About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a timeless country ballad that has resonated with listeners for over five decades. Released in 1970, this song has become a staple of the country music genre, celebrated for its raw emotion and relatable lyrics. Kristofferson, a gifted songwriter and performer, crafts a poignant tale of heartbreak, loneliness, and the blues that accompany a hangover and a wasted weekend.
The song opens with the iconic line, “Sunday morning comin’ down, I’m so glad that I’m not going to church today,” immediately setting a somber and reflective tone. Kristofferson paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure nursing a severe hangover, reflecting on the mistakes made the night before. The lyrics delve deep into the complexities of human emotion, exploring themes of regret, despair, and the search for meaning in life.
One of the most striking aspects of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is its ability to capture the universal experience of feeling lost and alone. Kristofferson’s lyrics are both specific and relatable, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level. The imagery he creates, such as “the jukebox playing softly in the corner” and “the bottle by my bed still half full,” evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.
The song’s melody is equally as powerful as its lyrics, with a slow, mournful tempo that perfectly complements the somber mood. The guitar work is understated yet effective, providing a gentle backdrop for Kristofferson’s soulful vocals. His voice conveys a deep sense of weariness and resignation, making it easy for listeners to empathize with his character.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Toby Keith, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. However, it is Kristofferson’s original version that remains the definitive recording, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity that have made this song a classic.
The enduring popularity of this song can be attributed to its timeless themes and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a longtime country music fan or simply appreciate a well-written song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a must-listen.
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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 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 dayI’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’chickin
And it took me back to somethin’ that I had lost somehow,
Somewhere along the way[Chorus]
On the Sunday morning sidewalk, wishin’ Lord that I was stoned
Cause there is something in a Sunday, makes a body feel alone
And there is nothing short of die’n, half a lonesome as the sound
On the sleepin’ city sidewalks, Sunday morning coming downIn the park I saw a daddy,
With ‘w(?)’ laughin’ little girl who he was swingin’
And I stopped beside a Sunday school,
And listened to a 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[Chorus]
On the Sunday morning sidewalk, wishing Lord that I was stoned
Cause there is something in a Sunday, make a body feel alone
And there is nothing short of die’n, half a lonesome as the sound
On the sleepin’ city sidewalks, Sunday morning coming do