Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson – Sunday Morning Coming Down

Introduction:

Few songs resonate with the depths of despair and longing for redemption quite like Sunday Morning Coming Down. This harrowing country duet, released in 1970, brought together two iconic voices: the legendary Johnny Cash and the rising star songwriter Kris Kristofferson. Produced by Bob Johnston, the song quickly transcended genres, becoming a cornerstone of both Cash’s and Kristofferson’s careers.

Sunday Morning Coming Down falls squarely within the realm of country music. However, its subject matter and emotional delivery pushed boundaries. The song lays bare the desolate aftermath of a night of heavy drinking. The lyrics, penned by Kristofferson, weave a tale of isolation and regret experienced by a narrator grappling with addiction. The raw vulnerability expressed in the song resonated with a generation grappling with social and personal struggles.

Sunday Morning Coming Down was not a typical hit song. It lacked the upbeat tempos and optimistic themes common in country music of the era. Instead, it offered a stark portrayal of addiction’s grip. Despite this, the song achieved critical acclaim. Critics lauded the unflinching honesty of the lyrics and the power of the vocal performances. Cash’s signature baritone perfectly complemented Kristofferson’s gravelly tenor, creating a haunting and unforgettable soundscape.

Sunday Morning Coming Down’s impact extended far beyond the initial critical praise. The song became a staple of Cash’s live performances, often delivered with an intensity that left audiences breathless. It has also been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring power. From Emmylou Harris to Joan Baez, each rendition offered a unique perspective on the song’s themes.

Sunday Morning Coming Down remains a significant achievement in the careers of both Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. The song’s stark portrayal of addiction continues to resonate with listeners today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both struggle and redemption, a testament to the enduring legacy of country music.

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