The Fan Who Learned English Through Van Morrison’S Songs After Moving From Ukraine

April 1, 2025

When Anya moved from Ukraine to the bustling streets of New York City, she felt like a fish out of water. The vibrant lights and endless noise overwhelmed her, and the language barrier made it even harder to connect with people. Each day, she faced the challenge of not being able to express her thoughts or understand the world around her. Anya often reminisced about her hometown and the comfort of her family’s music, but she knew she had to adapt and grow. Little did she know that music would soon become her greatest ally.

One rainy afternoon, while exploring her new neighborhood, Anya ducked into a small café that was playing soft, melodic tunes. The voice that filled the room was warm and inviting. It was Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” The catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics captivated her. Anya felt an immediate connection to the song; it reminded her of carefree days spent in the park with her friends back in Ukraine. That moment sparked something in her—a desire to understand the words and the stories behind the music.

Anya went home that day and started searching for more of Van Morrison’s songs. With every lyric she listened to, she felt a mix of excitement and challenge. She wrote down the words, translated them into Ukrainian, and tried to mimic the pronunciation. As she sang along with Morrison, the melody carried her through her struggles. Each song became a lesson, teaching her not only English but also the emotions and experiences that connected people across cultures. His songs were a bridge, helping her navigate her new life and understand the feelings of joy and heartache that came with it.

Over the months, Anya’s English improved dramatically. She began to make friends at school and even started sharing her love for Van Morrison’s music with them. They, too, became enchanted by the soulful stories woven in his lyrics. Anya found herself leading impromptu sing-alongs during lunch, where her classmates would join in, laughing and sharing their own stories. The music not only helped her learn a language; it helped her form a community in a place that once felt so foreign.

As Anya’s confidence grew, she decided to hold a small open-mic night at the café where it all began. With butterflies in her stomach, she stepped onto the stage and shared her journey through Van Morrison’s songs. Her voice quivered at first, but as she sang, the room fell silent. People listened intently, captivated by her passion and the emotion in her voice. In that moment, Anya realized that music transcends language; it brings people together in ways that words alone cannot.

Years later, as Anya prepared to leave for college, she reflected on how much she had grown. Music had not only transformed her life but had also ignited a lifelong passion for connecting with others through art. Van Morrison’s songs had shown her resilience, teaching her that challenges could be turned into powerful moments of growth. Anya stepped out into the world, ready to chase her dreams, fueled by the harmony of her journey and the melodies that once guided her through the unknown.