About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is more than just a song; it’s a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a wild night and the sobering realization of loneliness. Released in 1969, this country ballad quickly became a staple of the genre, earning Kristofferson a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1970.
The song’s narrative is simple yet deeply resonant. We find our protagonist nursing a hangover on a dreary Sunday morning, surrounded by the remnants of the previous night’s revelry. As he gazes out his window at the world stirring to life, a sense of isolation washes over him. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the consequences of his actions and the emptiness that often follows a night of excess.
Kristofferson’s lyrics are filled with evocative imagery and relatable sentiments. Phrases like “the morning after, ain’t no time for wine” and “I woke up this mornin’ with the hangover from hell” instantly connect with anyone who has ever experienced the blues on a Sunday morning. His ability to capture the universal human experience of regret and loneliness is what makes this song so enduring.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a masterclass in storytelling. Kristofferson’s storytelling abilities are on full display in this song, as he paints a vivid picture of his character’s emotional state. The song’s structure is simple and straightforward, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
Beyond its lyrical brilliance, the song’s melody is equally memorable. The haunting melody, combined with Kristofferson’s distinctive vocals, creates a mood of melancholy and introspection. It’s a song that invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and experiences.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” has been covered by countless artists over the years, but it is Kristofferson’s original version that remains the definitive recording. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music 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 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