The narrator addresses someone named Julie who is crying in the middle of the night. He mentions that Julie is looking for something that is far away from what she actually wants. He describes how she startled him and looked into his eyes. He mentions the sunlight shining through the crack in the window pane, numbing his brain. The narrator asks Julie to open the window and let him breathe, and he expresses his sadness and longing for her. He refers to the "cool room" as a fool's room. He talks about the smell of T.B. (tuberculosis) sheets on her sick bed. Julie asks him to stay and get her a drink of water, but he chooses to leave, promising to send someone with wine later. The narrator again refers to the cool room as a fool's room and mentions the smell of T.B. sheets. He repeats that he has to go but promises to send someone later. He turns on the radio for Julie and reassures her that she will be alright.

Meaning of "T.B. Sheets" by Van Morrison

The lyrics of "T.B. Sheets" portray a haunting and desperate scene where the narrator interacts with someone named Julie who seems to be in a state of emotional distress. It is unclear whether Julie is physically ill or suffering from a mental condition, but the mention of "T.B. sheets" suggests a connection to tuberculosis, a serious and deadly disease. The song captures the narrator's frustration and helplessness as he witnesses Julie's pain and tries to provide comfort. The references to the "cool room" being a "fool's room" could symbolize a place of isolation and despair. The sunlight shining through the crack in the window pane that numbs the narrator's brain may represent a sense of detachment from reality. Overall, the lyrics present a somber and atmospheric exploration of human fragility, loneliness, and the struggle to find solace in difficult circumstances.