Introduction:
The unmistakable falsetto harmonies of the Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice – have resonated through decades of popular music. From their early pop ballads to their disco-fueled reign in the 70s, the Bee Gees have cemented their place as musical icons. In 1971, nestled amongst the tracks on their album Melody, emerged a song that captured a sentiment both youthful and optimistic – “Morning Of My Life”.
Composed by Barry Gibb, the song’s origins trace back to 1965, during the Bee Gees’ time in Australia. While the exact location remains debated, some sources claim it was written in the town of Wagga Wagga, a detail that adds a touch of small-town charm to the song’s genesis. Although initially titled “In the Morning”, it was eventually released under the more evocative title “Morning Of My Life”.
Despite its early composition, “Morning Of My Life” found its home on Melody, an album produced by Robert Stigwood, a name synonymous with the Bee Gees’ rise to international fame. Though the album itself didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of some of their later works, “Morning Of My Life” stood out as a gem, showcasing the brothers’ signature vocal blend and a musical style that leaned towards a more folk-pop sound.
The song itself is a burst of sunshine set to music. Upbeat acoustic guitar strumming lays the foundation, punctuated by Maurice Gibb’s ever-reliable basslines. Over this bed of sound, Barry’s soaring vocals paint a picture of youthful exuberance. The lyrics, though not explicitly stated, hint at the thrill of new beginnings, the wide-eyed optimism that comes with facing a day brimming with possibilities. It’s a feeling most keenly felt in one’s youth, the sense that the world is an oyster waiting to be opened.
“Morning Of My Life” holds a special place in the Bee Gees’ vast discography. It serves as a reminder of their earlier sound, a sound that pre-dates the disco phenomenon they would later become synonymous with. While not a chart-topping hit, the song has garnered a devoted following over the years, finding its way onto various compilation albums and live performances. In 1997, a live rendition from their “One Night Only” concert in Las Vegas showcased the enduring power of the song, proving that even decades later, “Morning Of My Life” could still evoke the thrill of a brand new day.