Meaning of "Who Was That Masked Man" by Van Morrison

"Who Was That Masked Man" by Van Morrison delves into the theme of isolation and fear that comes with living in a dangerous world. The imagery of being encased in glass like a fragile butterfly highlights vulnerability and the sense of being trapped in a precarious situation. The repetition of the line "When you're livin' with a gun, You can't slow down and you can't turn 'round, And you can't trust anyone" emphasizes the constant state of alertness and unease that the narrator feels. The references to feeling like a rare collector's item and hanging suspended from a star suggest a desire for escape and wishing for something more meaningful in a world filled with superficiality and danger. The presence of the ghost symbolizes inner turmoil and the battle between good and evil within oneself. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of existential loneliness and the struggle to find safety and meaning in a world that is inherently unpredictable and potentially threatening.