Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison
This song was released on the 1982 album Beautiful Vision. It was recorded at the Record Plant Studios in Sausalito, California on July 27, 1981.
The biographically-based song chronicles a cheerful and nostalgic look back at a carefree time in Morrison’s life when he was still a part-time musician,...
[Verse 1]
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
[Verse 2]
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 (That's right)
I collected from the lady
And I cleaned the fanlight inside-out
I was blowing saxophone on the weekend
In that down joint
[Chorus]
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 thirty-six)
[Verse 3]
I heard Leadbelly and Blind Lemon
On the street where I was born (Yeah)
Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee
And 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"
[Chorus]
What's my line?
I'm happy cleaning windows (Hey)
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
Say again
What's my line?
I'm happy cleaning windows
Well, I take my time
I'll see you when my love grows
Don't let it slide
I'm a working man in my prime
Cleaning windows
[Outro]
Alright, cleanin'
What'd you say number
Number a-hundred and twenty-six
Alright, we'll be ready tomorrow
Cleaning Windows was written by Van Morrison.
Cleaning Windows was produced by Van Morrison.