“Morning Has Broken” is a song that has become synonymous with new beginnings, hope, and gratitude. Written by Eleanor Farjeon in 1931, it gained widespread popularity when Cat Stevens recorded his version of it in 1971. The song’s lyrics, with their vivid imagery and uplifting tone, capture the beauty and wonder of a new day.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind the song and explore how it has become a timeless classic.
Lyrics Interpretation
Gratitude for the Gift of Life
At its core, “Morning Has Broken” is a song about gratitude for the gift of life. The first line of the song, “Morning has broken like the first morning,” sets the stage for a new day filled with endless possibilities. The line also suggests that every day is a new beginning, and we should approach it with a sense of wonder and awe.
The second line, “Blackbird has spoken like the first bird,” evokes the sounds of nature that are often associated with the morning. The blackbird’s song represents a new day, and it is a call to awaken and embrace the world around us. The line suggests that we should pay attention to the beauty and wonder of the natural world and find joy in the simple things in life.
Praise and Gratitude for the World
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of praise and gratitude for the world around us. “Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, praise for them springing fresh from the world,” Stevens sings, urging us to appreciate the beauty of the world and all its inhabitants.
The phrase “fresh from the world” suggests that every day is a gift, and we should approach it with a sense of wonder and appreciation. The world is full of wonders, both big and small, and it is up to us to recognize and appreciate them.
Renewal and Rebirth
The second verse of the song speaks to the idea of renewal and rebirth. “Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass,” Stevens sings. The rain represents the cleansing and renewing power of nature, while the sun represents the light and warmth that brings new life.
The first dewfall on the first grass symbolizes the birth of new life and the renewal of the earth. The image suggests that every day is an opportunity to start anew and embrace the endless possibilities that life has to offer.
God’s Role in Creation
The third verse of the song brings up the idea of God’s role in creation. “Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning, born of the one light, Eden saw play,” Stevens sings. The line suggests that the world is a creation of God and that every day is a new manifestation of his divine plan.
The phrase “Eden saw play” references the Garden of Eden, which is often seen as a symbol of paradise and perfection. The line suggests that every day is an opportunity to experience a taste of paradise and to be grateful for the gifts that God has bestowed upon us.
True Meaning Behind “Morning Has Broken”
While Stevens himself did not write the lyrics for the song, he discovered them within the pages of a Christian hymnbook, which he stumbled upon during a period of writer’s block.
The lyrics, written by Eleanor Farieon, are based on a melody called “Bunessan,” which is a Scottish Christmas hymn for children.
The song begins with the lines “Morning has broken like the first morning/Blackbird has spoken like the first bird,” which describe the beauty of a new day and the sounds of nature that accompany it.
The lyrics go on to praise God for the freshness and vitality of the world, “Praise for the singing, praise for the morning/Praise for them springing fresh from the world.”
The song’s gentle melody and inspiring lyrics convey a sense of hope and renewal, suggesting that each new day is a gift to be cherished and celebrated.
Although the hymn is often sung in children’s services and at funerals, it is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Its message of gratitude for the simple things in life and its celebration of the natural world make it a timeless classic that has endured for decades.
Through his simple yet powerful interpretation of the hymn, Cat Stevens captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world, cementing his place as one of the most iconic singer-songwriters of the 1970s.
Conclusion
“Morning Has Broken” is a song that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world around us. It is a song that encourages us to approach each day with a sense of wonder, gratitude, and appreciation. The song’s lyrics speak to the themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of nature to bring us joy and happiness.
Ultimately, “Morning Has Broken” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Its message of hope and gratitude has resonated with generations, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to find meaning and purpose in their lives. The song reminds us that every day is a gift, and that we should approach each day with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.