This song "Behind the Ritual" by Van Morrison describes the act of getting drunk and high on wine, and the feeling of being out of control and talking nonsensically. The lyrics suggest that the speaker is reminiscing about the past and the wild times they had, particularly with a person named Sally. The repetition of the phrase "behind the ritual" implies that these experiences were part of a recurring pattern or tradition. The song captures the reckless abandon and carefree attitude of a bygone era, where the speaker and their friends would drink and party in the alley, getting lost in the sensation of the moment. The lyrics also touch upon the spiritual or transcendent aspect of these experiences, suggesting that there is a deeper significance to the wild behavior and the act of getting high. Overall, "Behind the Ritual" paints a vivid picture of a specific time and place, where the speaker indulged in hedonistic pleasures and lived for the moment. The repetitions and stream-of-consciousness style of the lyrics convey the chaotic and exhilarating nature of these experiences.
