Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey” is a lyrical journey that blends romantic imagery with a deep appreciation for the subject’s intrinsic sweetness and purity. At its core, this song is a love ballad, celebrating an individual who epitomizes tupelo honey’s natural, unspoiled beauty and sweetness. Morrison’s message seems to be about the enduring nature of true love and the ineffable qualities that make someone special. The song isn’t just a tribute to a loved one; it’s an ode to the kind of love that’s as rare and pure as the honey he references. It’s believed that Morrison wrote this song as a heartfelt expression of his feelings for his then-wife, Janet Planet, reflecting his deep admiration and affection for her.
Throughout “Tupelo Honey,” Morrison’s lyrics blend romantic idealism with a grounded sense of reality, creating a timeless love song that resonates with listeners for its authenticity and poetic beauty. He captures true love’s essence as something extraordinary and every day, as natural and necessary as honey from a bee. Keep reading for a deep dive into the lyrical beauty and hidden meanings.
“Tupelo Honey” Lyrics Meaning
Morrison opens with an invitation to imagine the impossible: “You can take all the tea in China / Put it in a big brown bag for me.” This line sets the stage for a journey that transcends the mundane, suggesting that the love he describes is beyond ordinary measures and boundaries.
The refrain, “She’s as sweet as tupelo honey,” is a powerful metaphor. Tupelo honey, known for its purity and unique sweetness, represents a love that is rare, natural, and unspoiled by the world. When Morrison sings, “She’s an angel of the first degree,” he elevates his beloved, placing her on a pedestal of almost divine purity and goodness. The repeated comparison to honey not only emphasizes her sweetness but also her natural, effortless grace.
The verses, “You can’t stop us on the road to freedom / You can’t keep us ’cause our eyes can see,” introduce a theme of resilience and insight. Morrison seems to be saying that the power of their love and their clear vision of the world makes them unstoppable. The mention of “Men with insight, men in granite / Knights in armor bent on chivalry,” adds a layer of timelessness to the song, connecting the love he describes to age-old values of honor, strength, and protection.
Morrison reinforces these themes as the song progresses, blending the personal with the universal. “You know she’s alright with me,” speaks volumes. It’s a statement of acceptance, contentment, and deep connection. The song’s conclusion brings us back to the starting imagery, creating a sense of completeness and eternal cycle.
The Story Behind “Tupelo Honey”
When Van Morrison penned “Tupelo Honey,” he was not just creating a song but immortalizing a deeply personal chapter of his life. The song was written when Morrison was deeply in love with his then-wife, Janet Planet. This period was marked by a sense of contentment and personal fulfillment, reflected in the song’s warm, affectionate tone. The choice of ‘tupelo honey’ as a metaphor was no accident. Known for its rarity and exceptional sweetness, tupelo honey symbolizes something precious and extraordinary. Morrison, through this analogy, was expressing how he saw his relationship – as something unique, pure, and irreplaceable. The song’s imagery, drawn from nature and chivalry, points to Morrison’s desire to find and celebrate something timeless and enduring in his love.
While writing the song, Morrison’s state of mind seems to have been one of deep appreciation and awe for his partner. He saw in her qualities that were transcendent, almost spiritual in nature, which is evident in lines like “She’s an angel of the first degree.” This isn’t just a song about love; it’s a tribute to someone who brought profound meaning and joy into Morrison’s life.
Moreover, the song’s recurring themes of freedom and insight reflect Morrison’s own journey at the time. It was a period when he was exploring new artistic territories, feeling unbound by conventional musical styles and societal norms. “Tupelo Honey” is as much about personal liberation and creative freedom as it is about romantic love.
In essence, “Tupelo Honey” is a snapshot of Morrison’s life, capturing his emotional landscape and artistic vision at a particularly harmonious and fulfilling moment.