About the song
Cat Stevens, the legendary singer-songwriter, gifted the world with a timeless classic in his soul-stirring hymn, “Morning Has Broken”. Released in 1971 as part of his album “Teaser and the Firecat”, this song continues to resonate with listeners across generations, capturing the essence of renewal and the beauty of a new day.
From the very first chords of the piano, Stevens transports us to a serene and tranquil setting, where the gentle rays of dawn break through the darkness, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. His soothing voice, filled with warmth and reverence, serves as a gentle guide, inviting us to witness the magic of each sunrise.
The lyrics, inspired by a traditional Gaelic hymn, evoke a sense of gratitude and awe for the wonders of nature. Stevens’s poetic imagery vividly portrays the awakening world, where “blackbird has spoken” and “sweet the rain’s new fall”. Through his words, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life, where every morning offers a chance for renewal and growth.
What sets “Morning Has Broken” apart is not just its melodic beauty, but also its profound spiritual undertones. Stevens, who underwent a deeply spiritual journey in the years following the song’s release, infuses it with a sense of reverence and gratitude towards the divine. It’s not merely a celebration of the natural world, but a hymn of praise to the Creator, whose handiwork is reflected in every sunrise.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universality. Regardless of one’s religious or cultural background, “Morning Has Broken” speaks to the shared human experience of wonder and awe in the face of nature’s majesty. It’s a song that transcends boundaries, touching the hearts of all who listen with its message of hope and renewal.
Over the years, “Morning Has Broken” has been covered by numerous artists, but it is Cat Stevens’s original rendition that remains the definitive version. His earnest delivery and heartfelt sincerity imbue the song with a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today.
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, “Morning Has Broken” serves as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us each day. It’s a song that invites us to embrace the dawn with open arms, knowing that with each new morning, comes the promise of a fresh start.
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Lyrics
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world