Back in 1970, Van Morrison presented the world with “Crazy Love,” a romantic, sweet ballad about how much he loved his wife, a sentiment that never goes out of style, because Thomas Rhett, who is red hot in Country—he’s only 25, and already has had four #1 hits in a row– has a new song out about how much he loves HIS wife: “Die a Happy Man.”
If you have a need for a song like this in your life, and had to choose one or the other, here are your considerations: Morrison’s “Crazy Love” is more sophisticated, sensual, and romantic; Rhett’s has a cute factor and is more upbeat, has a catchy tune.
The videos however, are a whole other story.
Even though the lyrics to both songs express appreciation, gratitude, and happiness, the videos are overtly “sexy.” Van Morrison’s is just short of artsy black and white (very) soft porn with nudity.
Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” is 3+ minutes of he’s 25 and gorgeous, with dark curly hair, and she’s 25 and gorgeous with long, blond hair, he goes shirtless, she wears a bikini.
The images are so overpowering, you kind of lose the song’s intention.
When Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” came out, there wasn’t any video to nudge me towards any particular interpretation, so I didn’t think of it as overtly sexual.
In Rhett’s case, it possible that he’s using the video to enhance the lyrics, and as a way to share with his fans and the pubic his deep love for and appreciation of his wife.
But let’s not debate the details; if you are a man, and you present your woman with either of these songs, you’ll make her very happy.
What a Coincidence: Thomas Rhett is 25 years old , the same age Van Morrison was when he released “Crazy Love.”