Brown Eyed Girl
by Van Morrison
What is “Brown Eyed Girl” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl' is a nostalgic reflection on youthful romance and the bittersweet passage of time, evoked through memories of carefree days with a first love.
So… what’s this song really about?
Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl' transports the listener to a simpler, sunlit time of young love, encapsulated in vivid memories and a catchy, euphoric chorus. Morrison reminisces about small, yet profoundly intimate moments like making love in the green grass behind the stadium, emblematic of youthful innocence and freedom. These recollections serve as a powerful contrast to the singer's present, suggesting a sense of loss and longing for the past, yet also celebrating the enduring beauty of those cherished memories. The repeated 'Sha-la-la' refrains not only enhance the song’s lyrical charm but also reinforce the theme of clinging to simpler, happier times amidst life's inevitable changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Van Morrison to write 'Brown Eyed Girl'?
Van Morrison has said that 'Brown Eyed Girl' was inspired by a nostalgic remembrance of his youthful romantic experiences and the joy of simpler times.
Q: Was 'Brown Eyed Girl' a commercial success?
Yes, 'Brown Eyed Girl' became one of Van Morrison's most successful singles and remains a popular classic rock staple.
Lyrics to “Brown Eyed Girl”
45 ContributorsBrown Eyed Girl Lyrics
[Chorus]
Do you remember when we used to sing
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da?
Just like that
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da
La-tee-da
[Verse 3]
So hard to find my way
Now that I'm all on my own
I saw you just the other day
My, how you have grown
Cast my memory back there, Lord
Sometimes I'm overcome thinking about
Making love in the green grass
Behind the stadium
[Refrain]
With you, my brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl
[Outro]
Do you remember when we used to sing
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da? (Lyin' on the green grass)
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da (Bit by bit by bit by bit by bit by bit)
(Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da-la-tee-da-la-tee-da)
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da (Da da da da da da da da da da da)
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-tee-da