Kris Kristofferson – Sunday morning coming down (1970)

About the song

Released in 1970, Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a poignant and timeless country ballad that has resonated with listeners for generations. The song paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure grappling with the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking and the realization of missed opportunities. Kristofferson’s heartfelt lyrics, combined with his soulful vocals, have cemented this song’s place as a classic in the country music canon.

The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a man awakening to a cold, empty room on a Sunday morning. The imagery is stark and evocative, as the protagonist reflects on the decisions that have led him to this isolated state. Kristofferson’s ability to capture the raw emotions of regret, loneliness, and longing is what makes this song so relatable. The lines, “I woke up this mornin’ with the sun in my eyes, I stumbled to the window and I looked outside, and the only thing moving was the memory of you, and the sound of your laughter still ringing in my head”, create a haunting and memorable image.

One of the most striking aspects of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is its simplicity. The melody is understated, allowing Kristofferson’s lyrics to take center stage. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a verse-chorus-verse format that is both familiar and effective. This simplicity, however, belies the depth of emotion that Kristofferson conveys.

“Sunday Morning Coming Down” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. However, it is Kristofferson’s original version that is often considered to be the definitive recording. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of heartbreak, regret, and the search for meaning. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a must-listen.

Video

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 day

I’d smoked my brain the night before
With cigarettes and songs
That I’ve 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 chicken
And it took me back to something
That I’d lost somehow
Somewhere along the way

On the sunday morning sidewalk
Wishing lord that I was stoned
Cause there’s something in a sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothing short of dying
Half as lonesome as the sound
On the sleeping city sidewalk
Sunday morning coming down

In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughing little girl
He was swingin
And I stopped beside the Sunday school
And listened to the song
That they were singing

Then I headed back for home
And somewhere far away
A lonely bell was ringing
And it echoed thru the canyon like
The disappearing dreams of yesterday

On the sunday morning sidewalk
Wishing lord that I was stoned
Cause therels something in a sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothing short of dying
Half as lonesome as the sound
On the sleeping city sidewalk
Sunday morning coming down