Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl

Introduction:

“Brown Eyed Girl,” one of Van Morrison’s most enduring and beloved tracks, was recorded in March 1967 at A&R Studios in New York City. Written by Morrison and produced by Bert Berns, the song was originally titled “Brown-Skinned Girl,” reflecting the Calypso influences that inspired its composition. However, Morrison changed the title during the recording process, allegedly due to considerations for radio appeal. The song was released as the lead single of Morrison’s debut solo album, Blowin’ Your Mind!.

The track’s bright melody, infectious rhythm, and nostalgic lyrics evoke memories of carefree youth, love, and simpler times. Its iconic opening guitar riff and sing-along chorus have cemented its place in popular music history. Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics faced controversy upon release, with the original line “making love in the green grass” edited out for being too explicit for some radio stations. This alteration did not hinder the song’s success; it peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a radio mainstay, logging over 10 million plays in the U.S. alone.

The success of “Brown Eyed Girl” established Morrison as a solo artist following his departure from the band Them. However, Morrison expressed mixed feelings about the track, calling it “the money song” and noting that it’s not among his personal favorites. Complicating matters, his unfavorable contract with Bang Records denied him royalties for the song despite its massive popularity. Nonetheless, “Brown Eyed Girl” remains a cornerstone of Morrison’s career and has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame

Video:

https://youtu.be/kqXSBe-qMGo?si=rKbZUUwreFOOaorO

Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl (Original Version) (https://youtu.be/kqXSBe-qMGo?si=rKbZUUwreFOOaorO)

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