Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl – 1967

About The Song

“Brown Eyed Girl” is a classic song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1967. The song has become one of Morrison’s signature tracks and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.

Five facts about “Brown Eyed Girl”:

1. Inspiration and Writing: Van Morrison wrote “Brown Eyed Girl” and recorded it in 1967. The song is said to be inspired by Morrison’s memories of a specific brown-eyed woman from his youth.
2. Studio Recording: The song was recorded at A&R Studios in New York City. It features a distinctive mixture of folk, rock, and R&B influences, showcasing Morrison’s eclectic musical style.
3. Chart Success: “Brown Eyed Girl” achieved considerable commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Van Morrison’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
4. Lyric Controversy: The lyrics of “Brown Eyed Girl” initially included a controversial line that was later changed for radio play. The line “making love in the green grass” was modified to “laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey hey” to meet radio standards of the time.
5. Timeless Appeal: The song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and Van Morrison’s soulful delivery contribute to its enduring popularity. “Brown Eyed Girl” has been covered and referenced by numerous artists, making it a cultural touchstone for generations.

Video

Lyrics

Hey, where did we go?
Days when the rains came
Down in the hollow
Playin’ a new game
Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey, hey
Skippin’ and a-jumpin’
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping and you

My brown-eyed girl
And you, my brown-eyed girl

And whatever happened
To Tuesday and so slow?
Going down the old mine with a
Transistor radio
Standing in the sunlight laughing
Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

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

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 ’bout it
Making love in the green grass
Behind the stadium with you

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da