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Early Morning Rain – Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot, Legendary Folk Musician, Dies at 84 | Smithsonian

About the Song

In the realm of folk music, certain songs stand the test of time, their melodies and lyrics weaving themselves into the very fabric of our collective consciousness. Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” is one such ballad, a poignant and evocative masterpiece that has captured the hearts of listeners for over five decades.

Lightfoot, a Canadian singer-songwriter renowned for his introspective lyrics and gentle guitar strumming, penned “Early Morning Rain” in 1964. The song’s genesis can be traced back to Lightfoot’s time spent in Los Angeles, where he would often find himself drawn to the Los Angeles International Airport, watching planes take off into the rain-soaked sky.

“Early Morning Rain” is a song steeped in melancholic beauty, its verses painting vivid pictures of a weary traveler bidding farewell to a lover as the sun begins to rise. The lyrics are infused with a sense of longing and regret, the protagonist grappling with the weight of leaving behind someone they hold dear.

Lightfoot’s masterful storytelling is evident throughout the song, his words imbued with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. The imagery he conjures is both intimate and universal, capturing the essence of heartbreak and the bittersweet ache of separation.

The song’s enduring appeal lies not only in its lyrical prowess but also in its hauntingly beautiful melody. Lightfoot’s gentle guitar strumming provides a melancholic backdrop to his vocals, while the song’s structure, with its repeating chorus and verses, lends itself to a sense of wistful longing.

“Early Morning Rain” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each interpretation adding its own unique touch to the song’s legacy. However, Lightfoot’s original rendition remains the definitive version, his voice imbued with a world-weary gravitas that perfectly captures the song’s emotional core.

Whether you’re a seasoned folk enthusiast or a casual music listener, “Early Morning Rain” is a song that will undoubtedly touch your soul. Its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and timeless message of love and loss have cemented its place as a true folk classic.Gordon Lightfoot obituary | Music | The Guardian

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Lyrics: Early Morning Rain

In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand
With an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand
I’m a long way from home and I miss my loved one so
In the early morning rain with no place to goOut on runway number nine big 707 set to go
But I’m stuck here in the grass where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast
Well, there she goes, my friend, well she’s rolling down at lastHear the mighty engines roar – see the silver bird on high
She’s away and westward bound – far above the clouds she’ll fly
Where the morning rain don’t fall and the sun always shines
She’ll be flying o’er my home in about three hours timeThis old airport’s got me down – it’s no earthly good to me
‘Cause I’m stuck here on the ground as cold and drunk as I can be
You can’t jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on my way in the early morning rainYou can’t jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on my way in the early morning rain

 

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