About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s poignant ballad “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a timeless reflection on loneliness, regret, and the solace found in memories. Written by Kristofferson himself, the song was first recorded by Johnny Cash in 1970 for his album “The Johnny Cash Show,” and later by Kris Kristofferson on his debut album “Kristofferson” in the same year.
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kris Kristofferson has been a pivotal figure in country music and beyond, known for his introspective songwriting and gravelly voice. “Sunday Morning Coming Down” resonated deeply with audiences, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a signature song for both Kristofferson and Johnny Cash.
The song’s narrative follows a protagonist who wakes up alone on a Sunday morning, grappling with a hangover and the melancholy realization of lost opportunities. It captures a raw honesty and vulnerability that has endeared it to listeners for decades, reflecting on universal themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” achieved notable success on the charts, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and peaking at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its impact was not limited to commercial success; the song earned recognition for its profound storytelling and emotional depth, showcasing Kristofferson’s ability to craft lyrics that resonate on a personal level.
Beyond its chart performance, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” has been covered by numerous artists across genres, cementing its status as a classic in American music. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke empathy and introspection, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human experience through Kristofferson’s evocative storytelling.
In conclusion, Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” remains a poignant reflection on life’s trials and the solace found in reminiscence. With its evocative lyrics and soulful delivery, the song continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the realm of country music and beyond.
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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