Don Williams, Country's 'Gentle Giant,' Dead at 78 – Rolling Stone

About the Song

Don Williams, the “Gentle Giant” of country music, delivers a heartfelt and comforting ballad in “I’ll Be Here In The Morning.” This timeless song offers a reassuring promise of enduring love and support.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple facing challenges and uncertainties. Despite the difficulties, the narrator assures their partner that they will always be there, providing a steadfast presence and unwavering love. The song’s gentle melody and Williams’ soothing vocals create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The chorus is particularly poignant: “I’ll be here in the morning, sun or shine. You’ll never be lonely, you’ll always be mine.” These words convey a deep sense of commitment and devotion.

“I’ll Be Here In The Morning” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. Its message of unconditional love and support continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Williams’ masterful performance and the song’s timeless melody make it a beloved staple of the country music genre.

Don Williams Dead: Country Music Star Was 78 – The Hollywood Reporter

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Lyrics: I’ll Be Here In The Morning

There’s no stronger wind than the one that blows
down a lonesome railroad line
No prettier sight than looking back
on a town you left behind
There is nothin’ that’s as real
as a love that’s in my mindClose your eyes
I’ll be here in the morning
close your eyes
I’ll be here for a whileThere’s lots of things along the road
I’d surely like to see
I’d like to lean into the wind
and tell myself I’m free
but your softest whisper’s louder
than the highways call to meClose your eyes
I’ll be here in the morning
close your eyes
I’ll be here for a whileAll the mountains and the rivers
and the valleys can’t compare
to your blue lit dancin’ eyes
and yellow shining hair
I could never hit the open road
and leave you layin’ there

Close your eyes
I’ll be here in the morning
close your eyes
I’ll be here for a while

Lay your head back easy, love,
close your cryin’ eyes
I’ll be layin’ here beside you
when the sun comes on the rise
I’ll stay as long as the cuckoo wails
and the lonesome bluejay cries.

Close your eyes
I’ll be here in the morning
close your eyes
I’ll be here for a while [x2]

You Missed

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.