A-side "Precious Time" Format CD single | Released 13 April 1999 Genre R&B | |
B-side "Jackie Wilson Said"/ "Call Me Up in Dreamland" (UK) Recorded 1998, Wool Hall Studios, Beckington | ||
"Precious Time" is a popular song written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and recorded on his 1999 album, Back on Top. It was released as a single in the UK and charted at #36. Since first recording it, Morrison has played it in concert 574 times from March 1998 until June 2008, making it one of his most frequently performed songs.
Contents
Recording and composition
It was recorded in 1998 at The Wool Hall Studios in Beckington with Walter Samuel as engineer.
"Precious Time" has a happy upbeat melody and introspective lyrics about the quick passing of time:
Precious time is slipping away You know you're only king for a day It doesn't matter to which God you pray Precious time is slipping awayOther releases
A live performance version from Morrison's appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival on 15 September 2006, was included on the limited edition album, Live at Austin City Limits Festival. In 2007, this song was included on the compilation album, The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 and a remastered version of this song is included on another 2007 compilation album, Still on Top - The Greatest Hits.