About the song
Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” is a timeless ballad that has touched the hearts of listeners for decades. Written during a period of homesickness while living in Los Angeles, the song captures the poignant longing for a distant homeland and the comforting familiarity of everyday life.
Lightfoot’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rainy morning, a time when the world seems to pause and reflect. The image of planes taking off into the overcast sky is a powerful metaphor for the journey of life, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The song’s simple yet profound melody perfectly complements the heartfelt lyrics, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
“Early Morning Rain” has been covered by countless artists over the years, each adding their own unique interpretation to the classic song. From the soulful rendition by Ian & Sylvia to the folk-rock version by Peter Paul and Mary, the song has resonated with audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Gordon Lightfoot or discovering his music for the first time, “Early Morning Rain” is a song that deserves a place in your collection. Its timeless message of homesickness, hope, and the beauty of everyday life continues to inspire and resonate with listeners around the world.
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Lyrics
In the early morning rain
With a dollar in my hand
With an achin’ in my heart
And my pockets full of sand
I’m a long way from home
And I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain
With no place to go
Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
But I’m stuck here in the grass
Where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
Well, there she goes my friend
Well, she’s rollin’ down at last
Hear the mighty engines roar
See the silver bird on high
She’s away and westward bound
Far above the cloud, she’ll fly
Where the mornin’ rain don’t fall
And the sun always shines
She’ll be flyin’ o’er my home
In about three hours time
This old airport’s got me down
It’s no earthly good to me
‘Cause I’m stuck here on the ground
As cold and drunk as I can be
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain