About the song
Skeeter Davis, a country music legend whose voice was as smooth as honey, delivered one of her most iconic songs in 1967: “Angel of the Morning.” This haunting ballad, with its melancholic melody and Davis’s soulful vocals, has stood the test of time, resonating with listeners across generations.
The song tells the story of a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a love affair. She wakes up alone, haunted by memories of her former lover, who she refers to as her “angel of the morning.” Davis’s emotive performance captures the raw pain and longing that the character experiences.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors. The woman describes her lover as a “gentle rain” that has now turned to “cold wind.” She longs for the “sweetness” of their love, but realizes that it is now “gone.” The song’s refrain, “Angel of the morning, where did you go?” is a heartbreaking expression of loss and yearning.
Davis’s vocal delivery is a key element in the song’s emotional impact. Her voice is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying the character’s deep sadness and longing. The arrangement is simple and understated, allowing Davis’s vocals to take center stage.
“Angel of the Morning” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Davis’s original version remains the definitive interpretation. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level. It is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the artistry of Skeeter Davis.
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Lyrics
There’ll be no strings to bind your hands
Not if my love can’t bind your heart
And there’s no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no reason to take me home
I’m old enough to face the dawn
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away from me
Maybe the sun’s light will be dim
And it won’t matter anyhow
If morning echo says we’ve sinned
Well, it was what I wanted now
And if we’re victims of the night
I won’t be blinded by the light
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning angel
Then slowly turn away
I won’t beg you to stay with me
Through the tears of the days, of the years
Baby, baby, just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby