Meaning of "There Stands the Glass" by Van Morrison

"There Stands the Glass" by Van Morrison conveys a message of seeking temporary relief and distraction from emotional turmoil through alcohol. The glass symbolizes the narrator's reliance on alcohol to ease their pain, settle their mind, and mask their true emotions. The repetition of the phrase "first one today" hints at a pattern of using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of loneliness and despair. The narrator's musings about where the other person might be and if they think of them reflect a sense of longing and unfulfilled connection. The mention of growing troubles and drowning fears further emphasizes the idea of seeking escape through alcohol. Overall, the song highlights the destructive cycle of dependency on substances as a way to cope with internal struggles and emotional pain.