The Rare, Unpublished Lyrics Van Wrote On The Back Of A Napkin After A Night Drive

April 1, 2025

It was a chilly night in the fall of 1968 when Van Morrison found himself driving through the quiet streets of Belfast. The city was draped in darkness, but it was alive with memories, shadows of his childhood swirling around him like the autumn leaves caught in the wind. He had just finished performing at a small venue, the echoes of his soulful voice still ringing in his ears. Though the crowd had loved his performance, he felt a deep longing inside, a need to express something more profound than mere melodies and rhythms.

As he drove, his mind danced with thoughts and ideas, each one more compelling than the last. Suddenly, inspiration struck like a bolt of lightning. Van pulled over to the side of the road, heart racing with excitement. He reached into his jacket pocket and found a crumpled napkin from the café he had visited earlier that day. It was a simple, plain napkin, but tonight, it was about to become the canvas for something extraordinary. With a pen in hand, he began scribbling down the lyrics that flowed from his heart, words that spoke of love, loss, and the hope that lingered even in the darkest times.

As the ink dried, the lyrics revealed a raw vulnerability, showcasing Van’s ability to connect deeply with human emotions. He wrote about searching for light in a world filled with shadows, a reflection of his own journey as an artist. This was a side of him that not many people saw—a young man grappling with his dreams, battling self-doubt while trying to carve out a place in the music industry. The napkin became a treasure that night, holding the essence of his struggles and triumphs.

When he finally returned home, he tucked the napkin away, not realizing the significance it would hold in his life. Over the next few months, the feelings he captured that night transformed into one of his biggest hits. The song resonated with listeners, bringing comfort and a sense of belonging to countless souls. It marked a turning point in Van’s career, propelling him into the limelight and solidifying his status as one of the most influential musicians of his time. The powerful message within the lyrics revealed the beauty of vulnerability, showing that one could rise from despair and create something meaningful.

Years later, Van would look back on that night drive with gratitude. He understood that the simple act of writing on a napkin had paved the way for his dreams to flourish. It was a moment that reminded him of the importance of capturing inspiration whenever it strikes, no matter how fleeting it may seem. With every performance, he continued to pour his heart into his music, encouraging others to embrace their own struggles and rise above them.

In the end, Van Morrison’s story is about resilience and the magic of creativity. From that chilly night in Belfast to stages around the world, his music serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of raw, genuine expression. The napkin, once just a piece of paper, became a symbol of his journey—an inspiring reminder that in the chaos of life, the most beautiful things can emerge when we dare to follow our hearts.