“Morning Has Broken” is a song that resonates deeply with listeners across generations. While many associate it with Cat Stevens’ iconic 1971 rendition, the song’s origins trace back to a Christian hymn penned by English author Eleanor Farjeon. This exploration delves into the captivating lyrics of “Cat Stevens Morning Has Broken”, uncovering the hymn’s rich history and enduring message.
The Hymn’s Genesis: Eleanor Farjeon and “Bunessan”
Eleanor Farjeon wrote “Morning Has Broken” in 1931, and it was first published in “Songs of Praise”. The lyrics were crafted to fit the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune “Bunessan.” Percy Dearmer, the editor of “Songs of Praise,” commissioned Farjeon to create a hymn of gratitude for each new day, perfectly suited to the already beautiful melody. The tune “Bunessan” itself was discovered in L. McBean’s “Songs and Hymns of the Gael” (1900) and had previously been used for a Christmas carol. This pre-existing melody lends a timeless quality to Farjeon’s words, bridging cultural and musical traditions.
Cat Stevens’ Interpretation and Global Recognition
Decades later, in 1971, Cat Stevens recorded “Morning Has Broken,” transforming the hymn into a globally recognized song. His version, featuring a prominent piano arrangement, brought a fresh wave of appreciation to Farjeon’s lyrics and the “Bunessan” melody. Stevens’ rendition wasn’t just a cover; it was a reinterpretation that resonated with a contemporary audience, introducing the hymn to a broader secular listenership while retaining its spiritual essence. His soulful delivery and the gentle instrumentation highlighted the song’s themes of renewal and thankfulness.
Unpacking the Lyrical Beauty of “Morning Has Broken”
The lyrics of “Morning Has Broken” are deceptively simple yet profoundly moving. They paint a vivid picture of daybreak and the beauty of a new beginning.
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 world
These opening lines evoke a sense of pristine creation, comparing the dawn of each day to the very first morning of the world. The imagery of a blackbird’s song as the “first bird” further emphasizes this feeling of fresh beginnings and natural harmony. The repeated call to “praise” sets a tone of gratitude and reverence for the simple gifts of a new day.
Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
The second verse expands on this theme, focusing on the sensory details of a morning after rain. “Sunlit from heaven” suggests a divine source of light and life, while the comparison to “first dewfall” continues the theme of pristine creation. The “sweetness of the wet garden” and the idea that nature springs forth “in completeness” evoke a sense of divine presence and blessing in the natural world.
Mine is the sunlight
Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise ev’ry morning
God’s recreation of the new day
The final verse personalizes the experience of morning, claiming “sunlight” and “morning” as personal gifts. The reference to “Eden” connects the daily miracle of sunrise to the biblical paradise, suggesting a continuous cycle of creation and renewal. “God’s recreation of the new day” encapsulates the core message: each morning is a fresh start, a divine gift to be celebrated with “elation” and praise.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of “Morning Has Broken”
Whether experienced through the traditional hymn or Cat Stevens’ popular rendition, “Morning Has Broken” remains a powerful and uplifting song. Its simple yet profound lyrics, combined with the evocative “Bunessan” melody, offer a timeless message of gratitude, renewal, and the beauty of each new day. The song’s journey from a hymnbook to global airwaves speaks to its universal appeal and enduring power to touch hearts across cultures and generations.
