About the song
“Sunday Morning Coming Down,” performed by Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash, is a timeless anthem of melancholy and reflection that has resonated deeply with listeners since its release. Written by Kris Kristofferson, this poignant song was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969, but it was Johnny Cash’s rendition that truly brought it into the spotlight.
Johnny Cash’s version of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” was released as a single in 1970 and became a significant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This performance was also famously featured on “The Johnny Cash Show,” further cementing its place in country music history. The song’s raw, honest lyrics capture the feeling of loneliness and despair that often accompany a hungover Sunday morning, making it relatable to many who have experienced similar emotions.
Kris Kristofferson, an immensely talented songwriter and performer, imbues the song with a deep sense of authenticity. His own life experiences and struggles are reflected in the lyrics, lending an air of genuine vulnerability to the piece. When Kristofferson and Cash performed “Sunday Morning Coming Down” together, their combined gravitas and musical prowess elevated the song to new heights, creating a version that is both haunting and profoundly moving.
The song was featured on Kristofferson’s debut album, “Kristofferson,” released in 1970, and later included in several of Cash’s compilation albums. “Sunday Morning Coming Down” has been praised for its lyrical brilliance and emotional depth, making it one of Kristofferson’s most enduring contributions to country music.
For many older listeners, the duet of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash is more than just a song; it is a poignant reminder of the struggles and contemplations that come with life. The evocative imagery and heartfelt delivery resonate with anyone who has ever faced a moment of profound introspection.
This performance stands as a testament to the enduring talents of both Kristofferson and Cash. Their rendition of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a powerful example of the emotive power of country music, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving. It remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its honest portrayal of life’s complexities and the masterful artistry of two of country music’s greatest legends.
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Lyrics
… Well, I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad
So I had one more for dessert
… Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day
… I’d smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and songs I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playing with a can that he was kicking
… Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord it took me back to something that I lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down
… In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swinging
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing
… Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away, a lonely bell was ringing
And it echoed through the canyons
Like a disappearing dreams of yesterday
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down