This Weight

Van Morrison's song 'This Weight' delves into the emotional and psychological burdens that come with fame and public scrutiny. The recurring motif of 'this weight' symbolizes the heavy toll that constant attention and expectations take on the artist's heart, soul, and overall well-being. The weight is described as something that is tearing him apart and won't leave him alone, indicating a sense of inescapable pressure and distress.

The lyrics also touch on the desire for anonymity and a simpler life, free from the prying eyes of the public. Morrison mentions the neighborhood people watching him and the need to move to protect his sanity. This suggests that the constant surveillance and lack of privacy are significant contributors to the weight he feels. The reference to Hollywood and the preference for a Robin Hood-like existence further emphasize his yearning for a life that is more genuine and less encumbered by the superficialities of fame.

In the final verses, Morrison reflects on his early days in rock and roll, which initially set him free in body and soul. However, the weight of fame has since overshadowed that freedom, bringing him down and leaving him perpetually unsatisfied. This contrast highlights the disillusionment that can come with achieving success, where the initial joy and liberation are replaced by a relentless burden. Through 'This Weight,' Van Morrison poignantly captures the complex and often painful reality of living in the public eye.