The first single I ever bought (we called them "45s") was VanM's first big hit, BrownEyedGirl. I was 13, and my mum chastized me for wasting my money on something that would soon be forgotten... Ha! Thanx very much for the memory Sarah!!!
I enjoy your reactions so much You really do enjoy what you listen to. And I love watching your reactions to what I grew up listening to. So great to hear these songs through fresh eyes and heart. Keep doing what you do. ❤
real music no disrespect to anyone past or present but "good' music yes :) undeniable and almost eternal in this transient reality, some of the best there is.
The one phrase that always struck me from this is "knights in armor bent on chivalry." "Bent" on chivalry. In other words, it's commenting just on their effort, not their success. It's not about glory, but character.
I believe most people misinterpret this as a love song to a woman. When I first heard this song (decades ago!), that is what I thought, too. I am convinced the "she" Morrison refers to is freedom. I believe this song is an homage to the American presidents (especially Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln) who arguably did more for the cause of freedom than anyone who has ever lived. These are the men whose faces appear on Mount Rushmore, a granite mountain in South Dakota. These are the "men with insight, men in granite" as Morrison puts it in the lyrics of the second verse. It is difficult to explain the presence of this verse (which is sung twice) if the song is about a woman. Also, how to explain the first verse? "All the tea in China" is a common metaphor for something of immense value. The verse suggests he would throw all that away ("drop it in the deep blue sea") because the subject of the song is of greater value. One might do that for the love of a good woman. But the "men in granite" risked everything ("all the tea in China") for the cause of freedom and, in Lincoln's case, paid the ultimate price.
Wonderful song for freedom, and a great selection for reaction, Sarah. If you ever get a chance, I believe you would really enjoy another song from him called “And It Stoned Me”. It’s a song he wrote about a mystical experience he had as a young man after drinking water from a clear mountain spring.
If the reference is confusing, the common saying is: I wouldn't trade that for all the tea in China. Like, I wouldn't give up my subscription to Sarah's reaction site for all the tea in China. 'Love you, Sarah !!!
Love your spirit,this song and Van are very underrated even at the time he was popular.There were so many great artists at that time and i think he was overlooked a bit.This particular song has everything you could want.Lyrics to die for and his soulful interpretation
...Van is an absolute legend, a little unrecognized these days, but it will change again - he's that good! 3 Recommendations for you: 'Inarticulate Speech of the Heart, No. 2', 'Irish Heartbeat' (with the Chieftans) and 'Coney Island'... he's the incarnation of Irish soul-ful jazzy-celtic Spirit... so magical and haunting... 💖
It's a beautiful song. His biggest hit was Brown Eyed Girl. Dusty Springfield one of the greatest singers ever covered Tupelo Honey, did a fantastic job. She's noted to do songs as good or better than the original.
Newly subscribed but long time fan. You are right in growing up with this music was wonderful. I'm sorry kids today don't really get this kind of love song, and there are so many more...
Please react to more Van "The Man" Morrison. Try "Into the mystic". I think you will love it. Thanks for all the vids. I really enjoy them. Enjoy your day. Brett
My favourite song by Van is "The Healing Game" and I'm 100% sure, you'll love it. And you should try songs from "the new Van Morrison". His name is Foy Vance and he is absolutely gorgeous! Try "Bangor Town" or !"Make it rain" e.g., he will touch your spirit... Your reaction - as always - on point and - more important - from the heart...
Thanks again Sarah, superb choice, maybe "Moondance" or "Into the mystic" next please. My collection of Van Morrison albums is more than a dozen all superb. Moondance & Astral Weeks among my all time top albums. I also love the early "Brown Eyed Girl".
I think this guy has not one song i don't like. Huge in the Netherlands. I think we were the first country he had a NUMBER 1 record. Excuse me when I'm wrong 😅 Thanks, this is great stuff. 👍👊😁❤️
