About the song
ohnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson – Sunday Morning Coming Down: A Timeless Ballad of Heartbreak
Sunday Morning Coming Down, a poignant duet between country music legends Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, is a song that has resonated with listeners for generations. Released in the early 1970s, this ballad captures the raw emotion of a hangover, both physically and emotionally, as the singer grapples with the aftermath of a night of excess.
Kristofferson, the songwriter, paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure waking up to the harsh reality of a new day. The lyrics are filled with imagery of a deserted room, a half-empty bottle, and the weight of loneliness. The phrase “Sunday morning coming down” has become synonymous with that feeling of dread and despair that can accompany a weekend bender.
Cash’s deep, resonant voice brings a gravitas to the song that is both haunting and comforting. His delivery is filled with a world-weariness that suggests he has experienced the pain and regret expressed in the lyrics firsthand. Kristofferson’s harmony adds another layer of complexity, creating a sense of shared sorrow between the two performers.
Sunday Morning Coming Down is more than just a song about a hangover; it is a meditation on the human condition. The themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning are universal, and they have helped to make this song a timeless classic. The song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatability, as many people have experienced the feeling of waking up on a Sunday morning feeling lost and alone.
One of the reasons why Sunday Morning Coming Down has endured is its simplicity. The melody is straightforward, and the lyrics are easy to understand. However, it is the song’s emotional depth that sets it apart. The raw honesty and vulnerability of the lyrics, combined with the powerful performances by Cash and Kristofferson, create a truly unforgettable listening experience.
The song’s success can also be attributed to the chemistry between Cash and Kristofferson. Both artists were at the height of their powers when they recorded this song, and their combined talents created a musical masterpiece. Their deep, resonant voices complement each other perfectly, creating a rich and textured sound.
In conclusion, Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson – Sunday Morning Coming Down is a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning are universal, and its powerful performances by Cash and Kristofferson make it a truly unforgettable listening experience. If you are looking for a song that captures the raw emotion of heartbreak, then this is the song for you.
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Lyrics
Well, I woke up Sunday mornin’
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
Playin’ with a can that he was kickin’
Then I walked across the 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 way
On a Sunday mornin’ sidewalk
I’m wishin’, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s somethin’ in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short a’ dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down
In 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 canyons
Like the disappearin’ dreams of yesterday
On a Sunday mornin’ sidewalk
I’m wishin’, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s somethin’ in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short a’ dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down