I write songs. Then I record them. And later, maybe I perform them on stage. That's what I do. That's my job. Simple. I don't feel comfortable doing interviews. My profession is music, and writing songs. I like to do it, but I hate to talk about it...Music is spiritual. The music business is not. Being famous was extremely disappointing for me. When I became famous it was a complete drag and it is still a complete drag.
Interpretation
Van Morrison expresses the simplicity of his craft while highlighting the disillusionment that fame brings.
In this quote, Van Morrison articulates the essence of his identity as a musician, emphasizing his passion for writing and performing music. However, he contrasts this with his uncomfortable relationship with fame and the music industry, describing fame as a disappointment that detracts from the spiritual nature of music. This reflects a common sentiment among artists who find that commercial success often complicates their genuine love for their art.
In practice
In a discussion about the pressures of fame in the music industry.
Well, it's a marvelous night for a Moondance_x000D_ _x000D_ With the stars up above in your eyes..._x000D_ _x000D_ And I'm trying to please to the calling_x000D_ _x000D_ Of your heart-strings that they play soft and low_x000D_ _x000D_ And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush_x000D_ _x000D_ And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush..._x000D_ _x000D_ One more Moondance with you in the moonlight_x000D_ _x000D_ On a magic night
Music is spiritual. The music business is not.
Let go into the mystery_x000D_ Let yourself go_x000D_ You've got to open up your heart_x000D_ That's all I know_x000D_ Trust what I say and do what you're told_x000D_ Baby, and all your dirt will turn_x000D_ Into gold.
I'm very lucky, I'm happy with life because my experiences led me to do what I had to do. I don't have any regrets whatsoever.
I'd love to live in Ireland but I'd like to live as me, not what someone thinks I am. People don't understand - I lived there before I was famous.
You can call it nostalgia, I don't mind Standing on that windswept hillside Listening to the church bells chime Listen to the church bells chime In that magic time.
What I like about pop music, and why I'm still attracted to it, is that in the end it becomes our folk music.
One of the things that touches me most when I play for an audience is that although we may be unable to communicate in words or have diametrically opposed views on hot-button issues, while the music sounds we can be at peace, we can be friends. The vibrations that fill an auditorium have no passports, and they unite ears when hearts may be divided.
When I auditioned for my high school band the band director was excited because my father was known to be a great musician. When he heard me, he said 'Are you sure you're Ellis's son?'
This is what I want everyone to experience at the end of my concert... _x000D_ everyone has this sense of rejoicing. _x000D_ I don't want them to be blown away by what I do, _x000D_ I want them to have this sense of real, real joy _x000D_ from the depths of their being. _x000D_ Because I think when you take them to that place, _x000D_ then you open up a place where grace can come in.
A young tenor player was complaining to me that Coleman Hawkins made him nervous. Man, I told him Hawkins was supposed to make him nervous! Hawkins has been making other sax players nervous for forty years!
I must tell you I take terrible risks. Because my playing is very clear, when I make a mistake you hear it. If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. Never be afraid to dare.
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