About the song
Gordon Lightfoot, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, delivered a memorable performance of “Early Morning Rain” on BBC Live in 1969. This song, one of Lightfoot’s early masterpieces, showcases his exceptional storytelling ability and evocative melodies that have endeared him to audiences worldwide.
“Early Morning Rain” was originally released on Lightfoot’s debut album, “Lightfoot!”, in 1966. The album introduced his distinct folk sound, characterized by rich lyrics and gentle acoustic arrangements. Lightfoot’s songwriting prowess quickly garnered attention, establishing him as a leading figure in the folk music revival of the 1960s. His ability to weave narratives with emotional depth and simplicity resonated deeply with listeners.
The song itself is a poignant reflection on the themes of longing and displacement, inspired by Lightfoot’s own experiences. Written during a period when he was struggling to find his footing as a musician in Toronto, “Early Morning Rain” captures the sense of yearning and the transient nature of life. The imagery of a weary traveler watching planes take off in the early morning rain evokes a powerful sense of melancholy and hope.
By 1969, when Lightfoot performed this song on the BBC, he had already solidified his reputation as a remarkable live performer. His BBC appearance came at a time when his influence was expanding beyond North America, reaching audiences in the UK and Europe. The performance is notable for its raw emotion and Lightfoot’s intimate connection with the audience, qualities that have always been central to his appeal.
Although “Early Morning Rain” did not achieve significant chart success as a single, its impact on the folk music scene was profound. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan, attesting to its enduring legacy. Each rendition highlights the universal appeal of Lightfoot’s songwriting, with its ability to touch the hearts of diverse audiences.
Gordon Lightfoot’s BBC Live performance of “Early Morning Rain” in 1969 remains a testament to his enduring talent and the timeless quality of his music. For an older and educated audience, this song is a reminder of the powerful simplicity of folk music and Lightfoot’s unparalleled gift for capturing the human experience in song. Whether revisiting this classic performance or encountering it for the first time, listeners can appreciate the heartfelt emotion and lyrical beauty that have made Gordon Lightfoot a beloved figure in the world of music.
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