Posted on 09/25/2020 2:28:22 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Van Morrison has released the first of his anti-lockdown-themed songs. The single, titled “Born to Be Free,” features lyrics criticizing government response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Don’t need the government cramping my style / Give them an inch, they take a mile / Take you in with a phony smile / Wouldn’t you agree,” Morrison sings in an early verse, before launching into the song’s chorus: “The new normal is not normal / It’s no kind of normal at all / Everyone seemed to have amnesia just trying to remember the Berlin Wall.”
Despite its contentious subject matter, the tune is lively and upbeat, with organ and soulful backing vocals adding highlights to the rollicking guitar, bass and drums structure.
You can listen to “Born to Be Free” below.
Morrison has been a vocal critic of COVID-19 response, referring to social distancing as “pseudo-science” and calling on fellow musicians to “speak up” against rules that prohibit artists from performing traditional concerts. In early September, he announced he’d be releasing three lockdown protest songs.
"I'm not telling people what to do or think, the government is doing a great job of that already,” Morrison remarked when the singles were announced. "It's about freedom of choice. I believe people should have the right to think for themselves."
The singer's stance has disappointed many fans, including the health minister of Morrison’s native Northern Ireland. “We expected better from him,” minister Robin Swann declared. “However, it goes further than disappointment. Some of what is he saying is actually dangerous. It could encourage people to not to take coronavirus seriously. If you see it all as a big conspiracy, then you are less likely to follow the vital public health advice that keeps you and others safe.”
Despite its contentious subject matter, the tune is lively and upbeat, with organ and soulful backing vocals adding highlights to the rollicking guitar, bass and drums structure.
Pretty good tune, soulful & fun. Would stand well on it’s own, even if it weren’t a “message song”.
And we, we were born to be free.
Not bad, he’s done better but he’s also over 70...
Moondance, Into the Mystic, Wild Nights...
Revealing the distinction between a liberal and a leftist.
To paraphrase Billy Bragg.....”COVID lockdown protest music lives on”
I hope they start playing that at the rallies. New Normal is not normal, No kinda normal at all.
AWESOME
Excellent!
Best Billy Bragg tune -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv4CNoq8nC4
(the late Kirsty MacColl did a nice cover of it)
Bite me Swann, van is the man!
I remember when Van referred to GWB as the village idiot. We were mad around here, but he was kind of right.
I have always liked Van Morrison's music, but I would not consider myself a fan as I am not a fan of any entertainer. But his stock just went up in my book. I don't particular care for entertainers voicing their political opinions, one way or the other. This is one opinion I can live with.
Van Morrison once said he was influenced by listening to Top40 radio growing up. On a good night the signals from stronger stations like WABC in NYC, WJZ in Boston, CHUM in Toronto could be picked up in Ireland and the UK.
Maybe I missed that one - the version of Blinded by the Light I remember wwas done by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band about 1977 or so. Never heard springsteen do it, then again I was never much of a springsteen fan either.
Bruce wrote it.
Cut it for his 2nd(?) album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqXSBe-qMGo
Brown Eyed Girl
Even better...Tupelo Honey
the Q-Thread anthem!
Knights in armor
Intent on chivalry
Personally, I think St. Dominic’s Preview is his storytelling best.
And Listen to the Lion...an ode to his Ireland.
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