About the song
“Morning Has Broken” transcends the boundaries of a traditional hymn. Originally penned by English author Eleanor Farjeon in 1931, the song found renewed life and international recognition thanks to Cat Stevens’ inclusion on his 1971 album “Teaser and the Firecat.” This introduction explores the song’s origins as a hymn and delves into Stevens’ transformative rendition.
Farjeon’s lyrical brilliance is evident in the hymn’s core message. Set to the calming melody of the Scottish Gaelic tune “Bunessan,” the text celebrates the simple beauty of a new day. From the first call of the blackbird to the glistening dew on freshly sprouted grass, Farjeon paints a vivid picture of nature’s awakening, praising the divine creation behind it. “Morning Has Broken” quickly became a staple in church services, particularly children’s programs and funerals, reflecting on the cycle of life and the ever-present hope of a new dawn.
However, Stevens’ interpretation breathed new life into the hymn. While maintaining the core message of gratitude for the natural world, his arrangement added a layer of contemporary folk-pop sensibility. The addition of piano, orchestrated by Rick Wakeman, created a lush soundscape that resonated with a wider audience. The song’s structure was also expanded, transforming the hymn’s original brevity into a more substantial piece.
This transformation proved immensely successful. Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” climbed the charts, becoming his most successful single in the US. The song transcended religious boundaries, finding appreciation for its message of universal beauty and hope. “Morning Has Broken” became a signature song for Stevens, solidifying his position as a prominent voice in the singer-songwriter movement.
The song’s legacy extends far beyond its chart success. Covered by numerous artists across various genres, “Morning Has Broken” continues to resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. Its presence in hymnals and contemporary music collections alike speaks to its enduring power.
“Morning Has Broken” serves as a testament to the transformative power of music. Farjeon’s heartfelt hymn found a new audience through Stevens’ masterful reinterpretation. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the simple joys of a new day, a message that continues to resonate across generations.
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Lyrics
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world