Originally written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1968, this song was one of the hits that was included on his first compilation album, The Best of Van Morrison. Despite not making the charts, this composition has become an enduring favorite of many fans.
There's an enigmatic quality to the lyrics of this song that has made it so popular over the years. There's a lot of speculation about what it means, but there isn't much disagreement that the song has deep religious overtones.
The opening line of the song is very cryptic, as it evokes a twilight journey into the depths of one's soul. Throughout the track, Van Morrison's vocals have an ethereal glow that adds to its enchanting appeal.
When he sings the line
This is a great example of Morrison's syllable manipulation, and it reflects his ability to craft a unique voice that can be infused with an almost otherworldly aura. The vocal is reminiscent of the way Count John McCormack once described opera singing, a style that can be very expressive and yet also very slow and sensitive.
There's a lot of interest here, but it could have been a little more streamlined to suit the melody. In fact, it's a bit of a mess as it is.
