🌕 About the Song
Released in 1970, Moondance was Van Morrison’s leap from mystical folk poet (Astral Weeks) to smooth jazz gentleman. Where his earlier work floated in the clouds, this one keeps both feet on a candlelit dance floor.
It’s sensual without trying too hard — “It’s a marvellous night for a moondance…” is basically shorthand for “I’m about to charm the hell out of you.”
Musically, it’s a jazz waltz-meets-swing hybrid with walking bass lines, smoky sax, and Morrison’s signature mix of grit and grace. It’s romantic but grounded — the sound of someone who knows love isn’t perfect, but it’s damn worth dancing for.
The song became an instant classic and has stayed one ever since. You can hear it at weddings, jazz clubs, dive bars, and any café that thinks dim lighting equals soul.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords:Am – Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – E7.
- Verse groove: Am – Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – Bm7b5 – E7 – Am.
- Simplify if needed: Am – Dm – G – C – F – E7 – Am.
- Strumming pattern: Gentle swing: Down (hold) Down-Up (hold) Up-Down-Up, around 110 bpm.
- Feel: Loose and jazzy — accent beat 2 slightly for that lazy swing.
- Tone: Strum with fingertips for a warm, velvety sound.
- Dynamics: Keep it low and smoky — it’s a conversation, not a shout.
- Optional flourish: Add a brushed Am6 (2433) at the end of each verse — pure mood.
- Advanced trick: Alternate between Am and Am(maj7) (2413) during the intro — that’s the Van magic right there.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- Moondance almost didn’t make the album — Van thought it might be “too jazzy.” His producer told him to get over himself.
- It never charted as a single until seven years later (1977), and then became one of his signature songs.
- The sax solo is by Jack Schroer, recorded in one flawless take.
- Van Morrison once said he wrote it “in one breath” — a fair description of how it feels to sing, too.
🌈 Final Word
Play Moondance like you’re half in love and half showing off. Keep your rhythm lazy, your touch light, and your grin knowing.
This isn’t a strum-fest — it’s a sway.
If nobody starts involuntarily snapping their fingers by the chorus, pour them another drink and try again.
