Was

Song Meaning

Van Morrison's "Was" is a melancholic meditation on time, memory, and the inevitable fading of the present into the past. It's a song steeped in the bittersweet realization that all things, even the most cherished, are transient. Morrison isn't just pondering personal mortality; he's considering the broader sweep of history and culture. The opening lines, "When I become was and we become were," immediately establish this sense of temporal displacement, a movement from the vibrant 'now' into the spectral 'then.' The poignant question that follows – "Will there be any sign or a trace of th' lovely contour of your face" – speaks to the fear of oblivion, the anxiety that the unique beauty and experiences of the present will vanish without a trace. It's a universal fear, amplified by the awareness of time's relentless march. The lyrics delve into the heart of human connection and its susceptibility to time. He wonders if future generations will experience the same "moments of unspoken bliss." This isn't just nostalgia; it’s a deeper inquiry into the enduring nature of human emotion. Will future societies value the same things, experience love and joy in similar ways, or will they be consumed by a "dark new age of complaints"? The song subtly juxtaposes the possibility of timeless human experiences against the potential for societal decay, suggesting that the preservation of beauty and connection is a conscious choice. He also hints that his own artistic legacy may be carried forward. Ultimately, "Was" is a poignant reflection on the impermanence of existence. The image of "Susans and Ralphs / Lookin' at old photographs" encapsulates the song's core theme: the act of remembering, of grappling with the past in an attempt to understand the present. The song doesn't offer easy answers or comforting platitudes. Instead, it invites us to confront the unsettling reality of time's passage and to consider what truly matters in the face of inevitable change. It's a reminder that while everything eventually "becomes was," the echoes of our experiences, and the memories we create, may linger on in the hearts and minds of those who come after us.