In follow up to last week’s story, which was written by my daughter Haley, this week’s story was written by my son Jeremy. It is the second in the series of stories guest written by my children as their Father’s Day gift to me.
Title: Change Isn’t Always Good, But Sometimes It Is
Author: Jeremy Gallagher
Did you know that one of Van Morrison’s most beloved songs, “Brown Eyed Girl,” was originally titled “Brown Skinned Girl”? It’s true! The song was written in the mid-1960s and was inspired by Morrison’s memories of a young woman he had met while growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
At the time, Morrison was playing in a band called “Them”, and was just starting to make a name for himself in the music industry. He had already written a few songs, but “Brown Skinned Girl” was something special. The song had a catchy melody and upbeat lyrics that captured the carefree spirit of youth.
However, when Morrison brought the song to his record label, Bang Records, they were hesitant to release it with the original title. They felt that “brown skinned” might be seen as controversial or offensive, especially in the racially charged climate of the 1960s. So, Morrison reluctantly agreed to change the title to “Brown Eyed Girl” and the rest is history.
Despite the title change, “Brown Eyed Girl” went on to become one of Morrison’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been covered by countless artists over the years and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Well, my dad did know that, and he has shared that story with me every time that song came on for the last 34 years of my life. It’s amazing how music can bring people together and create lasting memories. Even now, it’s impossible for me to hear that song without thinking of my dad sharing that story as if I’d never heard it before.
This is just one of the countless connections that I’ve made with my dad over music, and I hope to create many more over the years. It’s a testament to the power of music and the way it can connect us to our past and to each other. Thanks for letting me share that story with you all!
Click here to watch the video of Brown Eyed Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaz1AB006-g
Thank you Jeremy for a great story. You totally rocked it, no pun intended.
So now you know. Come back next week and read the final instalment of the three stories written by my kids right here at As The Story Goes.
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