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Van Morrison — Precious Time
Album: Back On Top
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1340









Released: 1999
Length: 3:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Precious time is slipping away
But youre only king for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray
Precious time is slipping away

It doesnt matter what route you take
Sooner or later the hearts going to break
No rhyme or reason, no master plan
No nirvana, no promised land

Because, precious time is slipping away
Yuu know youre only king for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray
Precious time is slipping away

Say que sera, whatever will be
But then I keep on searching for immortality
Shes so beautiful but shes going to die some day
Everything in life just passes away

But, precious time is slipping away
You know shes only queen for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray
Precious time is slipping away

Well this world is cruel with its twists and turns
Well the fires still in me and the passion burns
I love a medley til the day I die
til hell freezes over and the rivers run dry

Precious time is slipping away
You know shes only queen for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray because
Precious time is slipping away

Precious time is slipping away
You know youre only king for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray
Precious time is slipping away

Precious time is slipping away
You know youre only king for a day
It doesnt matter to which God you pray because
Precious time is slipping away
Comments (103)add comment
 bigbargain wrote:

i used to like Van Morrison, but VM is just over played on RP and I've grown tired of it.  I down voted mostly because there are other performers and I'd like to hear them.  And frankly, this isn't one of his better songs anyway.  P.S. I still love RP.




Yep, 2nd VM song in about 2 hours this morning.
Posted 2 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
i used to like Van Morrison, but VM is just over played on RP and I've grown tired of it.  I down voted mostly because there are other performers and I'd like to hear them.  And frankly, this isn't one of his better songs anyway.  P.S. I still love RP.
Posted 2 years ago by bigbargain    [ Reply ]
Very Fats Domino.
Posted 2 years ago by john22    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

Not the time of year but still I hear a bit of Bruce Springsteen's Santa Clause Is Coming To Town.



It's always time for Clarence Clemons (that's where the similarity ends for me) 
Posted 2 years ago by nannimae    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:
Not the time of year but still I hear a bit of Bruce Springsteen's Santa Clause Is Coming To Town.
 
Or Dumas Walker by The Kentucky Headhunters
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Good song
Posted 4 years ago by cassanjp    [ Reply ]
never get tired of van morrison... so many good tunes that never get old!
Posted 4 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
 quesarah wrote:
Jolly song. Tempus fugit. But fruit flies like a banana.
 
Only jolly, boop de boop. What happened to the poetic champion of Astral Weeks?
Posted 4 years ago by avikatz    [ Reply ]
Jolly song. Tempus fugit. But fruit flies like a banana.
Posted 5 years ago by quesarah    [ Reply ]
Live life to the fullest possible, we’ve been blessed with a very short time in this world Love everyone especially your music provider
Posted 5 years ago by tiler    [ Reply ]
Not the time of year but still I hear a bit of Bruce Springsteen's Santa Clause Is Coming To Town.
Posted 5 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
If you look at the landscape, you know a  queen could solve quite few problems, and that'd pretty funny.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 bronorb wrote:
Gotta admit, Lazarus, Best post ever. 


Thank you, bronorb!  Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of galactic presidential campaigns loves this precious song... we be dancing buck ass naked like Earthlings... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...  time flies when we're having fun... hope life is grand for you right this minute, bronorb...


Posted 8 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Every day is an aging event.

 
I'm older now than I was when I started typing this sentence.
Posted 9 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Instant Classic !
and nicely said! 
Posted 9 years ago by Singlow    [ Reply ]
It's cool the way a song can sometimes perfectly synchronize with your mood... Sometimes it seems like a whole Radio Station: three cheers for Radio Padadise!  This is one of my favorite cults!
Posted 9 years ago by Singlow    [ Reply ]
 ottojschlosser wrote:
Van is the master of finding a catchy phrase, combining it with a nice hook, and BEATING IT TO BLOODY DEATH.

 
In all fairness, this tendency is something that has developed over the years (i.e., the beating to death part), along with his girth. His most inventive era was decades ago, but he keeps churning along.
Posted 10 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this precious song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

 
Hmmmm Lazarus, I am not as ecstatic as you are, but this really is a fine song, and the first time I've heard it.
Posted 10 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this precious song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

 
Gotta admit, Lazarus, Best post ever.
Posted 10 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this precious song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Van is the master of finding a catchy phrase, combining it with a nice hook, and BEATING IT TO BLOODY DEATH.
Posted 11 years ago by ottojschlosser    [ Reply ]
I like Van Morrison better than Jim Morrison, all else being equal.

Exception: not that "doit-doit-doo-de-doo" song!
Posted 11 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
Bouncy, upbeat, Van the MAN at his best!
Posted 11 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Van at his best - shame he slips slides away so quickly at his gigs
Posted 11 years ago by Dave_Crick    [ Reply ]

Time flies when we're having fun...  sigh...  love this "classic" song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]


the paradox of happy music with such profound existential lyrics...  love it...  we be dancing with wanton epicureanism...

 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This is a treat.
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
Today is the youngest you will ever be.
 
Every day is an aging event.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
Today is the youngest you will ever be.
 
"You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely." - Ogden Nash

Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
 
...because it's more difficult to find a word which rhymes with "Morrison"?


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

Because if say Morrison in this context, which one do you mean?

 

Most folks who've met him and had time to talk about music and so forth will recall that he always says "Call me Van, if you please".   Van Morrison is a very personal person, reserved, almost shy, but when he speaks about something which touches his heart he becomes almost an extrovert.
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
That was great !  9
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
 
Because Van and I go back more than 15 years! he's been part of the most important moments of my life, his music cheers me up always, and I cannot say the same for other than very few friends... and because Van is the Man!!

Posted 13 years ago by juanos    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
 
Because if say Morrison in this context, which one do you mean?

Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

Bill - Have you been paying attention to those silly billboard;'s about how Saturday is the beginning of the end?


Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
Today is the youngest you will ever be.
 
"You're older than you'll ever be and now you're even older...and now you're even older..." They Might Be Giants

Posted 13 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Like LIKE Love MOONDANCE
Posted 13 years ago by Brianp73156    [ Reply ]
 pherthyl wrote:
Don't know much about history,
don't know much about biology,
Don't know much about a science book

Oh wait. Different song. That's a hell of a similarity in tune though. took me a bit of googling to figure out the song it reminded me of. (click here)
 

Yes, or ( from early Rolling Stones cover of Sam Cooke' "Good Times"):

It might be one o'clock, it might be three,
time don't mean that much to me,
Ain't felt this good since I don't know when,
I might not feel this good again...

Posted 13 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:

Jimi, Janice, Jerry, Elvis... if you can put last names to those first names, you'll realize it's not just Van's fans

 

Ringo...
Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
sounds like Ringo music
Posted 13 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
 
Jimi, Janice, Jerry, Elvis... if you can put last names to those first names, you'll realize it's not just Van's fans

Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 alisavox wrote:
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
 
'Cos Van's da Man, an' dat's a fack, Jack.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
why is everyone who likes him, on first name basis with Van Morrison?
Posted 14 years ago by alisavox    [ Reply ]
I will echo the sentiments of many and say this is one of the best Van albums of his more recent offerings.
Posted 14 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Very nice!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Great tune from Van, but High Summer needs to be in the rotation this time of the year.
Posted 15 years ago by polymath    [ Reply ]
i thought the beginning sounded like the theme to the match game or some such game.
Posted 15 years ago by ndad47    [ Reply ]
Today is the youngest you will ever be.
Posted 15 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Compare the lyrics of this song to the lyrics of Van's Full Force Gale.  It's really, really interesting.  {#Meditate}
Posted 16 years ago by almafi    [ Reply ]
Love the lowlying baritone sax in this one...so sexy.
Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Highly overlooked Van album. One of his best of the past 30 years, in my opinion.
Absolutely!
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
This song is awesome! Too bad the album art and title doesn't match how great it is. :-)
Posted 16 years ago by pmnixa    [ Reply ]
Old Van keeps improving with age.
Posted 16 years ago by jim1964    [ Reply ]
Yes, if you are a Van fan and you don't have this album, by all means get it. It's one of his best.
Posted 16 years ago by lingchih    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Highly overlooked Van album. One of his best of the past 30 years, in my opinion.
This is certainly the best I've heard him sound outside of Moondance and Astral Weeks.
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Love that sax! :-)
Posted 16 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
fretman wrote:
Words to live by.
Amen brother
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Highly overlooked Van album. One of his best of the past 30 years, in my opinion.
Yup yup yup
Posted 17 years ago by stabby    [ Reply ]
Words to live by.
Posted 17 years ago by fretman    [ Reply ]
Don't know much about history, don't know much about biology, Don't know much about a science book Oh wait. Different song. That's a hell of a similarity in tune though. took me a bit of googling to figure out the song it reminded me of. (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by pherthyl    [ Reply ]
This song started out a 7, then slipped to a 4 his hundred and whatever time through. Don't like one line songs that much.
Posted 17 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Highly overlooked Van album. One of his best of the past 30 years, in my opinion.
Absolutely
Posted 17 years ago by strick    [ Reply ]
Highly overlooked Van album. One of his best of the past 30 years, in my opinion.
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
So simple a statement "doesn't matter to which god you pray; precious time is slipping away" - such a global relevance -
Posted 18 years ago by bairdc    [ Reply ]
dango wrote:
Overrated artist, IMO.
You got it wrong, man...Van is way, way, way underrated.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
tonypf wrote:
Cookin' 40 years on!
You hit the nail on the head, Tony. And you know what - I think that's all Van is going for. Would love to see RP play Philosopher's Stone off this album. It's a great counter to the jaunty tempo of Precious Time.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Mmmm, yeah. Simple, foot-tappin' and true.
Posted 18 years ago by djinnthespazz    [ Reply ]
mistatebird wrote:
Interesting ruminations, but an unattractive mental picture. By the way, I disagree with you-but it's ok. May I ask why you look at your "poop"?
Maybe you should be looking at yours. Who knows what strange and wonderful things are going on inside you.
Posted 18 years ago by prairiedogj    [ Reply ]
This guy is simply fantastic... How can you not love "Into the Mystic" Simply perfect blue eyed soul... love it
Posted 18 years ago by huebdoo    [ Reply ]
R'n'R
Posted 18 years ago by iMacomania    [ Reply ]
dlheine wrote:
Amen. Back on Top is an outstanding album. It's well worth checking out.
It's my FAVORITE VM album!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by jamm    [ Reply ]
Interesting ruminations, but an unattractive mental picture. By the way, I disagree with you-but it's ok. May I ask why you look at your "poop"? beelzebubba wrote:
Listening to Van Morrison is kind of like seeing corn when you poop. It's annoying, and not pretty to look at, but it's ultimately harmless, and you just flush and forget about it.
Posted 18 years ago by mistatebird    [ Reply ]
At my age, this song says a lot. It's one of our most pensive, thought provoking, and favorite songs.
Posted 18 years ago by mistatebird    [ Reply ]
Cookin' 40 years on!
Posted 19 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
Is there such a thing as a bad Van Morrison song?
Yes, sadly, but we don't have to experience it here. :-) Likeable tune.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
Initially a 7, then I had to change it to an 8...any song that just makes me happy while I'm listening is more than the sum of its parts. Excellent!
I completely agree, and it's no truer of any artist than Van Morrison. I have this cd. At first I thought it was mediocre, now I love it.
Posted 19 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
Overrated artist, IMO.
Posted 19 years ago by dango    [ Reply ]
Initially a 7, then I had to change it to an 8...any song that just makes me happy while I'm listening is more than the sum of its parts. Excellent!
Posted 19 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
Listening to Van Morrison is kind of like seeing corn when you poop. It's annoying, and not pretty to look at, but it's ultimately harmless, and you just flush and forget about it.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
Is there such a thing as a bad Van Morrison song?
For sure, but not this one.
Posted 19 years ago by srbarry    [ Reply ]
Is there such a thing as a bad Van Morrison song?
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Hooky hook, man. I like. Groovin' down the highway!
Posted 19 years ago by Drummer4soul    [ Reply ]
I've been waiting for this tune to appear here. Guess which line *I* have a problem with... It PRECISELY matters. Catchy, but a 2.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
I never get tired of Van the man
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
Platypus wrote:
I'll never get the appeal of this guy's music.
Start with Gloria and work your way forward through 40 years of music. Maybe you'll find something that meets your standards. :)
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
I'll never get the appeal of this guy's music.
Posted 20 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
arimelmed wrote:
It's a great album. Sounds like old time Van Morrison. The best stuff he's put out in years.
Amen. Back on Top is an outstanding album. It's well worth checking out.
Posted 20 years ago by dlheine    [ Reply ]
plundis wrote:
Van is overrated... Isn't one of his songs being used to promote some mass consumer product now.... ? What is the world coming to...? Oh that means all you little alternative weirdos are now a giant consumer buying pool... trade your taste in for a new mini van or some other aweful thing his songs are promoting... -p
i think YOU are overrated as a critic!
Posted 20 years ago by kelli    [ Reply ]
It's cool when I click here to find out what album the song is on and I realize it's on an album I already own! Gotta drag it out again! FWIW, I give this song an "8". I only click on songs when I especially like them - so far I have never heard Bill play anything that I called "bad" - then I get in here and see all these smartass negative comments - just like on Amazon - there's always some of that around - even for the best stuff - all this personal attack stuff - "Van Morrison is overrated" - what can that possibly mean and to whom? Bleah.
Posted 20 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Out with the marginal 80's Van and back to what made him great in the first place!
Posted 20 years ago by Ziller    [ Reply ]
Van is overrated... Isn't one of his songs being used to promote some mass consumer product now.... ? What is the world coming to...? Oh that means all you little alternative weirdos are now a giant consumer buying pool... trade your taste in for a new mini van or some other aweful thing his songs are promoting... -p
Posted 20 years ago by plundis    [ Reply ]
:-s #-o :-&
Posted 21 years ago by LBRC    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Patrick: Thank God! Something I can get up and dance to!
If that's how you dance.. thankfully you don't dance often.. ;) Seriously.. just about anything by Van Morrison.. I still remember being 18 and discovering his music for the first time. While my parents weren't foreign to music, they were more into classical and jazz and didn't listen to much of the music of the day or allow it in their lives...
Posted 21 years ago by TreborG2    [ Reply ]
Thank God! Something I can get up and dance to!
Posted 21 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
Love this song. Good tune. Great message.
Posted 21 years ago by hchewning    [ Reply ]
Actually, I\'ve been thinking of picking up this disc, \"Back On Top\" but can anyone let me know about the quality of the rest of the album? I don\'t usually buy a disc just for one song...
Posted 21 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by guybejammin: This is a great tune by Van. We played it on our way down the aisle at the wedding.
I get this mental picture of the two of you doing a "Fred and Ginger" all the way from the church doors to the preacher.... Love it!
Posted 21 years ago by AC    [ Reply ]
I ran across this song last year sometime and it hasn\'t gotten old yet. It\'s got a wonderful bouncy simplicity and great lyrics. War Van Morrison
Posted 21 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
This is a great tune by Van. We played it on our way down the aisle at the wedding.
Posted 22 years ago by guybejammin    [ Reply ]
Nice tune - how about some of the stuff he did with Linda Gail Lewis to along with it?
Posted 22 years ago by rmurray248    [ Reply ]