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About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is a poignant exploration of loneliness, regret, and the aftermath of a broken heart. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes, evocative lyrics, and powerful performances by various artists.
Originally written by Kristofferson, the song was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969. However, it was Johnny Cash’s iconic rendition that propelled the song to the top of the Billboard US Country chart. Cash’s performance, captured live at the Ryman Auditorium during a taping of The Johnny Cash Show, resonated deeply with audiences. His gravelly voice and heartfelt delivery brought the song’s emotional weight to life.
The lyrics of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” paint a vivid picture of isolation and despair. The protagonist, a solitary figure, wakes up on a Sunday morning and is confronted with the emptiness of their life. Kristofferson’s ability to capture the raw emotions of heartbreak and the search for meaning is evident in every verse.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes. The experiences of loneliness, regret, and the struggle to find purpose in life are relatable to people from all walks of life. Kristofferson’s honest and vulnerable portrayal of these emotions has made “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” a timeless classic.
In addition to Cash’s iconic version, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Gretchen Wilson and Louis Neefs. Each interpretation brings a unique perspective to the song, further solidifying its place in the country music canon.
“Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is a testament to the power of music to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and powerful performances have made it a beloved song that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
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Lyrics
… Well, 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 day
… I’d smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and songs I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playing with a can that he was kicking
… Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord it took me back to something that I lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way
… 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 sleeping city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down
… In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swinging
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing
… Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away, a lonely bell was ringing
And it echoed through the canyons
Like a disappearing dreams of yesterday
… 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 sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down