You know that feeling when you're driving, the sun is just starting to dip, and a song comes on that makes you want to pull over and just... exist? That’s what happens when you actually listen to these are the days by van morrison lyrics. It isn't just another track from the late '80s. It’s a whole mood. Honestly, it’s one of those rare pieces of music that feels like a warm blanket and a wake-up call at the same time.
Most people recognize Van Morrison for "Brown Eyed Girl" or the mystic sprawling energy of Astral Weeks. But by the time he released Avalon Sunset in 1989, he was in a different headspace. He wasn't the young, hungry "Vantheman" anymore. He was someone looking at the clock and realizing that "the now" is all we actually have. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast, these lyrics are basically your internal monologue set to a gorgeous melody.
What's actually happening in these are the days by van morrison lyrics?
At first glance, the song seems simple. It’s upbeat. It has that classic Van Morrison Celtic-soul swing. But when you dig into the words, he’s tackling something much deeper: the concept of presence. He starts off talking about the "greatness of the bliss." It sounds almost religious, which makes sense because Van was heavily into exploring spiritual themes during this era.
He’s telling us that this is it. These are the days we’ll look back on.
One of the most striking lines is about there being "no past, no future." That’s a heavy concept to drop in a pop-soul song. It’s straight out of Zen philosophy or Ram Dass’s Be Here Now. He isn't reminiscing about the "good old days" from twenty years prior. He is asserting that the current moment—even if it feels mundane—is the peak. It’s a radical rejection of nostalgia, which is ironic because the song itself now feels nostalgic to us.
The Avalon Sunset Era
To understand why the lyrics hit the way they do, you have to look at where Van was in 1989. He was 44. In rock years, that’s often when artists start to fade or become legacy acts. Instead, Morrison was hitting a creative stride that was incredibly peaceful. Avalon Sunset also featured "Have I Told You Lately," which became a massive hit for Rod Stewart later on.
There’s a specific kind of light in the UK and Ireland right before sunset—that golden hour. That is the visual equivalent of this song. The lyrics talk about the "clear blue sky" and the "calling of the heart." It’s less about a specific person and more about a state of grace. He’s inviting the listener into a space where the "clutter" of the world just falls away. It’s basically a three-minute meditation session.
Why we get the meaning wrong sometimes
People often play this at weddings or anniversaries, and hey, that’s fine. It works. But if you think these are the days by van morrison lyrics are just about a romantic partner, you’re kinda missing the bigger picture.
He mentions that "the love is everywhere." It’s universal. It’s about the connection to the divine, or nature, or just the fact that you’re alive and breathing. It’s a song about awareness. When he sings about "no more worry," he isn’t saying life is perfect. He’s saying that in this specific moment of clarity, the worry doesn’t have power over you.
Compare this to his earlier work. In the '60s and '70s, Van’s lyrics were often dense, poetic, and sometimes frustrated. By the time he gets to "These Are the Days," the poetry has become minimalist. He’s using simpler words to convey much larger truths. It’s the "less is more" approach to songwriting.
The Sound of Contentment
The arrangement matters too. The way the horns swell during the chorus reinforces the lyrics. It feels triumphant but grounded. Van’s vocal delivery is incredibly relaxed here. He isn't growling or pushing his limits like he did on "Caledonia Soul Music." He’s conversational. He’s telling you a secret he’s finally figured out.
The song resonates because it’s a counter-narrative to how we usually live. We’re usually obsessed with what’s next. What’s the next job? The next vacation? The next milestone? Van is standing there with his guitar saying, "Stop. Look around. This is the part of the movie you’re going to miss later."
Breaking down the key verses
Let’s look at the structure. He talks about "the heart’s desire." That’s a recurring theme for Morrison. But here, the desire isn't for something he doesn't have. The desire is fulfilled by the recognition of the present.
- The Bliss: He uses this word several times. In a secular world, "bliss" feels like an exaggeration. For Van, it’s a specific spiritual state.
- The Silence: Even though it’s a song with music, he touches on a sense of inner quiet.
- The Connection: The lyrics suggest a bridge between the physical world and something "beyond."
It’s almost like he’s trying to describe a feeling that words aren’t quite built for. That’s the "Van Morrison Magic." He uses standard English to point at things that are decidedly non-standard.
A Lesson in Longevity
Van Morrison has a reputation for being... let's say, "difficult." He’s notoriously private and can be grumpy with the press. But when you look at these lyrics, you see the version of him that he wants the world to know. The version that is deeply tuned into the beauty of existence.
It’s also worth noting that this song didn't need to be a massive radio hit to become a staple. It grew through word of mouth and its inclusion on best-of compilations. It’s a "slow burn" song. It gets better as you get older. When you’re 20, "these are the days" feels like a nice sentiment. When you’re 50, it feels like a manual for survival.
Applying the song's philosophy today
So, what do we actually do with this? We live in a world of constant pings, notifications, and "hustle culture." Van’s 1989 lyrics are more relevant in 2026 than they were when he wrote them.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, try an experiment. Put on the track. Don't look at your phone. Just listen to the lyrics. Notice how he emphasizes the word "these." It’s specific. It’s pointing at now.
Actionable Insights for the Soul:
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- Practice the "Van Pause": When you’re in a moment that feels even slightly "okay," acknowledge it. Say to yourself, "These are the days." It sounds cheesy, but it shifts your brain chemistry.
- Audit your "Nostalgia Trap": Are you spending more time thinking about 2015 than 2026? Use the song as a reminder to pivot back to the present.
- Listen for the Space: In the song, notice the gaps between the lines. Morrison is a master of timing. Try to find some gaps in your own day where nothing is "happening."
- Share the Vibe: If you know someone going through a frantic period, send them the track. Don't explain it. Just let the lyrics do the heavy lifting.
Life isn't a series of big events. It’s a string of small, quiet moments that we usually ignore while waiting for the big events. Van Morrison figured that out decades ago. The lyrics to this song are his way of making sure we don't forget it too.
Start by listening to the 1989 studio version first, then seek out the live performances from the early 90s. You’ll hear how he tweaks the phrasing to keep the message fresh, proving that even for the songwriter, the "now" is always changing.