New Biography

Van Morrison's song 'New Biography' delves into the complexities and frustrations of fame, particularly the way it distorts personal history and relationships. The lyrics express Morrison's discontent with the way his life story has been manipulated by so-called friends and acquaintances who claim to know him. He questions the authenticity of their memories and the motivations behind their narratives, suggesting that these individuals are more interested in the 'fame game' than in the truth. This theme is particularly poignant in the lines, 'How come they've got such good memories / And I can't even remember last week,' highlighting the disparity between public perception and personal reality.

The song also critiques the modern obsession with celebrity culture and the internet's role in perpetuating false narratives. Morrison laments that people who didn't truly know him in the past are now reinventing stories about him, giving them a different slant for their own purposes. This is evident in the lines, 'Reinvented all the stories they know / Give them all a different slant / What is it that they're really looking for / Just a hobby on the internet.' The song suggests that these fabrications are not just harmless gossip but have real emotional consequences, as they distort the artist's true self and legacy.

Throughout 'New Biography,' Morrison repeatedly asks, 'Please tell me who's to blame,' indicating his frustration and helplessness in the face of these distortions. The recurring mention of the 'fame game' and 'name game' underscores the superficiality and triviality of these pursuits, contrasting sharply with the genuine human experience. The song serves as a poignant commentary on the pitfalls of fame and the ways in which it can alienate individuals from their own histories and identities. Morrison's soulful delivery and introspective lyrics make 'New Biography' a powerful critique of the celebrity culture that often prioritizes sensationalism over authenticity.