Kris Kristofferson & Johnny Cash – Sunday morning coming down (1978 Johnny Cash Christmas Show)

About the song

“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a poignant country ballad that delves into the depths of loneliness and despair. Written by Kris Kristofferson, the song offers a raw and introspective glimpse into the life of a disillusioned wanderer struggling to find meaning and purpose.

Originally penned in the late 1960s, the song reflects Kristofferson’s personal experiences during a challenging period in his life. Living in a dilapidated tenement and grappling with feelings of isolation, he poured his emotions into the lyrics, creating a timeless piece of music that resonates with listeners across generations.

The song’s narrative unfolds on a Sunday morning, a time often associated with rest and tranquility. However, for the protagonist, the day is filled with a profound sense of emptiness and regret. The imagery of “Sunday morning coming down” evokes a melancholic atmosphere, suggesting the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future.

Kristofferson’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. He describes feelings of hopelessness, self-doubt, and a longing for connection. The refrain, “I’m wishing Lord that I was stoned,” captures the desire for escape from the harsh realities of life.

Johnny Cash’s iconic rendition of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” further solidified the song’s legacy. His gravelly voice and emotive performance infuse the lyrics with a raw intensity, making the protagonist’s struggles all the more palpable. Cash’s version, recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium, became a defining moment in his career, earning him a Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year in 1970.

Beyond its personal significance to Kristofferson, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” has become a universal anthem for those who have experienced loneliness, isolation, and the challenges of life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s emotional depth and its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.

Video

Lyrics

Well, I woke up Sunday mornin’
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
Playin’ with a can that he was kickin’
Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord, it took me back to somethin’ that I’d lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way

On a Sunday mornin’ sidewalk
I’m wishin’, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s somethin’ in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short a’ dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swingin’
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singin’
Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’
And it echoed through the canyons
Like the disappearin’ dreams of yesterday

On a Sunday mornin’ sidewalk
I’m wishin’, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s somethin’ in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
And there’s nothin’ short a’ dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down