About the song
“Sunday Morning Coming Down: A Timeless Ballad of Heartbreak
Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is more than just a song; it’s a poignant reflection on heartbreak, loneliness, and the passage of time. Released in 1970, this country ballad has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in the American songbook and a touchstone for countless artists who have covered it.
The song paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure waking up on a Sunday morning, grappling with the aftermath of a failed relationship. Kristofferson’s lyrics are both simple and profound, capturing the universal human experience of heartbreak with raw honesty. He evokes a sense of melancholy and longing as he describes the emptiness of an empty room and the weight of regret.
The song’s melody is equally evocative, with a gentle, descending bassline that mirrors the protagonist’s downward emotional spiral. Kristofferson’s vocals are filled with a world-weary weariness that perfectly complements the song’s somber tone. The combination of his heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery creates a powerful emotional impact that has resonated with listeners for generations.
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a testament to Kristofferson’s songwriting genius. His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and craft memorable melodies has solidified his place as one of country music’s greatest songwriters. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration for those who have experienced heartbreak.
If you’ve ever woken up on a Sunday morning feeling lost and alone, you’ll undoubtedly find something to relate to in this classic song. Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates heartfelt, well-crafted songwriting.”
Video
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