Not Working For You
Van Morrison · Other Songs - Van Morrison
It keeps getting worse before it gets better.
It keep killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya',
bringin' ya' down.
Killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', bringin' ya' down.
Pleasin' everybody.
Ya' know it gets ya' nowhere.
Pleasin' everybody.
A-what the fuck do they care.
They're only killin' ya, killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', bringin' ya' down.
Oh no!
Ain't gonna be your boy no more.
Ya' got one less nigger behind the store.
Tried my best to please you,
please you to the letter,
but anything is better
than this diabolic pressure.
Not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more.
I'm not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more.
I'm not workin' for you, I'm not!
I'm not workin' for you no more.
I'm not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more.
Ahhh!
Workin' for me.
Stated you'll come back soon
'fore I went to (washin'?).
That'll keep ya' goin',
keep ya' in position.
Stop it from killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya,
bringin' ya' down.
Killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya',
bringin' ya' down.
Oh! diabolic pressure.
It get worse before it gets better.
Uh, diabolic pressure.
I get worse before it gets better.
It's just killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', bringin' ya' down.
Keep killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', killin' ya', bringin' ya' down.
Oh no, ain't gonna be your boy no more.
Ya' got one less nigger behind the store.
{Let me tell ya' somethin' else, can I tell ya'?}
Tried my best to please you,
please you to the letter {didn't do no good}.
Anything is better
than this diabolic pressure.
Not workin' for you {my nose is open}.
I'm not workin' for you no more, no!
I'm not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more, no!
I'm not workin' for you {nose is open}.
I'm not workin' for you no more, no!
I'm not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more.
No, no, no!
{Leave the (babe?)}
{Get it!}
Not workin' for you.
I've had enough of this breathin' down my back.
This time you're workin' for me.
You're workin' for me this time.
You're workin' for me.
Tried my best to please you,
please you to the letter,
but anything is better
than this diabolic pressure.
Not workin' for you.
I'm not workin' for you no more.
Not workin' for you.
Not workin' for you no more {my nose is open}.
Not workin' for you {play it man!}
Not workin' for you no more.
{Get down right there on the bass David.}
Ahhhh!!
Ahhhhhhggggg!!!
Not workin' for you.
Not workin' for you no more.
Not workin' for you.
Not workin' for you no more.
I'm workin' for me.
Not workin' for you.
Owwww!
Not workin' for you.
No more, no more.
Nawww!
{My nose is open.}
My nose is open.
Owwww!
Yeahh!
We got it...
Not Working For You
Van Morrison's "Not Working For You" stands as a quintessential example of his mid-career soul and R&B fusion, characterized by lush harmonies and a driving, rhythmic groove. Released during a period where Morrison was redefining the boundaries of rock and soul, the track showcases his signature ability to blend complex musical structures with deeply emotional vocal delivery. The recording features a tight ensemble arrangement that highlights the interplay between the lead vocals and the backing choir, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. While often associated with his broader catalog of soulful ballads, this specific composition distinguishes itself through its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, reflecting the vibrant musical landscape of the era. It remains a staple in discussions of Morrison's contributions to the soul genre, demonstrating his mastery of rhythm and harmony without relying on overtly dramatic rock elements.