I believe this song is about Van Morrison's faith. Possibly a relatively new-found faith. He speaks about being "hit by a bow and arrow" which is either Cupid (possible), or what I believe, some kind of affliction or addiction, which leads to him saying "got me down to the very marrow" which to me, is a clear reference to being near-death.
"I can't stand up by myself, don't you know I need your help" is another symbolic reference to me. As is "and your fingertips touch my face, don't you know you're a friend of mine." It sounds like he was struggling with some kind of afflication, addiction, sadness and/or loneliness, and maybe he didn't always have faith, but his life's circumstances changed that. It sounds to me like he's singing to God, "oh lord I got hit with a bow and arrow" (last verse), assuring God that he hasn't forgotten, and that he believes, and that he appreciates his saved life.
Probably a very emotional song for Van Morrison, if my theory is accurate. I'm not even religious, but it seems clear to me. Van Morrison is simply amazing, and his music and poetry is unlike anything I've heard/read. Thanks for reading my long-winded response!
@ThomasNY Agree this song touches deeply because it's both about personal love and friendship and about the spiritual connection we feel through grace. Van captures these feelings accurately & his band rocks out on this song.
@ThomasNY Agree this song touches deeply because it's both about personal love and friendship and about the spiritual connection we feel through grace. Van captures these feelings accurately & his band rocks out on this song.
I believe this song is about Van Morrison's faith. Possibly a relatively new-found faith. He speaks about being "hit by a bow and arrow" which is either Cupid (possible), or what I believe, some kind of affliction or addiction, which leads to him saying "got me down to the very marrow" which to me, is a clear reference to being near-death.
"I can't stand up by myself, don't you know I need your help" is another symbolic reference to me. As is "and your fingertips touch my face, don't you know you're a friend of mine." It sounds like he was struggling with some kind of afflication, addiction, sadness and/or loneliness, and maybe he didn't always have faith, but his life's circumstances changed that. It sounds to me like he's singing to God, "oh lord I got hit with a bow and arrow" (last verse), assuring God that he hasn't forgotten, and that he believes, and that he appreciates his saved life.
Probably a very emotional song for Van Morrison, if my theory is accurate. I'm not even religious, but it seems clear to me. Van Morrison is simply amazing, and his music and poetry is unlike anything I've heard/read. Thanks for reading my long-winded response!
@ThomasNY Agree this song touches deeply because it's both about personal love and friendship and about the spiritual connection we feel through grace. Van captures these feelings accurately & his band rocks out on this song.
@ThomasNY Agree this song touches deeply because it's both about personal love and friendship and about the spiritual connection we feel through grace. Van captures these feelings accurately & his band rocks out on this song.