Johnny Cash – Sunday Morning Coming Down

Johnny Cash’s version of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is one of his most iconic performances, but did you know that it wasn’t originally his song? Ray Stevens first recorded “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in 1969, a year before Cash made it famous. Even though Stevens was a popular country artist, it was Johnny Cash who brought the song into the spotlight.

The Story Behind “Sunday Morning Coming Down”

The song was written by Kris Kristofferson, a singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics. It was first released by Ray Stevens in 1969. Johnny Cash recorded his version on 1970, with producer Bob Johnston. Cash’s recording was part of the album “The Johnny Cash Show,” and it quickly became a hit.

Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice gave “Sunday Morning Coming Down” a unique feel that resonated with audiences. The song reached number one on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and Canadian RPM Country Tracks, solidifying Cash’s place as a country music legend. It also earned Kristofferson a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1971.

The Song

The song tells the story of a man waking up on a Sunday morning feeling the weight of loneliness and regret. As he walks through the empty streets, he reflects on his life and choices. The lyrics capture the raw emotions of a man struggling with his inner demons. The imagery in the song is powerful, from “the Sunday smell of someone frying chicken” to the distant sounds of a church choir.

Johnny Cash: A Country Music Legend

Johnny Cash, often known as “The Man in Black,” is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. He had 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Country Singles chart and won 13 Grammy Awards throughout his career. Cash was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His influence on country music is immeasurable.

“Sunday Morning Coming Down” remains a classic in the country music genre. It has been covered by numerous artists, but Johnny Cash’s version is the one that most people remember. The song’s themes of loneliness and redemption are timeless, making it resonate with listeners even today.

If you’re interested in learning more about Johnny Cash, his music, and his impact on country music, be sure to check out our other blog posts. We’ve got everything you need to know about the history of country music and the artists who shaped it.

COUNTRYPEDIA

Johnny Cash – Sunday Morning Coming Down 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 the songs I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playin’ with a can that he was kicking
Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And it took me back to somethin’
That I’d 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 a sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.

In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl who 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 thru the canyon
Like the 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 a sleepin’ city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.

GENIUS