Enlightenment

Van Morrison

About Enlightenment

"Enlightenment" is a single written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and included on his 1990 album Enlightenment. Biographer Brian Hinton comments "'Enlightenment' is actually the opposite of what it sounds: it is full of doubt, not affirmation. 'I'm meditating and still I'm suffering.' He seems to be saying everything is a state of mind, you can choose to live in heaven or hell."In a Rolling Stone review, John Swenson writes that the album Enlightenment is a sequel to Avalon Sunset and enables Morrison to have a new start (musically and spiritually). "Morrison is so pleased with his new start that he can even poke fun at his quest on the title track. 'I'm in the here and now and I'm meditating/And still I'm suffering but that's my problem,' he sings. 'Enlightenment, don't know what it is' – and he doesn't sound disturbed at all." 


Year:
1993
4:07
171 
#1

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Chop that wood
Carry water
What's the sound of one hand clapping
Enlightenment, don't know what it is 

Every second, every minute
It keeps changing to something different
Enlightenment, don't know what it is
Enlightenment, don't know what it is
It says it's non attachment
Non attachment. Non attachment 

I'm in the here and now, and I'm meditating
And still I'm suffering but that's my problem
Enlightenment, don't know what it is 

Wake up 

Enlightenment says the world is nothing
Nothing but a dream, everything's an illusion
And nothing is real 

Good or bad, baby
You can change it anyway you want
You can rearrange it
Enlightenment, don't know what it is
Chop that wood and carry water
What's the sound of one hand clapping
Enlightenment, don't you know what it is 

All around baby, you can see
You're making your own reality everyday because
Enlightenment, don't know what it is 

One more time 

Enlightenment. Don't you know what it is
It's up to you
Enlightenment. Don't know what it is
It's up to you, everyday
Enlightenment, don't know what it is
It's always up to you
Enlightenment, don't know what it is
It's up to you, the way you think

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Van Morrison

Van Morrison, OBE (born George Ivan Morrison; 31 August 1945) is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are described as transcendental, while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are critically acclaimed and appear at the top of many greatest album lists. more »

14 fans

Written by: VAN MORRISON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Enlightenment" is a song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Born in Belfast, Morrison is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of rock music.
Album Information
This song is a title track from Van Morrison's 20th studio album, "Enlightenment," which was released in October 1990.
Genre Classification
The song, like much of Morrison's music, blends elements of R&B, folk, jazz, and spiritual music to create a unique sound. It is often categorized under the genre of folk-rock.
Chart Success
The "Enlightenment" album peaked at No.5 in the UK Albums Chart, indicating the commercial success of the album that houses the song.
Spiritual Themes
The song "Enlightenment" reflects Morrison's interest in spirituality and philosophical exploration, as does much of the album. Morrison reportedly turned to philosophy and spiritual mysticism after struggling with the pressures of fame in the early stages of his career.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Enlightenment" indicate a journey of self-discovery, with Morrison singing, "I'm in the here and now, and I'm meditating/ And still I'm suffering but that's my problem/ Enlightenment, don't know what it is".
Reception
Although the Enlightenment album received mixed reviews, the title track was nonetheless praised for its profound lyrics and Morrison's vocal delivery.
Live Performances
Van Morrison has performed "Enlightenment" during several of his concerts, where it is typically well received by audiences.
Collaborators
As with many of Morrison's songs, "Enlightenment" was produced by the singer himself. His long-serving backing vocalists Katie Kissoon and Carol Kenyon were featured on the track.
Inspiration
"Enlightenment," like many other tracks on the album, is influenced by Morrison's interest in the works of philosopher and mystic Rudolf Steiner. The album is considered part of Morrison's exploration into alternative spiritual paths.

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