About the song
In the realm of music, there exist songs that transcend time and space, speaking directly to the human experience. “Early Morning Rain,” written and composed by the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, is one such song. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this iconic tune has captivated audiences for decades, evoking feelings of longing and nostalgia in all who listen.
First recorded by Lightfoot in 1966 for his debut album “Lightfoot!”, “Early Morning Rain” has since become a beloved classic, with numerous artists covering the song over the years. From Ian & Sylvia’s chart-topping version in 1965 to Elvis Presley’s live performances, this song has been interpreted and reimagined in countless ways, yet its essence remains unchanged.
The story behind “Early Morning Rain” is as fascinating as the song itself. Lightfoot wrote and composed the song in 1964, drawing inspiration from his experiences in Westlake, Los Angeles, where he would often visit the airport on rainy days to watch planes take off into the overcast sky. This imagery, combined with the emotions of caring for his young son, sparked the creation of a song that would go on to touch the hearts of millions.
Throughout the years, “Early Morning Rain” has been covered by an array of talented artists, each bringing their unique perspective to the song. Peter Paul and Mary’s version, recorded in 1965, reached No. 39 in Canada and No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100. George Hamilton IV’s country-tinged rendition hit No. 9 on the US country chart in 1966, while Oliver’s version reached No. 38 on the US adult contemporary chart in 1971. Even Paul Weller, the British singer-songwriter, took the song to No. 40 in the United Kingdom in 2005.
One of the most notable aspects of “Early Morning Rain” is its ability to transcend genres and languages. The French cover, “Dans la brume du matin” (in the morning mist), was a hit in France, performed by the renowned singer Joe Dassin. This speaks to the song’s universal appeal, capable of evoking emotions and connections in listeners from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
As we delve into the world of “Early Morning Rain,” we find a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It is a testament to the power of music to capture the human experience, with all its complexities and emotions. Gordon Lightfoot’s masterpiece continues to inspire and move audiences to this day, a reminder of the enduring legacy of a song that has become an integral part of our shared musical heritage.
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Lyrics
In the early morning rain
With a dollar in my hand
With an achin’ in my heart
And my pockets full of sand
I’m a long way from home
And I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain
With no place to go
Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
But I’m stuck here in the grass
Where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
Well, there she goes my friend
Well, she’s rollin’ down at last
Hear the mighty engines roar
See the silver bird on high
She’s away and westward bound
Far above the cloud, she’ll fly
Where the mornin’ rain don’t fall
And the sun always shines
She’ll be flyin’ o’er my home
In about three hours time
This old airport’s got me down
It’s no earthly good to me
‘Cause I’m stuck here on the ground
As cold and drunk as I can be
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain