The Moment Van Morrison Asked The Studio To Turn Off All Lights Before Recording “In The Garden”

April 2, 2025

The air in the recording studio was thick with anticipation, a mixture of creativity and nerves. It was the year 1986, and Van Morrison, the legendary singer-songwriter, was about to create something truly special. He had spent years capturing the hearts of fans with his soulful voice and poetic lyrics. But this time felt different—there was something profound he wanted to express, something that needed to be felt, not just heard. As he sat with his band, surrounded by instruments and equipment, he looked around at the bright studio lights glaring down on them. They felt intrusive, almost harsh, like bright stars drowning out the gentle glow of the moon.

In a sudden burst of inspiration, Van stood up, the confident energy radiating from him like a beacon. “Can we turn off all the lights?” he asked, his voice firm yet calm. The crew members exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what to expect. But Van was unwavering. He believed that music had a connection to the emotions and the universe, and he wanted to create an atmosphere where that connection could flow freely. After a moment of hesitation, the lights dimmed, and soon the studio was enveloped in darkness. The only remaining light came from the glowing control panel, casting a soft glow over the musicians.

With the lights off, a sense of tranquility washed over everyone in the room. The shadows danced on the walls as they gathered around their instruments, and Van felt a wave of inspiration. It was as if they were all in an intimate space, a secret garden of creativity where the outside world couldn’t intrude. As the first notes of “In the Garden” began to play, Van’s voice emerged clearly, echoing through the darkened room. It was rich and soulful, filled with emotion. The lyrics flowed like water from a spring, connecting memories, experiences, and a deep yearning for something greater.

Each chord struck a note within the hearts of the band members, who became lost in the music. Van’s passion ignited a spark in the studio, and in that stillness, they found an unusual power. The song they created that day would go on to resonate with countless listeners, reflecting themes of love, spirituality, and the beauty of life. For Van, it was not just a recording session; it felt like a spiritual journey, a way to reach beyond the confines of the physical world and touch something eternal.

After the session, Van would realize that this moment marked a pivotal point in his career. “In the Garden” became one of the standout tracks on his album, a personal anthem that spoke to both his fans and himself. It reminded Van of the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in music—a reminder that true art comes from deep within, often needing the darkness to shine its brightest. This lesson stayed with him throughout his career, inspiring him to continue exploring the depths of his creativity, even in the face of challenges.

Looking back on that day, Van Morrison knew that asking for the lights to be turned off was more than just a simple request. It was a testament to his belief in the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire. In the quiet stillness of that darkened room, he had not only crafted a beautiful song, but he had also discovered a deeper part of himself. It was in that moment, shrouded in darkness, that he found the light of his own passion and resilience, reminding us all that sometimes, we need to embrace the shadows to truly find our way.