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Van Morrison — Cleaning Windows
Album: Beautiful Vision
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1032









Released: 1982
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Oh, the smell of the bakery from across the street
Got in my nose
As we carried our ladders down the street
With the wrought-iron gate rows
I went home and listened to Jimmie Rodgers in my lunch-break
Bought five Woodbines at the shop on the corner
And went straight back to work.

Oh, Sam was up on top
And I was on the bottom with the v
We went for lemonade and Paris buns
At the shop and broke for tea
I collected from the lady
And I cleaned the fanlight inside-out
I was blowing saxophone on the weekend
In that down joint.

What's my line?
I'm happy cleaning windows
Take my time
I'll see you when my love grows
Baby don't let it slide
I'm a working man in my prime
Cleaning windows (number a hundred and thirty-six)

I heard Leadbelly and Blind Lemon
On the street where I was born
Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee,
Muddy Waters singin' "I'm A Rolling Stone"
I went home and read my Christmas Humphreys' book on Zen
Curiosity killed the cat
Kerouac's "Dharma Bums" and "On The Road"

What's my line?
I'm happy cleaning windows
Take my time
I'll see you when my love grows
Baby don't let it slide
I'm a working man in my prime
Cleaning windows
Comments (114)add comment
Number 36? WTF? Okay, Van. I'd prefer #37.
Posted 2 weeks ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

My favorite is Ed Robertson's/Barenaked Ladies "When I Fall." But choosing between the two is a fool's errand, yes?



No love for George Formby? probably the original window cleaning ditty
Posted 1 year ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite tunes of all time.    A soulful light-hearted tune that catches the essence of the working man's blues.    
Posted 3 years ago by bagadonutz    [ Reply ]
What a cool and funky Van track...8 with room...LLRP!!
Posted 3 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Ibnrudy wrote:
My cousin had a pug named Van Morrison.   In truth, it was a bit better tempered than the original, but still love the man.   And both look great in pork pie hats....
 
I love Van's music, have about 20 of his albums, and have seen him perform live 16 times, most of those during his peak in the 70s and 80s, when he was still playing small venues in the San Francisco area. I even had all of his living room furniture at one time, from a house he moved out of in Marin County, California. But from everything I have read, including a biography of him written by one of his former band mates, and people I know who used to play with and tour with Van The Man, he is quite the asshole in real life, very different from the beauty of so much of his music.
Posted 3 years ago by rednred    [ Reply ]
My cousin had a pug named Van Morrison.   In truth, it was a bit better tempered than the original, but still love the man.   And both look great in pork pie hats....
Posted 4 years ago by Ibnrudy    [ Reply ]
To me only 7 but I do not Skip    yet
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
always like this one lots. 

would be cool to hear "street in the city" next (townshend/lane) 
Posted 8 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 exurbia wrote:
My favourite window cleaning song. Lucky to be cleaning mine right now, I had to stop.

 
My favorite is Ed Robertson's/Barenaked Ladies "When I Fall." But choosing between the two is a fool's errand, yes?
Posted 8 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
My favourite window cleaning song. Lucky to be cleaning mine right now, I had to stop.
Posted 9 years ago by exurbia    [ Reply ]
A really fun song.  I love it!
Posted 9 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
this makes me feel like i'm pooping in reverse.. {#Moon} {#Cry}
 
Got pics or a YouTube?  I'm thinking this would be extremely difficult ... and that you must have been practicing for such a very long time.
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Leave it in the capable hands of Van Morrison to make a mundane thing like cleaning windows hip and cool.
Posted 10 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

One artist who has competely devoted his life to the consumption of alcohol--regardless of the commercial, health or popular consequences.

 
One of thousands.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
One artist who has competely devoted his life to the consumption of alcohol--regardless of the commercial, health or popular consequences.
 
? ? ?
Perhaps you're thinking of Shane MacGowan?
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
One artist who has completely devoted his life to his art--regardless of the commercial or popular consequences.

 
One artist who has competely devoted his life to the consumption of alcohol--regardless of the commercial, health or popular consequences.
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Great album, although this track is not typical of the mystical Celtic vibe of most of the album.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
One artist who has completely devoted his life to his art--regardless of the commercial or popular consequences.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 Barman wrote:

{#Iamwithstupid}

 
Indeed you are.
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:


Thank you so much for waxing so eloquently...

 
... and cluelessly.
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Brilliant, but the version on 'Live at the Grand Opera House" blows the pants off this...
Posted 11 years ago by catnip    [ Reply ]
Personally, to this I prefer George Formby's When I'm Cleaning Windows. TFF PSD.
Posted 11 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
yuk

Van, the boring Man
 

Thank you so much for waxing so eloquently...
Posted 12 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
 ambrebalte wrote:
I love Van Morrison. Sans condition.
 
I'm with u
Posted 12 years ago by juanos    [ Reply ]
 Sounds like Knopfler in the background at some points
Posted 12 years ago by Tom_Whitehorse    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
yuk

Van, the boring Man
 
{#Iamwithstupid}
Posted 12 years ago by Barman    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
yuk

Van, the boring Man
 
Sorry you don't get it.........
Posted 12 years ago by ZM_Herb    [ Reply ]
and follow this up with Joe Walsh's  All Night Laundermat Blues  
Posted 12 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Very nice!
 



Indeed, very very nice! Luv Van Morrison.
Posted 12 years ago by djaychicago    [ Reply ]
 mike00712 wrote:
I`ve played this Song before 10 Years in my own Band. I was the Drummer , and my Job Windowscleaner .  Wink
 
Don't think he was talking about the same windows. I've only cleaned mine once, at a dead show at Giants Stadium in 78
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Very nice!
Posted 12 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I`ve played this Song before 10 Years in my own Band. I was the Drummer , and my Job Windowscleaner .  Wink
Posted 12 years ago by mike00712    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:


...or Chuck.
 
or Hunter...

I just picked this up last week. Yep, they're all there. Like a friggin' time machine, listening to this.

Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:


This song came out in 1982 not 1964 and was on the Beautiful Vision LP. Here is the artwork

 
I rather dig the album. Though I always felt somewhat uneasy about that aryan mist stuff....

Posted 12 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
Most excellent and bouncing tune. Van always makes me feel good. 
Posted 12 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
Can't believe I had this as a nine. Corrected {#Dance}
Posted 12 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
George Formby was the genesis of this tune.
Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
this makes me feel like i'm pooping in reverse.. {#Moon} {#Cry}
 
wait, what?
Posted 13 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorite songs. Good stuff. 
Posted 13 years ago by burningcan    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Yes, we all know Van rhymes with man.  Good thing his name wasn't Rick or Mick.
 

...or Chuck.
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
UK in-joke. . . Arf!


Posted 13 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
this makes me feel like i'm pooping in reverse.. {#Moon} {#Cry}
Posted 14 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
What's with the numbers he shouts out.."number 126"?
Street numbers?
 

Sounds like he's calling out to one of his fellow window-cleaners - they usually worked in pairs or groups, in Belfast. And then "we'll be around tomorrow" sounds like he's finishing for the day and telling the home-owner that he'll be back the next day to do their windows. And yes, in B'lfast, it's pronounced "ta-marrah"!

Posted 14 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
{#Bounce}
Posted 14 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]


This song came out in 1982 not 1964 and was on the Beautiful Vision LP. Here is the artwork

Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 catnip wrote:
This is the song which made me finally get Van (which is odd, as it's not really typical). The comments below make sense, but if you take this as a song about a man just cutting loose and enjoying life, it works very well indeed. The version on "Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast" blows the socks off this (as it does off many of the studio recordings). If you don't get Van, ignore the "Best of", start with this live album, progress onto "It's too late to stop now", and then you'll be able to graduate to the studio albums. A trip well worth taking, and I'm still probably still only half way there...
 
I got Van since the days of The Band. I still get Van and he does 9's interspersed with some 10's.

-One of the Great British Invaders- {#War}
Posted 14 years ago by chanchu    [ Reply ]
This is the song which made me finally get Van (which is odd, as it's not really typical). The comments below make sense, but if you take this as a song about a man just cutting loose and enjoying life, it works very well indeed. The version on "Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast" blows the socks off this (as it does off many of the studio recordings). If you don't get Van, ignore the "Best of", start with this live album, progress onto "It's too late to stop now", and then you'll be able to graduate to the studio albums. A trip well worth taking, and I'm still probably still only half way there...
Posted 14 years ago by catnip    [ Reply ]
I love Van Morrison. Sans condition.
Posted 14 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
 Brooky wrote:
Van remains the man...We all know it...
 

Yes, we all know Van rhymes with man.  Good thing his name wasn't Rick or Mick.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 trempel wrote:
maybe some of like the lyrics because it offers a litle respite from those snobby people who think life can only be enjoyed with lots of money. Much of the world is working-class, and some of them actually are happy and able to enjoy the small and simple pleasures in life. LIke eating paris buns and lemonade at a little cafe somewhere. Chances are, amany of us would be a lot more happy idf we were capable of enjoying such things.
 

Very true.  Money isn't everything.  Unless you don't have any at all, of course.  Then it really is everything.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Van remains the man...We all know it...
Posted 15 years ago by Brooky    [ Reply ]
 nigelr wrote:
IMHO, easily one of his top ten recordings. Who is playing guit on this? Fantastic!
 
Mark Knopfler

Posted 15 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
IMHO, easily one of his top ten recordings. Who is playing guit on this? Fantastic!
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Interesting. The left channel fades out for a couple of seconds near the end, just like it does on my copy of this CD. Anyone else notice it? Anyone know if the track does that on Beautiful Vision as well?
Posted 15 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Long live the dreamers and idealists, god bless 'em.{#Daisy}
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Not my favorite Van song, but it introduced me to a lot of great music and books.  When I was a senior in college I read the lyrics and then looked up all of the things he referenced in the song... those things affected my life quite a bit.  Thanks Van!
Posted 15 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
 spoko wrote:
I hate this song. I like some of his stuff, but nobody over-romanticizes the working class like Van Morrison. Between him and Paul Simon, you'd think the best life in the world was lived by people who barely make it from one paycheck to the next (ow who have no paychecks in the first place).

And yes, I know Van Morrison used to be a window cleaner. That don't mean a thing—he didn't grow old in the working class, and that's where the reality lies.
 
Sounding a little bitter there. You're not an under paid middle-aged or older window cleaner not enjoying being that by any chance, are you? Not a bad happy-sounding song tho, by the way!


Posted 15 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
Van Morrison has put out some great songs.

This is not one of them.

Posted 15 years ago by bill-1956    [ Reply ]
Thanks for dusting this off & putting it on.
Such an underplayed under rated song. So nice to hear this one occasionally.
This was one of the selections on a dive pool bar juke box in Baltimore. I used to play it and watch the whole bar tap their feet to a song that they'd likely not heard before.
Van has his ups and downs. This is amongst his ups.
Now I'm listening to "Working Man's Blues". Nice segue!
Posted 16 years ago by jptl    [ Reply ]
Van the man!{#Bananajam}
Posted 16 years ago by laroue    [ Reply ]
I have no idea if this song is objectively good, but RP has taught me to love Van Morrison. So enjoyable!
Posted 16 years ago by HMS_Beagle    [ Reply ]
this addition to the collective body of knowledge is profound agnes wrote:
I had no idea Van Morrison could suck this much.
Posted 16 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
Oh man, this song is freakin' sweet. Thanks, Van.
Posted 16 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
https://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/vanmorrison/ BBC Four Sessions Tonight 10pm BBC Four Song writing genius, musical icon, hat-wearer - Van Morrison has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of soul, jazz and Celtic music for over forty years. Check out preview videos online ahead of tonight's programme.
Posted 16 years ago by cpmwi    [ Reply ]
I had no idea Van Morrison could suck this much.
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
boober wrote:
What's with the numbers he shouts out.."number 126"? Street numbers?
I believe it is the number of windows has cleaned that day.
Posted 16 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
Like his music,why's he such a grouch though...saw him in concert and he muttered everything, couldn't understand a word.
I agree. He's made some incredible albums, but he generally sucks live. He puts on his "Mr. Grumpy-Pants" persona.
Posted 16 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Cool tune.
Posted 16 years ago by Wisecrowe    [ Reply ]
What's with the numbers he shouts out.."number 126"? Street numbers?
Posted 16 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Van Morrison needs to give it a rest. He's so very tired.
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
George Fornby did it better
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
spoko wrote:
I hate this song. I like some of his stuff, but nobody over-romanticizes the working class like Van Morrison. Between him and Paul Simon, you'd think the best life in the world was lived by people who barely make it from one paycheck to the next (ow who have no paychecks in the first place). And yes, I know Van Morrison used to be a window cleaner. That don't mean a thing--he didn't grow old in the working class, and that's where the reality lies.
Oh chill the f#*k out.
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Wikipedia (click here) says it's Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) noodling guitar.
Posted 17 years ago by mrsquid    [ Reply ]
JokesandJokesandJokes wrote:
After I bought a certain DVD, I was hungry for Paris' buns as well
hmmmmmmm Paris's buns
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Okay...just too coincidental.There's actually a guy outside my office window...cleaning windows as the song plays.
Posted 17 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
Like his music,why's he such a grouch though...saw him in concert and he muttered everything, couldn't understand a word.
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
spoko wrote:
I hate this song. I like some of his stuff, but nobody over-romanticizes the working class like Van Morrison. Between him and Paul Simon, you'd think the best life in the world was lived by people who barely make it from one paycheck to the next (ow who have no paychecks in the first place). And yes, I know Van Morrison used to be a window cleaner. That don't mean a thing--he didn't grow old in the working class, and that's where the reality lies.
Van always tends to idealize. He does it using his memory. A good example would be Hymns to the silence, as an album, and especially the track On Hyndford Street thereon. Strange enough: Van is often able to idealize in a sincere, quite credible way. Go and have a listen to Hyndford Street.
Posted 17 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Long time no play. Lovely to hear it on this long afternoon. It's a great little tune.
Ditto. Ditto the rest too, but it's already been quoted at length. I don't give a damn where Van's from or not from . . . It's a happy song, and that's what it's about.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
trempel wrote:
maybe some of like the lyrics because it offers a litle respite from those snobby people who think life can only be enjoyed with lots of money. Much of the world is working-class, and some of them actually are happy and able to enjoy the small and simple pleasures in life. LIke eating paris buns and lemonade at a little cafe somewhere. Chances are, amany of us would be a lot more happy idf we were capable of enjoying such things.
Amen!
Posted 17 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Long time no play. Lovely to hear it on this long afternoon. It's a great little tune. I almost understand people who criticize those who "romanticize the working class," but it never holds up for me. It ain't Van's fault of Springsteen's that they got rich because of their talent. It doesn't change who they are or where they come from. If it's a Van song and it's not going on too much about Jesus (no offence!) it's probably a good song. This one is no exception.
Almost just said the same thing. Great point.
Posted 17 years ago by mamashannon    [ Reply ]
Long time no play. Lovely to hear it on this long afternoon. It's a great little tune. I almost understand people who criticize those who "romanticize the working class," but it never holds up for me. It ain't Van's fault of Springsteen's that they got rich because of their talent. It doesn't change who they are or where they come from. If it's a Van song and it's not going on too much about Jesus (no offence!) it's probably a good song. This one is no exception.
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
haha lemonade and paris buns!!! reminds me of growing up in Belfast
Posted 17 years ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
maybe some of like the lyrics because it offers a litle respite from those snobby people who think life can only be enjoyed with lots of money. Much of the world is working-class, and some of them actually are happy and able to enjoy the small and simple pleasures in life. LIke eating paris buns and lemonade at a little cafe somewhere. Chances are, amany of us would be a lot more happy idf we were capable of enjoying such things.
Posted 19 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
I hate this song. I like some of his stuff, but nobody over-romanticizes the working class like Van Morrison. Between him and Paul Simon, you'd think the best life in the world was lived by people who barely make it from one paycheck to the next (ow who have no paychecks in the first place). And yes, I know Van Morrison used to be a window cleaner. That don't mean a thing--he didn't grow old in the working class, and that's where the reality lies.
Posted 20 years ago by spoko    [ Reply ]
farleym wrote:
My most favorite Van tune.
Mine, too! I give it a THREE. Can the Van! Let's hear MUSIC!
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
apd wrote:
...he's making me hungry for Paris buns...
After I bought a certain DVD, I was hungry for Paris' buns as well
Posted 20 years ago by JokesandJokesandJokes    [ Reply ]
My most favorite Van tune. Thanks for playing it here!
Posted 20 years ago by farleym    [ Reply ]
Not quite John Lennon's Working Class Hero, but there's definitely some sincerity of story here.
Posted 20 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
That trumpet is calling me away from my work, wait, i still have to.. bumph.. ok alright.. i'll.. ok. alright... time to groove
Posted 20 years ago by littleblueriver7    [ Reply ]
Has anyone read Christmas Humphrey's book on Zen?
Posted 20 years ago by deacon_blue2001    [ Reply ]
This is my favorite song of all time - thanks for playing it. Rock on Van!
Posted 20 years ago by matta    [ Reply ]
Number 36!
Posted 20 years ago by mnuisance    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Anybody hear a kind of Grateful Dead groove going here? The geetar sounds particularly like Jerry's noodling.
I've always thought it sounded more like BB King, particularly the way it fills between the vocal lines.
Posted 20 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Durn... I though at first it was Delbert McClinton.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
Let's all walk close to the ground, now. I mean this in a good way.
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Anybody hear a kind of Grateful Dead groove going here? The geetar sounds particularly like Jerry's noodling.
Exactly what I was thinking!
Posted 21 years ago by quietman    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by tdogboy: "Go read my Christmas Humphries book on Zen." Wow! What a coincidence! I'm reading a Christmas Humphries book on Zen! I'm not a window cleaner, though. ;) What's that? That's the sound of newly found respect for the Van Man... My one hand is clapping. This song just has a nice happy feel, doesn't it? (Yeah, I know, ZEN or not, those two sentences can come across as something "uncle ernie" might say. ;) )
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by G: proudly displaying his Belfast accent at the end, too
...he's making me hungry for Paris buns...
Posted 21 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
\"Go read my Christmas Humphries book on Zen.\" Wow! What a coincidence! I\'m reading a Christmas Humphries book on Zen! I\'m not a window cleaner, though. ;) What\'s that? That\'s the sound of newly found respect for the Van Man. Thanks for the track, Bill.
Posted 21 years ago by tdogboy    [ Reply ]
Anybody hear a kind of Grateful Dead groove going here? The geetar sounds particularly like Jerry\'s noodling.
Posted 22 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by dmax: I know that he's trying to say something...reassuring... about blue collar work, but this comes off as patronizing.
I am pretty darn sure that Van used to clean windows in his younger years!
Posted 22 years ago by kaw2271    [ Reply ]
Van the Man... I also like his music.
Posted 22 years ago by var    [ Reply ]
Waaaaaaay back when, Van Morrison really was a window-cleaner. I believe, shortly before he formed Them. Loooooong after that, it (at least) brought him the pleasure of writing a very fine song, refering to it.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Never heard this one before, but I like it. Good working song. Lots of story. I also like the cymbol work and sax in the background.
Posted 22 years ago by CoolbeaN    [ Reply ]
What downright groovy tune! Go on, Mr. Morrison!
Posted 22 years ago by window    [ Reply ]