“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a song written by Kris Kristofferson and recorded by several artists, most notably Johnny Cash and Kristofferson himself. It was released in 1970 on Kristofferson’s debut album and on Cash’s album Hello, I’m Johnny Cash. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for both Cash and Kristofferson.
The song is a country ballad about a man who is struggling with addiction and depression. He wakes up on Sunday morning feeling hungover and alone. He reflects on his life and realizes that he has made some mistakes. He is also aware of the fact that he is not the only one who is struggling. The song ends with the man expressing hope for a better future.
Background and writing
Kris Kristofferson wrote “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in 1969. He was inspired to write the song after seeing a homeless man on the street. Kristofferson was also struggling with his own personal demons at the time. He was addicted to alcohol and he was going through a divorce.
The song was originally recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969. However, it did not become a hit until Johnny Cash released his version in 1970. Cash’s version of the song was a critical and commercial success. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male in 1971.
The song’s lyrics
The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful. They tell the story of a man who is at a low point in his life. He is hungover, broke, and alone. He is also struggling with addiction and depression.
The song’s lyrics are also hopeful. The man in the song realizes that he is not the only one who is struggling. He also knows that there is always hope for a better future.
The song’s impact
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a classic country song. It has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. The song is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or depression.
Other information
- Genre: Country
- Writer: Kris Kristofferson
- Producer: Fred Foster (Kristofferson version), Bob Johnston (Cash version)
- Label: Monument Records (Kristofferson version), Columbia Records (Cash version)
- Release date: 1970
- Chart positions:
- US Billboard Hot Country Singles: #1 (Cash version), #1 (Kristofferson version)
- US Billboard Hot 100: #14 (Cash version), #47 (Kristofferson version)
- Awards:
- Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male (1971)
Tam Le