Van Morrison’s 50 Greatest Songs Countdown – #41 Dweller on the Threshold

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message message_box_color=”mulled_wine” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]I’m a dweller on the threshold
And I’m waiting at the door
And I’m standing in the darkness
I don’t want to wait no more[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Facts

Wikipedia:

Written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and first released on his 1982 album, Beautiful Vision. It was released as a single on the B-Side in 1982 with the instrumental “Scandinavia” as the “A” tune. Another release in 1984 had a live version of “Dweller on the Threshold” as the A-Side.

The song was recorded for the album on the Beautiful Visions sessions in summer 1981 at the Record Plant Studios in Sausalito, California.

The album sleeve states that the lyrics on this song and part of “Aryan Mist” were inspired by the 1950 publication, Glamour —A World Problem by Alice Bailey and the Tibetan master, Djwal Khul, as described in Van Morrison’s liner notes for the album. According to the teachings of Bailey, there are a series of what she calls “glamours” which are mental illusions creating a fog that veils the spiritual wanderer from seeing the world as it truly is. He becomes illuminated as a “dweller on the threshold” when the “Angel of Presence” purifies the soul with light. This song was co-written with Morrison’s engineer Hugh Murphy.

Personnel

Van Morrison – vocals
Tom Donlinger – drums
Pee Wee Ellis – tenor saxophone
Chris Hayes – guitar
David Hayes – bass guitar
Mark Isham – trumpet
Pauline Lozano – backing vocals
Chris Michie – guitar
Annie Stocking – backing vocals
Bianca Thornton – backing vocals

Live:

Known Performances: 206
First performance: October 22, 1981 – Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA
Last performance: July 16, 2005 – Audley End, Saffron Walden, England

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Quotes

The pounding ‘Dweller On The Threshold’ is one of Morrison’s most convincing depictions of his frequent quest for spiritual enlightenment. It is a journey from the darkness into light, and propelled by Tom Dollinger’s relentless drum and cymbal rhythm, Van takes you along for the ride.
–> Patrick Humphries. The Complete Guide to the Music of Van Morrison

..to mean someone poised to make a breakthrough in their lives, be that finding religion, love or simply a new purpose. It’s a prime example of where Morrison’s piecemeal spirituality totally works in song, even if it looks less convincing on paper. The gently propulsive rhythm, exuberant staccato horns and gospel-esque backing vocals all help create a sense if incredible uplift. Not the first time you’ll happily have some of whatever Van’s having.
–> Sam Richards. The Ultimate Music Guide – Van Morrison by UNCUT Magazine

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