Meaning of "The Healing Game" by Van Morrison

"The Healing Game" explores themes of familiarity, belonging, and the transformative power of music. The narrator finds himself back on the corner, where he has always belonged and feels most at home. The streets and roads mentioned in the lyrics symbolize a journey, one that brings the narrator back to a place where nobody knows or goes. This suggests a sense of personal refuge or solace, where the healing game originates. The healing game itself refers to the transformative power of music and the ability for it to uplift and heal the soul. The mention of choirboys singing and the saxophone playing emphasizes the importance of music in this healing process. The narrator encourages others to join in and sing the healing game, implying that unity and communal participation can bring about healing. The repetition of "Sing it out loud, sing it in your name, sing it like you're proud" highlights the importance of individual expression and embracing the healing game with confidence and pride. Ultimately, the song celebrates the joy and solace found in familiar places, the power of music to heal, and the importance of embracing one's own voice in the healing process.