Song Meaning

Van Morrison's "Freaky If You Got This Far" isn't a straightforward anthem; it’s a darkly playful and unsettling commentary on exploitation and the commodification of individuality. The repeated phrase, "If you got this far," suggests a journey, perhaps one of self-discovery or artistic pursuit, but the reward for that journey is far from celebratory. Instead, it's a declaration of 'freakiness,' which is immediately followed by the sinister proposition: "We can do something with you." This suggests that reaching a certain level of visibility or achievement makes one vulnerable to being exploited for their unique qualities. The lyrics hint at the music industry, or perhaps society at large, as a machine that seeks to capitalize on those who dare to be different. The "we" represents the forces that seek to package and sell nonconformity. The idea of being "put in a jar / And sell you / As a freak" is particularly disturbing, evoking a sense of dehumanization. The lyrics paint a picture of someone's identity, their very essence, being reduced to a spectacle for profit. This resonates with a broader critique of how society often fetishizes and profits from marginalized groups or individuals perceived as 'other.' Morrison's use of the word 'freaky' itself is complex. While it initially sounds like an invitation to embrace one's unconventionality, the context quickly reveals a more cynical undercurrent. The song's meaning becomes less about celebrating individuality and more about warning against the dangers of having that individuality co-opted and exploited. The seemingly random countdown, "Two, two, three," at the end only adds to the song's unsettling atmosphere. It could be interpreted as a countdown to the moment when the individual is fully absorbed into the system, their 'freakiness' packaged and ready for consumption. "Freaky If You Got This Far" ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder that the journey to self-expression can be fraught with peril, and that those who seek to profit from our uniqueness are always lurking in the shadows.