About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” has long been considered one of the most poignant and relatable country songs ever written. Its raw honesty and evocative imagery have resonated with audiences for generations. When Kris Kristofferson performed this timeless ballad at the Johnny Cash Memorial Concert, it served as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between these two country music legends and offered a glimpse into the heart and soul of a songwriter at the peak of his powers.
The song, penned by Kristofferson himself, paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure waking up on a Sunday morning, grappling with feelings of loneliness and regret. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and a conversational tone, evoke a sense of intimacy and authenticity that draws listeners in. The song’s themes of isolation, addiction, and the search for meaning have made it a touchstone for countless individuals who have experienced similar struggles.
Kristofferson’s performance at the Johnny Cash Memorial Concert was particularly moving, as it allowed him to pay tribute to his friend and mentor. The two artists shared a deep bond, and their music often explored similar themes of life, death, and the human condition. Kristofferson’s rendition of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” was a heartfelt and soulful performance that showcased his extraordinary vocal abilities and his ability to connect with an audience on a deeply emotional level.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and Kristofferson’s masterful songwriting. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and the melody is both haunting and beautiful. The song’s ability to evoke such a strong emotional response is a testament to Kristofferson’s talent as a songwriter.
The Johnny Cash Memorial Concert was a fitting tribute to one of country music’s greatest icons. The concert brought together many of Cash’s friends, family, and musical collaborators, and it served as a celebration of his life and legacy. Kristofferson’s performance of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” was a highlight of the event, and it reminded us all of the power of music to heal, to comfort, and to inspire.
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Lyrics
… Well, I woke up Sunday morning
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
Playing with a can that he was kicking
… Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord it took me back to something that I lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down
… In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swinging
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing
… Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away, a lonely bell was ringing
And it echoed through the canyons
Like a disappearing dreams of yesterday
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down