Who wrote the original lyrics for Van Morrison's Moondance?  Correct
answer can only be the original author of the lyrics, poem or words
that are contained in the song.  I am sure that Van Morrison only
enhanced an original work by some other party.  Other questions to be
answered are: How did Van Morrison come in contact with the song, how
much did he pay and why there are no credits for the song appearing
anywhere on the album.

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Request for Question Clarification by omnivorous-ga on 29 Aug 2003 11:50 PDT

Dashton --

We can provide a first-hand account that describes the prelude to
"Moondance" being written.  It, along with at least two other sources
of documentation, ascribe the song directly to Van Morrison.

One can never leave out the possibility that some poem or prose
contributed to the mood of the songwriter, but if the above meets your
needs, we'd be glad to post an answer.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

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Clarification of Question by dashton-ga on 02 Sep 2003 15:03 PDT

Omnivorous,

Thank you for your quick response.  Your research contradicts what I
was lead to believe.  Reason I ask the question is that a member of my
in-laws claim that the song was written by their father.  I thought it
would be fun to try to independently verify the information and also
obtain any details into how the song came to Van Morrison.  None of
the research I have done linked Van Morrison as the author in any way.

The family admits that the song was not sold to Van Morrison but to an
agent or intermediary.  Granted the information I have could be wrong
but I would love to find solid evidence collaborating or discrediting
the claim.

Again the things that lead me to believe this are:
-The claims by the family.
-No credits on the Album. (according to the family the rights to the
song were purchased so he may not have to disclose the author or even
know who it is)
-None of my research pointing to Van Morrison as the author.

Again I would love to validate the story I have been told but a
correct answer can of course prove me wrong.

A satisfactory answer cannot point to vague conversations or
documentation about the creation of the album or song (as the song and
album's name are the same).  Would need confirmation definitively
crediting Van Morrison or admission that he did not pen the song.

Hope this helps.

Thanks

Dashton

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Request for Question Clarification by omnivorous-ga on 02 Sep 2003 16:15 PDT

>  No credits on the Album.<

Daston --

I can provide three authoritative sources which list him as the
original author, as well as another Van Morrison album (not the
original "Moondance") which DOES show him as author/composer. 
However, there are dozens of stories similar to your family story.

The story behind the writing of "Moondance" told by Van Morrison
appears quite logical -- and makes it likely that only one other
person, a member of his family, might have written the lyrics.

Let me know if you'd like me to post the contrary evidence: the
evidence that would support Van Morrison as writer/composer.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA