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.
I'd love to do a duet, always wanted to work with Madonna, but she never asked.
Playing with Queen was the biggest moment of my career. It was like living a childhood fantasy.
To this day, if I ever meet grownups who play ukulele, I love 'em.
Michael Bloomfield came in after rock n roll started, and he was a great guitarist. He idolized me - I know that. What else can I say ? he was a young, excitable man. To him, drugs were plentiful, and that was no good. I talked to him like he was a son of mine. He was a great and he was gonna be greater. But he was part of the "in-crowd" and so he never got there
When you sing, you pray twice.
I didn't want to play it boring and safe. I also didn't want to innovate too much. Second albums, man, they're even scarier than first ones.
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