The Hospital Chaplain Who Read Lyrics From “Sweet Thing” To A Dying Patient

April 1, 2025

In a quiet corner of the hospital, where the sterile smell of antiseptic blended with the soft murmur of nurses’ conversations, a hospital chaplain named David prepared for what he knew could be a difficult visit. He had been called to the bedside of an elderly man named Mr. Thompson, who was nearing the end of his life. David had learned that Mr. Thompson was not just a patient; he was also a passionate fan of music, particularly the work of Van Morrison, whose song “Sweet Thing” had once been a favorite of his in better days. As David stepped into the dimly lit room, he could see Mr. Thompson lying there, frail but still holding on to the memories of his youthful exuberance.

David approached with a gentle smile and introduced himself, sensing the man’s love for music would provide a spark of joy. “I hear you are a fan of Van Morrison,” he said softly, watching as a flicker of recognition crossed Mr. Thompson’s face. The chaplain settled into a chair beside the bed, where the beeping of the machines seemed to synchronize with the rhythm of their conversation. David began to share stories of Morrison’s music—how it blended soul, jazz, and folk in a way that spoke to the heart. But as he spoke, he could see Mr. Thompson’s eyes glistening with both memories and longing for the life he had lived.

Inspired by the connection they were building, David took a deep breath and began to read the lyrics of “Sweet Thing.” He spoke the words slowly, allowing the warmth of the song to fill the room. “And I will walk with my head held high, I will change the world,” he recited, his voice carrying the hope and beauty of Morrison’s writing. As he read, David watched the man’s expression shift; a smile appeared, and for a moment, it was as if the burdens of the hospital room lifted. Instead of sadness, there was an undeniable spark of joy in Mr. Thompson’s eyes, a glimpse of the younger man who had once danced at parties and dragged friends to concerts.

As the lyrics poured forth, filled with vivid imagery of love and life’s simple pleasures, something incredible happened. Mr. Thompson began to nod in rhythm and softly hum along, even though he could barely muster the strength to speak. His frail hands, connected to IV tubes and monitors, twitched as if he were dancing in a memory only he could see. David could feel the Holy Spirit in the room, moving the hearts of both men. In that moment, the chaplain realized that music had the power to connect beyond the physical world, bridging gaps between life and death, joy and sorrow.

After they finished, Mr. Thompson squeezed David’s hand, a gesture filled with gratitude and understanding. The song didn’t just remind him of the past; it was a reminder that even in his final moments, he was not alone. The chaplain left the room feeling uplifted, knowing that he had brought a moment of peace to a dying man. The healing power of music had accomplished what words alone often could not.

“Sweet Thing” was one of Van Morrison’s most cherished songs, written during a time when he was exploring his own vulnerabilities and seeking solace through music. Years later, he would reflect on how songs like this helped him cope with his struggles, both artistic and personal. For those who heard it, the song continued to be a source of strength and inspiration, reminding them of the beauty life offers even in hardship. In that hospital room, with the echo of Morrison’s lyrics still hanging in the air, David understood that they had experienced something divine. Through music, they had found hope, connection, and an unforgettable moment to cherish.