Meaning of "Before the World Was Made" by Van Morrison

The lyrics of "Before the World Was Made" by Van Morrison delve into deep existential themes, exploring the concept of identity and the search for one's true self. The repeated imagery of painting the lashes dark, eyes bright, and lips scarlet suggests a superficial attempt to enhance one's appearance, but ultimately, the search goes deeper than physical attributes. The idea of looking for the face one had before the world was made alludes to a longing for a sense of purity and authenticity that existed before worldly influences tainted one's essence. The mention of mirroring and vanity highlights the futility of seeking validation and identity through external sources. The reference to heaven above and earth beneath draws a parallel between the spiritual and the physical realm, suggesting a connection between the inner self and the greater universe. The notion of an original face before time and space speaks to the timeless nature of the self and the desire to reconnect with one's essence beyond the constraints of the material world.