British Rock
Van Morrison wrote and recorded the song in 1967. It was released on his 1967 album Blowin’ Your Mind! He also released it as a single, backed with “Goodbye Baby,”and it went to #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It became a signature song for him and a staple on classic rock radio stations. It’s also a Hot Ringtone. On the track were Eric Gale, Hugh McCracker, and Al Gorgoni on guitar. There were also Russ Savakus on bass, Paul Griffin on piano, and Gary Chester on drums.
Back in the day, the lyrics were a bit suggestive for some radio stations. They replaced the line “makin’ love in the green grass” with “laughin’ and a runnin’, hey hey.” My how times change…
The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Iain Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, Adele, Billy Ray Cyrus, Johnny Rivers, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Bob Dylan, Green Day, Lagwagon, Joe Stampley, and many more.
Van Morrison has been knighted, and is Sir George Ivan Morrison. He continues to tour and perform.