unique sound.
Lyrics Interpretation
"Astral Weeks" is known for its mystical, poetic lyrics. Many interpretations of the song center around themes of adolescence, death, and rebirth.
Commercial Performance
Despite its acclaim, "Astral Weeks" was not a commercial success upon release. The album only reached No. 140 on the Billboard 200, reflecting a disconnect between critical praise and popular response.
Length of the Song
The song "Astral Weeks" is approximately seven minutes long, making it the longest track on the album.

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