Franklin Dean
Music is an integral part of Irish weddings, from the walk down the aisle to late-night sing-songs. Have I Told You Lately is a popular choice for couples, a romantic ballad by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. The song, from his 1989 album Avalon Sunset, blends romance with a touch of religion and has become a favourite for wedding dances. It has also been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart, whose version charted at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1993.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Have I Told You Lately |
| Artist | Van Morrison |
| Genre | Ballad |
| Year of Release | 1989 |
| Album | Avalon Sunset |
| Album Type | Van Morrison's nineteenth studio album |
| Peak Position in Music Charts | No. 12 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, BMI Million-Air certificate |
| Cover Versions | Clouseau, Rod Stewart, Koen Wauters, Udo Mechels |
| Lyrics | Have I told you lately that I love you, there's no one else above you, you fill my heart with gladness, take away my sadness, ease my troubles that's what you do |
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What You'll Learn
'Have I Told You Lately' by Van Morrison
"Have I Told You Lately" is a song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released as the lead single from his nineteenth studio album, Avalon Sunset, in 1989. The song is a romantic ballad that blends romance with a touch of religion, making it a popular choice for weddings. It has been covered by various artists, including Rod Stewart, whose version charted at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.
Morrison's original recording of "Have I Told You Lately" was voted number six on a list of the "Top 10 First Dance Wedding Songs" in a poll of 1,300 DJs in the UK. The song has also received critical acclaim, winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and a BMI Million-Air certificate for over four million airplays. It has been included on several of Morrison's compilation albums, such as "The Best of Van Morrison" and "Still on Top - The Greatest Hits."
The lyrics of "Have I Told You Lately" are sentimental and romantic, expressing love and appreciation for one's partner. The song's universal message of the importance of expressing love and care to one's partner resonates with many couples. Here are some of the memorable lyrics from the song:
> "Have I told you lately that I love you?
> Have I told you there's no one else above you?
> You fill my heart with gladness, take away my sadness,
> Ease my troubles, that's what you do."
"Have I Told You Lately" is a beautiful and intimate song that sets a comfortable tempo, making it a popular choice for weddings and a favourite among couples. It blends romance and religion, appealing to a wide range of wedding guests, from the religious to the agnostic. The song's slow and steady rhythm creates a warm and sentimental atmosphere, perfect for a couple's first dance or as background music during the wedding ceremony or reception.
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Irish wedding songs with religious themes
Irish wedding songs are known for their heartfelt lyrics and passionate melodies. They are often rooted in storytelling, with a touch of whimsy or romance. When it comes to Irish wedding songs with religious themes, here are some popular choices:
"Have I Told You Lately That I Love You"
This song, often referred to simply as "Have I Told You Lately," is a romantic ballad by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released in 1989 as the lead single from his nineteenth studio album, "Avalon Sunset." While it is not explicitly religious, the song's lyrics about love, gratitude, and prayerful reflection resonate with many couples:
> Have I told you lately that I love you?
> Have I told you there's no one else above you?
> Fill my heart with gladness, take away my sadness,
> Ease my troubles, that's what you do.
"Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison
Another Van Morrison classic, "Sweet Thing" is a poetic declaration of love with a timeless appeal. It captures the deep connection and promise of everlasting love that many couples celebrate on their wedding day.
"The Irish Wedding Song"
This traditional Irish wedding song, also known as "Irish Influence," was released in 2012 and has gained popularity over the years. It embodies Irish blessings and celebrates finding peace of mind, kindness, and happiness:
> Here they stand, hand in hand, they've exchanged wedding bands.
> Today is the day of their dreams and their plans.
> Do you remember when we used to sing?
> Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da...
"You Raise Me Up"
While not exclusively Irish, "You Raise Me Up" is a popular choice for weddings with its uplifting message. It has been recorded by various artists, including the Irish group Celtic Woman, whose rendition showcases the power of love and faith:
> You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
> You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
> I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
> You raise me up to more than I can be.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
"Chasing Cars" by the Irish-British band Snow Patrol is a modern classic that has topped the charts for wedding songs. Its lyrics capture the essence of a couple's special moment, inviting them to forget the world and embrace their love:
> If I lay here, if I just lay here
> Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
> And I don't quite know how to say how I feel
> Those three words are said too much, they're not enough.
These songs, with their blend of Irish heritage, heartfelt lyrics, and universal themes of love and devotion, are perfect for weddings, especially when a touch of religious sentiment is desired. They capture the joy, gratitude, and sacredness of the occasion, making them ideal choices for couples seeking Irish wedding songs with religious nuances.
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Popular first dance songs
Music is an integral part of any wedding, and this is especially true for Irish weddings. From traditional Irish music to modern chart-toppers, there are many options to choose from for your first dance song.
One of the most popular choices for an Irish wedding first dance song is "Have I Told You Lately" by Van Morrison. This romantic ballad was originally written as a prayer and blends romance with a touch of religion, making it a comfortable choice for all guests. The song has a slow, steady, and intimate tempo, with lyrics that are sentimental without being too over-the-top. It has become a popular cover song, with notable versions by Rod Stewart and Clouseau.
Another popular choice for an Irish wedding first dance song is "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol. The song's lyrics are simple yet powerful, and it is a modern classic that has topped the charts for many couples' special moments.
For couples looking for a more traditional Irish sound, "A Fairy's Love Song" is an excellent choice. Performed on the harp, it incorporates the rich musical history of Ireland and adds a light touch of Celtic magic to your first dance.
"Beautiful Bride" by Celtic Harp Soundscapes is another popular choice for Irish weddings, especially for those taking place on the coast. The song features ocean waves and seagulls, creating a romantic and atmospheric backdrop for your first dance.
Finally, for couples who want an iconic and powerful ballad, "You Say It Best (When You Say Nothing At All)" is a great option. Originally performed by American singer Keith Whitley in 1988, this song gained popularity in Ireland when it was covered by Irish artists Frances Black and Ronan Keating in the late 1990s.
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Irish wedding songs on the harp
The harp is a popular instrument in Irish wedding music, and there are many songs that can be played on the harp for an Irish wedding. One of the most famous Irish wedding songs is "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" by Van Morrison, a romantic ballad with a universal message of the importance of expressing love to your partner. The song has been covered by many artists, but the original by Van Morrison is a popular choice for an Irish wedding.
Another classic Irish wedding song is "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, which has simple yet powerful lyrics that are perfect for a couple's special moment. For those looking for a more traditional sound, "Si Bheag Si Mhor" by Turlough O'Carolan, one of the most famous harpers of all time, is a lovely tune that imitates bagpipes with repeated chords in the bass. The melody soars above, creating a whimsical and stately sound.
Overall, there are many options for Irish wedding songs on the harp, ranging from traditional Celtic harp music to modern songs with Irish influences. Harp music adds a Celtic touch to any wedding ceremony and can be a beautiful and unique choice for couples celebrating their love.
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Other popular Irish wedding songs
For couples with ties to Galway or who took a romantic trip to Ireland, Ed Sheeran's 2017 song co-written with the Irish band Beoga is a great option. The song is based on a true love story that takes place in Ireland and incorporates traditional Irish music.
Sinéad O’Connor’s "Nothing Compares 2 U" is also considered a beautiful Irish wedding song, although it is generally associated with grief and breakups, so it may be best avoided.
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Frequently asked questions
"Have I Told You Lately" is a romantic ballad written and recorded by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was originally intended as a prayer and has a universal message of the importance of expressing love for your partner.
"Have I Told You Lately" is a popular wedding song as it blends romance with a touch of religion, appealing to a wide range of wedding guests. The song's slow, steady, and intimate tempo makes it a comfortable choice for a first dance.
"Have I Told You Lately" was written and recorded by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison for his nineteenth studio album, "Avalon Sunset", in 1989. It has since been covered by various artists, including Rod Stewart, whose version charted at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.
Other popular Irish wedding songs include "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, "Beautiful Bride", "A Fairy's Love Song", "O'Carolan's Concerto", and "The One" by Kodaline.
