About the song
“Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison is a lyrical masterpiece that beautifully showcases the artist’s unique blend of soul, folk, and rock influences. Released in 1971, this song is the title track of Morrison’s fifth studio album, “Tupelo Honey.” The album marked a period of domestic bliss for Morrison, and the song reflects a serene and deeply romantic appreciation for life’s simple, yet profound, pleasures.
Van Morrison wrote “Tupelo Honey” himself, imbuing the song with his signature poetic lyricism. The title refers to the high-quality honey produced from the flowers of the tupelo tree, metaphorically representing purity and sweetness. The lyrics, “She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey, just like honey from the bee,” celebrate the beauty and purity of a loving relationship, making it an anthem of love and devotion.
Musically, “Tupelo Honey” is a rich tapestry of sound, featuring a mix of country, soul, and jazz elements. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar and is soon joined by a smooth rhythm section, horns, and Morrison’s soulful, expressive voice. This blend of instruments and styles creates a warm, inviting sound that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical content.
While “Tupelo Honey” did not achieve major chart success as a single, it has become one of Van Morrison’s most beloved songs. The album itself reached number 27 on the Billboard 200, further establishing Morrison’s reputation as a masterful songwriter and performer. Over the years, “Tupelo Honey” has continued to resonate with audiences, becoming a staple in Morrison’s live performances and a favorite among his fans.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt and timeless message. It captures the essence of true love and the simple joys found in everyday life, delivered with Morrison’s heartfelt sincerity. “Tupelo Honey” stands as a testament to Morrison’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
For many listeners, “Tupelo Honey” evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding them of the beauty of love and the tranquility of life’s sweet moments. Van Morrison’s ability to convey such profound emotions through his music ensures that “Tupelo Honey” remains a cherished classic, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. This song, with its soulful melody and poignant lyrics, continues to be a shining example of Van Morrison’s extraordinary talent and timeless appeal.
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Lyrics
You can take all the tea in China
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail right around all the seven oceans
Drop it straight into the deep blue sea
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet, she’s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
You can’t stop us on the road to freedom
You can’t keep us ’cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granites
Knights in armor bent on chivalry
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
(She’s an angel)
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
You can’t stop us on the road to freedom
You can’t stop us ’cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor intent on chivalry
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
(She’s an angel)
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
Oh, you know she’s alright, oh, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
But you know, you know, you know
She’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
You know, you know, you know
You know, you know, she’s alright, alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s alright, yes, she’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s all, she’s alright, she’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright, she’s alright, she’s alright
(She’s an angel)
You can take all the tea in China
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail it right around all the seven oceans
Drop it, smack dab in the middle of the deep blue sea
Because she’s as sweet as tupelo honey, yes she is
She’s an angel of the first degree
(She’s an angel)
Oh, she’s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
(She’s an angel)
Oh, she’s sweet as tupelo honey
She’s an angel, angel of the first degree
(She’s an angel)
She’s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like the real thing from, from the bee
You know, she’s alright, oh, she’s alright, she’s alright with me
(She’s an angel)
She’s my baby, you know, she’s alright
(She’s an angel)
(She’s my baby, baby)
She’s my baby, don’t you know, she’s alright?
(She’s an angel)
(She’s my baby)
She’s an angel
She’s an angel
She’s an angel