About the song
“Morning Has Broken” is a timeless melody that has captured hearts worldwide. While the hymn’s origins trace back to Eleanor Farjeon’s poetry and a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune, it was Cat Stevens’ recording that propelled the song to unprecedented fame. This transformation was largely due to the inspired collaboration between Stevens and the virtuoso pianist, Rick Wakeman.
Initially a simple hymn, clocking in at a mere 45 seconds, “Morning Has Broken” was deemed too brief for album inclusion by producer Paul Samwell-Smith. This challenge ignited Stevens’ creative spirit, and he embarked on expanding the song’s duration. A pivotal moment arrived when Stevens heard Wakeman’s improvisations in the recording studio, a nascent piece that would later become “Catherine Howard.” Recognizing the potential of Wakeman’s musical genius, Stevens persuaded him to adapt the composition for “Morning Has Broken,” resulting in the iconic piano arrangement that defines the song.
The collaboration between Stevens and Wakeman was a meeting of artistic minds, yielding a masterpiece that resonated deeply with audiences. The song’s commercial success is undeniable, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart and number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, the journey to this triumph was not without its challenges. A public dispute over credit and payment arose between the two artists, a matter that was eventually resolved with Stevens acknowledging his oversight and compensating Wakeman.
Beyond the commercial success and personal reconciliations, “Morning Has Broken” has left an enduring legacy. Countless artists have since recorded their interpretations of the song, demonstrating its universal appeal and timeless quality. From the classical elegance of Wakeman’s piano to the diverse vocal styles of its many interpreters, “Morning Has Broken” continues to inspire and uplift listeners across generations.
The story of “Morning Has Broken” is a testament to the power of collaboration, the enduring nature of great music, and the ability of a simple hymn to evolve into a global phenomenon.
Video
Lyrics
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world