Did You Know?
“Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is a classic country song written by American singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson. The song was originally recorded by Ray Stevens, but it became most famous through the rendition by Johnny Cash. Here are some detailed insights into the song:
- Origins and Composition:
- Kris Kristofferson penned “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” in 1969. The song reflects a melancholic and reflective mood, capturing the essence of a person feeling disconnected from the world around them.
- The lyrics are introspective and autobiographical, with Kristofferson drawing from his own experiences and emotions. The song tells the story of a man who’s experiencing the loneliness and isolation that can come with a “Sunday morning hangover.”
- Recording and Release:
- Kris Kristofferson recorded the song himself and released it on his debut album, “Kristofferson,” in 1970.
- Johnny Cash’s cover of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” was released as a single in 1970 and later included on his album “The Johnny Cash Show.”
- Lyrics and Interpretation:
- The song’s lyrics describe a quiet and desolate Sunday morning as the protagonist reflects on his loneliness and the memories of the previous night.
- It’s a song that captures the emotions and thoughts that can accompany the aftermath of a night of revelry and the realization that the party lifestyle may not be as fulfilling as it once seemed.
- Cultural Impact:
- Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” became a major hit and is considered one of his signature songs.
- The song resonated with many listeners, especially those who could relate to the feelings of solitude and introspection it conveys.
- Legacy:
- “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is celebrated as a classic of country music and is often covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a timeless country ballad.
- The song’s honest and raw portrayal of the morning after a night of excess has made it a relatable and enduring piece in the country music canon.
In summary, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is a poignant and introspective country song written by Kris Kristofferson and made famous through Johnny Cash’s rendition. It remains a classic that captures the emotions and contemplation that can accompany a quiet Sunday morning following a night of revelry, making it a relatable and enduring piece in the country music tradition.
Video
Lyrics
“Sunday Morning Coming Down”
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad, so I had one more, for dessert
Then I fumbled through my closet, for my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt
And I shaved my face and combed my hair and, stumbled down the stairs to meet the day
I’d smoked my brain the night before on, cigarettes and songs that I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid cussin’ at a can, that he was kickin’
Then I crossed the empty street and caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin’ chicken
And it took me back to somethin’, that I’d lost somehow somewhere along the way
On the Sunday morning sidewalks, wishin’ Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday, makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’, half as lonesome as the sound
On the sleepin’ city side walks, Sunday mornin’ comin’ down
In the park I saw a daddy, with a laughing little girl who he was swingin’
And I stopped beside a Sunday school and listened to the song that they were singin’
Then I headed back for home and somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’
And it echoed through the canyons like the disappearing dreams of yesterday
On the Sunday morning sidewalks, wishin’ Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday, makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’, half as lonesome as the sound
On the sleepin’ city side walks, Sunday mornin’ comin’ down