About the song
Willie Nelson, the iconic troubadour of country music, has gifted us with countless unforgettable songs over his illustrious career. Among these, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” stands as a testament to his songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition. Released in 1971 as part of his album Shotgun Willie, this ballad quickly became a staple of country radio and a beloved anthem for fans of all ages.
The song paints a vivid picture of a hangover-induced Sunday morning. With lyrics that are both poignant and relatable, Nelson crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the aftermath of a late night. The opening lines, “Well, I woke up this mornin’ with a hangover bad, And I wished I was still drinkin’ all the whiskey I had,” immediately set the scene and draw the listener into the story.
Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down is more than just a song about a hangover; it’s a meditation on the fleeting nature of pleasure and the inevitable consequences of our actions. Nelson’s gravelly vocals and the song’s melancholic melody perfectly capture the sense of regret and longing that often accompanies a night of excess. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and poetic language, invite the listener to reflect on their own experiences and to find solace in the universal themes of the song.
One of the most striking aspects of Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down is its simplicity. The song is built around a straightforward chord progression and a repetitive melodic line, yet it manages to convey a depth of emotion that is both powerful and moving. This simplicity is a hallmark of Nelson’s songwriting style, and it is one of the reasons why his music has endured for so many years.
In addition to its lyrical and musical merits, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down is also notable for its cultural impact. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows. It has become a part of the American cultural landscape, and it is a song that will continue to resonate with new generations of listeners for years to come.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Willie Nelson or you’re just discovering his music for the first time, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down is a must-listen. It’s a song that is both timeless and relevant, and it offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of country music’s greatest songwriters.
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Lyrics
On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing Lord that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ downWell I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head, that didn’t hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad
So I had one more for dessert
Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the dayI’d smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and the songs I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Causing aand I can that he was kicking
Then I across the empty street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord, it took me back to somethin’
That I’d lost somewhere, somehow along the wayOn a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing Lord that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ downIn the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swingin’
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singin’
Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’
And it echoed through the canyon
Like the disappearin’ dreams of yesterdayOn a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing Lord that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of a sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down
Comin’ down
Comin’ down