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Cat Stevens – “Morning Has Broken”

The Tragic Story Of Cat Stevens

About the Song

Cat Stevens, a singer-songwriter whose career traversed folk, rock, and spiritual exploration, gifted the world with “Morning Has Broken” in 1971. This song, originally a hymn with lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon, became a cornerstone of Stevens’ album “Teaser and the Firecat” thanks to his beautiful arrangement and heartfelt performance. “Morning Has Broken” transcends its religious roots to become a universal meditation on the wonder and gratitude for a new day.

The song opens with a simple yet evocative statement: “Morning has broken, like the first morning.” These words paint a picture of a pristine, untouched dawn, a moment of pure creation. Cat Stevens’ gentle vocals, accompanied by the now-iconic piano melody by Rick Wakeman, create a sense of awe and reverence.

“Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.” The lyrics shift focus to the natural world, highlighting the simple act of a bird’s song as a sign of life awakening. Each element – the morning light, the bird’s song – is celebrated for its inherent beauty.

The chorus, delivered with a soft sincerity, expresses the core sentiment of the song: “Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for the springing fresh from the earth!” It’s a call to appreciate the everyday miracles that surround us, the gift of a new day, and the constant renewal of life on Earth.

There’s a sense of childlike wonder woven into the lyrics. The world seems fresh and new, full of possibility. Lines like “Light in the tree-top, leaves in the breeze” capture the simple joys of nature’s beauty.

While the song originated as a hymn, “Morning Has Broken” doesn’t preach or proselytize. The message is universal – a call to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us each day. It’s a reminder to slow down, to take a breath, and to find gratitude in the simple things.

“Morning Has Broken” has become a beloved classic, covered by countless artists and featured in countless films and television shows. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the quiet joy of a new day and the sense of renewal it brings. It’s a song that leaves you feeling peaceful, hopeful, and ready to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.Cat Stevens' 10 greatest songs, ranked - Smooth

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Lyrics: Morning Has Broken

Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the WorldSweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dew fall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet passMine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the One Light Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s re-creation of the new dayMorning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the World

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