Foreign Window
Van Morrison · Other Songs - Van Morrison
Bearing down the sufferinÂ’ road
You were carryin' your burden
To the palace of the Lord
To the palace of the Lord
I spied you from a foreign window
When the lilacs were in bloom
And the sun shone through your window pane
To the place you kept your books
You were reading on your sofa
You were singin' every prayer
That the masters had instilled in you
Since Lord Byron loved despair
In the palace of the Lord
In the palace of the Lord
Bridge:
And if you get it right this time
You don't have to come back again
And if you get it right this time
There's no need to explain
I saw you from a foreign
Bearing down the sufferin' road
You were carryin' your burden
You were singing about Rimbaud
I was going down to Geneva
When the Kingdom had been found
I was giving you protection
From the loneliness of the crowd
In the palace of the Lord
In the palace of the Lord
They were giving you religion
Breaking bread and drinking wine
And you laid out on the green hills
Just like when you were a child
I saw you from a foreign window
You were trying to find your way back home
You were carrying your defects
Sleeping on a pallet on the floor
In the palace of the Lord
In the palace of the Lord
In the palace of the Lord
Etc etc...
Foreign Window
Foreign Window stands as a poignant song in Van Morrison's expansive discography, capturing the introspective and atmospheric qualities that define his mature work. The track reflects the artist's signature ability to blend soulful vocals with a rich, textured soundscape, often drawing from jazz and R&B traditions. While the song may not carry the immediate commercial recognition of hits like Brown Eyed Girl or Tupelo Honey, it exemplifies the depth found throughout his catalogue. Morrison's approach on this recording emphasizes mood and emotional resonance, inviting listeners into a contemplative space characteristic of his most enduring compositions. The piece remains a testament to his consistent artistic vision and his capacity to craft timeless music that resonates across decades.