About the song
Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” is a timeless ballad that captures the bittersweet melancholy of longing and loss. Released in 1966 on his debut album, this song quickly became a cornerstone of his repertoire, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Inspired by Lightfoot’s homesickness during his time in Los Angeles, the song evokes a sense of yearning for a distant place and time. The imagery of airplanes taking off into the overcast sky serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the impossibility of returning to the past. Lightfoot’s evocative lyrics and haunting melody create a poignant atmosphere that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss and longing.
Over the years, “Early Morning Rain” has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. From Ian & Sylvia’s folk-inspired rendition to Peter Paul and Mary’s harmonies, the song has proven to be a versatile and enduring piece of music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s emotional depth and timeless appeal.
Video
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