Moondance by Van Morrison

Album: Moondance (1970)

Charted: 92

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Songfacts®:

Van Morrison comes up with songs many different ways, sometimes a lyric or title idea sparks a song, and other times it's a melody. "Moondance" started as a jazz saxophone instrumental, and Van played that original sax solo he wrote for the song. He told Rolling Stone magazine: "I used to play this sax number over and over, anytime I picked up my horn."
That Rolling Stone quote is about all you're going to get from Van regarding the song. He is notoriously fickle when it comes to speaking about his music, as he feels that the songs should speak for themselves. The liner notes to the Moondance album were written by his girlfriend Janet Planet, and instead of a traditional explanation of the recording process or a list of thank-you's, these notes are a fable, telling the story of an artist in ancient times who has a great gift but keeps it to himself. When his wife gets sick, he cures her using his gift of song. She then asks, "But who will ease your pain, who will save you?"
The flute is a big part of this song. It was played by Collin Tilton, who replaced John Payne on the instrument for the Moondance album.
This song plays throughout the sex scene in the 1981 movie An American Werewolf in London (Director John Landis also asked Cat Stevens for the use of "Moonshadow," but was turned down). It was also used in a 2002 episode of the TV series The West Wing.
Pianist and organist Jeff Labes recalled the recording of the track to Uncut: "I remember 'Moondance' itself was a big question mark. It was jazzy, and didn't seem to belong to the pack. The first time we recorded it, it came out really well, but Van thought there must be a catch. So we did it about a dozen times, and ended up going back to the first one, He liked to sing live along with the track, because Sinatra did that. He loved having a first-take vocal. He was looking for the magic."

Comments: 15

Katie from IowaThis was the song we danced to at our wedding for our ‘first dance’ together as a married couple 25 years ago. It has now become such a part of our story…my username for many platforms, and a great reminder of our love together.
Jerry from Niles, MiOnly song I know of that has the word "fantabulous" in it. A classic.
Mary from Phoenix, AzKelli, that's a great idea! My fiance' and I were trying to think of a first dance song for our wedding...and it happens to be in October!
Eb from Conch Republic, Mid-ter., FlThis song is incredible. How can you pick just one thing about it?
Jeff from Casa Grande, Azwhy is there no place for the best song on this album? BRAND NEW DAY !!!!???
Mchael from Winston-salem, NcThe entire album is a classic
Esther from Toronto, OnI love this song :)
Our chamberstrings is playing this song. :D
Renee from Bloomington, MnLove Van Morrison's music. It is some of the most beautiful stuff ever composed in my opinion.
Cole from Milton , WaReally, what makes this song and Van Morrison so great is the off beat tempo and note holding that he is best known for. His voice stands out in a sea of sameness...
Debra, Puyallup, Wa.
Lalah from Wasilla, AkDon't care much for saxaphone. What I remember most about this song is the flute. Fantabulous.
Rob from Vancouver, CanadaBad Moon Rising, Blue Moon a couple of the other
great tunes in American Werewolf in London. Funniest horror flick, or scariest comedy.
Kelli from Cedar Rapids, IaI'm using this song as the first dance in my wedding.
Scott from Columbus, OhNaturally interpreted as the pure fascination of love , new and old... but It's hard to distinguish which lyrocs from Van M. are done out of physical live or spiritual love.....it's beyond me which he was writing about at this time...but it's work of a genius nonetheless.
One of the most profound and prolific writers of our(my) time.
John from Edinburgh, ScotlandUsed in 'American Werewolf in London' - Think about it!
Tressa from Eaton Rapids, MiGreat song!! Van Morrison is a great artist!

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