Gloria
by Van Morrison
What is “Gloria” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Gloria” by Van Morrison is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Gloria' by Van Morrison portrays the intense, invigorating influence of a woman named Gloria, who stirs deep, exciting emotions, making every encounter memorable and impactful.
So… what’s this song really about?
Van Morrison's 'Gloria' is an energetic expression of the allure and impact of a woman who becomes the singer's muse and obsession. The song repetitively spells out her name, emphasizing her importance and dominance in the singer's mind. It captures the essence of youthful desire and the intoxicating effects of someone who makes the nighttime lively and vibrant. The lyrics suggest a spontaneous, passionate connection, symbolized by Gloria's visits at midnight, elevating the mundane to something thrilling and worth shouting about every day.
The rhythm and delivery of the song evoke raw, unfiltered enthusiasm, complemented by the simplicity of the lyrics which allows listeners to project their own emotions and memories onto Gloria. She is described both enigmatically and vividly—she is a 'sender,' a 'lover,' and even a 'killer,' terms that conjure an image of a powerful, almost mythical figure in the narrator's life. The song’s repetitive chorus and visceral descriptions create a fervor, reflecting the obsession and adulation Gloria inspires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who originally wrote and performed 'Gloria'?
'Gloria' was originally written and performed by Van Morrison in 1964 as part of the band Them.
Q: What does the term 'sender' mean in the song 'Gloria'?
In the context of the song, 'sender' likely symbolizes someone who has a profound, almost spiritual impact, sending waves of emotion or change into the singer's life.
Q: Has 'Gloria' been covered by other artists?
Yes, 'Gloria' has been famously covered by artists like Patti Smith and Jimi Hendrix, each adding their unique interpretation to the song.
Lyrics to “Gloria”
8 ContributorsGloria Lyrics
[Pre-Chorus: Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker]
And her name is G (G)-L (L)-O (O)-R (R)-I (I)-A (A)
[Chorus: Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker]
G-L-O-R-I-A (Yeah)
G-L-O-R-I-A (G-R-I-A, R-A, R-A)
G-L-O-R-I-A (G-O-R-I-A)
G-L-O-R-I-A (G-R-I-A)
Gonna shout it every night (Yeah)
Gonna shout it every day (Glory)
Okay then
[Verse 3: John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison]
Oh, oh midnight midnight midnight
She come around here
She make me feel alright
About midnight
Walkin' down the street
She come, knock on my door
Knock knock on my door
Come in my room
Make me feel alright
Feel feel
Feel feel
Feel feel
Alright alright
She's a sender, she's a lover
She's a sender, she's a killer
What's her name?
Her name is Gloria
[Chorus: Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker]
G-L-O-R-I-A (Yeah)
G-L-O-R-I-A (G-R-I-A, R-A, R-A)
Wanna shout it every night (G-O-R-I-A)
Wanna shout it every day (G-R-I-A)
G-L-O-R-I-A (Gloria)
G-L-O-R-I-A (Her name is Gloria)
I wanna shout it every night (She's a sender)
I wanna shout it every day (She's a sender)
And every day (She's a sender)
And every day
And every day, John Lee (She's a sender)
And every day, John Lee (Oh)
And every day
[Outro: John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison]
(Uh huh huh huh huh huh huh huh) She make me feel good
She make me feel good (Uh huh huh yeah)
Feel feel
Mama make me feel feel good
She's a sender
She's a sender
She's a sender (Yeah), a sender
Play guitar, John Lee, play guitar, yeah, yeah
[Guitar Solo]