About the song
Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson – Sunday Morning Coming Down
If you’ve ever experienced the bittersweet sting of a weekend gone by too quickly, or the melancholic aftermath of a night out, then Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a song that will resonate deeply with you. Released in 1969, this country ballad has become a timeless classic, offering a poignant and relatable exploration of the blues that can accompany a Sunday morning hangover.
Kris Kristofferson’s hauntingly beautiful lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the consequences of his actions the night before. The imagery he creates is both specific and universal, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level. From the “empty bottle by the bed” to the “sheets that smell like cigarettes and wine,” Kristofferson captures the raw emotions and physical discomfort that often accompany a heavy night of drinking.
The song’s melody is equally evocative, with a slow, mournful tone that perfectly complements the lyrics. Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice adds an extra layer of gravitas to the performance, conveying a sense of weariness and resignation that is both heartbreaking and comforting. Cash’s delivery is so authentic that it feels as if he is sharing his own personal experiences with the listener.
One of the reasons why “Sunday Morning Coming Down” has endured for so many years is its ability to tap into universal themes of regret, loneliness, and the passage of time. The song’s message is timeless, and it continues to resonate with new generations of listeners who may have never experienced the specific circumstances described in the lyrics.
In addition to its emotional depth, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is also a masterclass in songwriting. Kristofferson’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and poetic language, and the song’s structure is both simple and effective. The combination of Cash’s powerful vocals and Kristofferson’s evocative lyrics creates a truly unforgettable listening experience.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a must-listen. It’s a song that has been covered by countless artists over the years, but Cash and Kristofferson’s original version remains the definitive recording. So, the next time you find yourself feeling a little down on a Sunday morning, put on this classic track and let the music wash over you.
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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