10 Best Songs About Mornings In Rock Music

Mornings have long been a source of inspiration for rock musicians, offering a powerful metaphor for fresh starts, reflection, and the daily struggles of life. In our article on the 10 best songs about mornings in rock music, we explore how artists from diverse musical backgrounds have captured the essence of this universal theme. From the soothing optimism of Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken,” which celebrates the beauty and purity of a new day, to the energetic hustle depicted in The Beatles’ “Good Morning Good Morning,” mornings in rock music range from calm contemplation to the rush of everyday life.

We also see morning depicted in more complex emotional landscapes, such as in Bob Dylan’s “Meet Me in the Morning,” where dawn symbolizes a quest for redemption amid heartache and loss. Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac’s “Monday Morning” captures the ambivalence and unpredictability of relationships, framing it against the backdrop of the week’s most dreaded day. The introspective “Sunday Morning” by Velvet Underground offers a more subdued, reflective take on the morning after a night of introspection or indulgence, while The Beach Boys’ “Tears in the Morning” turns the dawn into a time of loneliness and longing for a lost love.

This eclectic mix of songs demonstrates how mornings are a recurring muse in rock music, reflecting everything from hope and renewal to doubt and reflection. Whether you’re looking for songs that capture the serenity of a new day or those that explore the challenges and emotions that morning light can bring, our list provides a thoughtful exploration of how rock artists have painted mornings across different times, styles, and sentiments.

# 10 – Chelsea Morning – Joni Mitchell

Few songs capture the essence of morning quite like Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning,” an exuberant celebration of the beauty and promise that comes with the dawn of a new day. Recorded in 1968 and released on her second album, Clouds, in 1969, “Chelsea Morning” reflects Mitchell’s early years living in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, a time when she was rapidly establishing herself as one of the era’s most distinctive voices. Produced by Paul A. Rothchild and recorded at A&M Studios in Hollywood, the track features Mitchell’s crystalline vocals and her signature open-tuned guitar style, backed by a minimalist arrangement that allows her lyrical imagery to shine.

The song paints a vivid picture of a morning in the city, where sunlight streams through colorful curtains and the sounds of traffic become a symphony in themselves. With lyrics like, “Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning / And the first thing that I heard / Was a song outside my window / And the traffic wrote the words,” Mitchell captures the sensory experience of waking up to a world alive with color, sound, and possibility. It’s an invitation to savor life’s small, beautiful moments—a theme that ties directly into the concept of temptation. The repeated refrain, “Oh, won’t you stay? We’ll put on the day,” becomes a call to embrace the present and resist the temptation to rush past the simple pleasures of the morning.

“Chelsea Morning” stands out not only for its poetic imagery but also for its embodiment of the optimism and freedom that characterized much of Mitchell’s early work. Unlike some of the other songs on this list, which grapple with darker forms of temptation, “Chelsea Morning” tempts the listener with the promise of joy, light, and wonder. Its breezy melody and bright instrumentation create a sense of warmth and openness, making it a perfect opener for this collection of morning-themed rock songs.

Read More: Top 10 Joni Mitchell Songs

# 9 – Morning Glory – Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s “Morning Glory” is an enigmatic piece that stands as one of his lesser-known but deeply evocative explorations of morning’s contemplative allure. Released as part of his spoken word album, Dear Heather, in 2004, “Morning Glory” offers a poetic meditation on the start of a new day, where the mundane and the spiritual intersect. The track is an exercise in subtlety and reflection, blending Cohen’s rich, resonant voice with sparse instrumentation to create an almost hypnotic atmosphere. The song was recorded at Cohen’s own home studio in Los Angeles and produced by Cohen himself, along with collaborator Sharon Robinson.

Unlike other songs about morning that might celebrate the freshness and promise of the dawn, “Morning Glory” takes a more introspective route. The lyrics unfold as a dialogue, with phrases like “No words this time?” and “Is this leading somewhere?” suggesting a search for meaning that remains elusive. The repeated lines, “Is this going somewhere? Into the garden,” evoke a journey not just through a physical space but into the depths of consciousness. The dawn, in Cohen’s hands, becomes a time not only for awakening but also for facing the temptations of inaction, regret, and the seductive pull of one’s thoughts. The track invites listeners to consider the choices that await them each morning, emphasizing that temptation isn’t always loud or overt—it can be quiet, internal, and deeply personal.

Musically, “Morning Glory” is minimalist, with Cohen’s voice set against a soft, almost whispered backdrop of ambient sounds and faint musical flourishes. This sparse arrangement serves to emphasize the lyrics’ meditative quality, drawing the listener into the intimate space of Cohen’s reflection. Unlike the exuberant imagery of Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning,” which finds joy in the vibrancy of a new day, Cohen’s “Morning Glory” is contemplative, a subdued invitation to pause and consider what the morning represents—a choice between staying within the safety of introspection or stepping out into the world, with all its risks and rewards.

Read More: Top 10 Leonard Cohen Songs And Fan Favorites

# 8 – Train Leaves Here This Morning – The Eagles

“Train Leaves Here This Morning,” one of the more understated gems from The Eagles’ self-titled debut album released in 1972, captures the somber and contemplative side of morning. Written by Gene Clark of The Byrds and Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon, the song was recorded at Olympic Studios in London, under the production of Glyn Johns. With its country-rock sensibility and rootsy arrangement, “Train Leaves Here This Morning” stands out for its simplicity and the emotional depth it conveys, reflecting the band’s early days when they were still finding their sound.

The song begins with a soft, folky melody that suggests the quiet contemplation of a new day dawning. But this is not a morning filled with hope and new beginnings; instead, it’s tinged with the bittersweet realization of departure and uncertainty. As Leadon’s gentle vocals unfold, lyrics like “There’s a train leaves here this morning, and I don’t know what I might be on,” hint at the temptation to leave behind a troubled past or perhaps an unfulfilled promise. The song speaks to the allure of starting over, but it is also haunted by the vagueness of where that journey might lead. This theme of temptation runs throughout the track, as the narrator grapples with the impulse to run away and the equally strong desire to hold on to what is familiar, despite its flaws.

Musically, “Train Leaves Here This Morning” leans heavily on the laid-back style that would later define much of the Eagles’ sound—a mix of folk, country, and rock elements that creates a soothing but emotionally resonant backdrop. Leadon’s acoustic guitar picking, Glenn Frey’s rhythm guitar, Randy Meisner’s steady bass, and Don Henley’s subtle drum work provide a soft cushion for the lyrics’ wistful narrative. The song’s sparse arrangement mirrors the emotional isolation of the narrator, who finds himself on the cusp of a new beginning yet tethered by the past. In the context of other songs on this list, like Leonard Cohen’s “Morning Glory,” which also explores morning as a moment of reflection, “Train Leaves Here This Morning” stands out for its country-rock flavor and its exploration of departure as both an opportunity and a dilemma.

Read More: The Eagles Best Song From Each Of Their Studio Albums

# 7 – Morning Dew – Jeff Beck Group

“Morning Dew,” as interpreted by the Jeff Beck Group on their debut album, Truth (1968), is a chilling exploration of a post-apocalyptic dawn, capturing the desolation and quiet horror of a world devoid of life. Originally written by Canadian folk singer Bonnie Dobson and later adapted by Tim Rose, “Morning Dew” takes on a new dimension in the hands of Jeff Beck and his bandmates. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by Mickie Most, this version melds folk origins with the searing power of blues-rock, creating a haunting backdrop for the song’s mournful lyrics. The track features Beck’s groundbreaking guitar work, Rod Stewart’s evocative vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Micky Waller on drums, creating a synergy that redefines the song’s emotional landscape.

In its core narrative, “Morning Dew” is a conversation between two people, set in the aftermath of an unspecified cataclysm that has wiped out most of humanity. The lyrics “Can’t walk you out in no morning dew / Now there is no more morning dew” echo the absence of life and renewal, suggesting a world where the very essence of morning, and perhaps hope, has been obliterated. In this context, the song becomes a meditation on temptation—the temptation to find solace in denial, to avoid confronting the stark reality of loss and the futility of what remains. Jeff Beck’s guitar work amplifies this sense of despair and resignation, employing his signature use of feedback and distortion to evoke a sense of impending doom.

The Jeff Beck Group’s interpretation of “Morning Dew” is starkly different from other songs on this list, such as “Chelsea Morning” by Joni Mitchell, which finds joy in the promise of a new day. Instead, “Morning Dew” embodies the morning as a time for painful reckoning, where the clarity of the dawn reveals a barren landscape stripped of comfort or possibility. Unlike the romantic or celebratory takes on morning that appear elsewhere in rock music, this version is defined by its darkly existential tone—a reminder that the temptation to look away from uncomfortable truths can be overwhelming, yet ultimately impossible to maintain.

Read More: Top 10 Jeff Beck Songs

# 6 – Meet Me In The Morning – Bob Dylan

# 5 – Sunday Morning – Velvet Underground & Nico

“Sunday Morning,” the opening track of The Velvet Underground & Nico, captures the fragile serenity of a morning that follows a tumultuous night. Recorded in November 1966 at Mayfair Recording Studios in New York City, and produced by Andy Warhol and Tom Wilson, the song reflects the band’s softer, more introspective side, a stark contrast to their usual avant-garde and experimental approach. The track, led by Lou Reed’s delicate vocals and an ethereal celesta line played by John Cale, has become an enduring anthem for those reflective moments that only a quiet Sunday morning can bring.

Written at Warhol’s suggestion to create a song with more commercial appeal, “Sunday Morning” unfolds with a dreamy soundscape, as if the listener is slowly waking up to a new day. The lyrics capture the ambivalence of the morning—what should be a time of peace and clarity is instead filled with a lingering sense of unease. Reed’s refrain, “Watch out, the world’s behind you,” evokes the feeling of looking over one’s shoulder, suggesting that the troubles of the past are never far behind, even in the calm of a Sunday dawn. The song perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of mornings as both a chance to start anew and a reminder of what has come before.

While many songs about mornings focus on the optimism and freshness of a new day, “Sunday Morning” presents a more complex view. It aligns with songs like Bob Dylan’s “Meet Me in the Morning” in its exploration of the tension between hope and regret. Where Dylan’s track delves into the sorrow of lost love, The Velvet Underground’s song subtly alludes to the emotional and psychological baggage carried into the morning light. It captures the stillness of the morning but also the undercurrent of anxiety—a time when the mind is prone to wander into darker thoughts, reflecting on the “wasted years so close behind.”

Read More: Top 10 Velvet Underground Songs

# 4 – Tears In The Morning – The Beach Boys

“Tears in the Morning,” penned by Bruce Johnston, stands as one of The Beach Boys’ more introspective and melancholic pieces, diverging from their well-known sunny California sound. Featured on their 1970 album Sunflower, the track captures a quiet, contemplative moment in the aftermath of love lost. Recorded at multiple locations, including Brian Wilson’s home studio in Los Angeles and various studios throughout California, “Tears in the Morning” showcases a more mature, reflective side of the band, embracing a sense of vulnerability that was less prominent in their earlier work.

Musically, the song is a gentle, orchestral pop ballad, complete with lush harmonies and a melancholic melody that perfectly mirrors its lyrical themes. The instrumentation, featuring Johnston on vocals and keyboards, Carl Wilson on guitar, and Dennis Wilson on drums, is deliberately understated, allowing the listener to focus on the emotional weight of the lyrics. Johnston sings of a man grappling with the loneliness of a love who has left for Europe, and the morning tears that serve as a daily reminder of his solitude. “Tears in the morning,” he croons, “they ain’t gonna tell me what to do,” yet the sentiment is clear—mourning a relationship’s end isn’t something he can easily shake off with the dawn.

This track is distinct within The Beach Boys’ catalog, akin to other songs about mornings that touch upon the emotions experienced at the start of a new day. Unlike the optimistic outlook found in Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning,” “Tears in the Morning” finds the protagonist wrestling with the quiet desperation that mornings can sometimes bring. It aligns more closely with the reflective sadness of The Velvet Underground’s “Sunday Morning,” where morning becomes a metaphor for introspection, tinged with both hope and melancholy.

Read More: Top 10 Beach Boys Albums

# 3 – Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” stands as one of the quintessential rock songs celebrating the purity and promise of morning. Released in 1971 on his critically acclaimed album Teaser and the Firecat, the song is a reimagining of an old Christian hymn originally published in 1931, with lyrics by English children’s author Eleanor Farjeon. Stevens, with his folk-rock sensibilities and a voice that balances gentleness and authority, transformed this hymn into a spiritual anthem for the rock era. Recorded at Island Records’ Basing Street Studios in London, with Paul Samwell-Smith as producer and Rick Wakeman of Yes fame on piano, “Morning Has Broken” reached number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of Cat Stevens’ repertoire.

“Morning Has Broken” captures the essence of morning as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Stevens’ arrangement breathes new life into the song, pairing the pastoral imagery of the lyrics with a delicate yet uplifting melody. The lyrics are a celebration of the freshness of a new day, drawing on natural elements like blackbirds, dew, and sunlight to evoke a sense of wonder and gratitude for the world’s simple, everyday miracles. This reverence for the dawn is mirrored in Stevens’ tender vocal delivery, which conveys both a sense of personal peace and a broader, almost universal joy. The intricate piano arrangement by Rick Wakeman adds a classical elegance, providing a backdrop that complements the song’s hymn-like quality.

While other songs on this list may explore the more introspective or melancholic sides of morning, “Morning Has Broken” is unabashedly optimistic. It stands in contrast to tracks like Leonard Cohen’s “Morning Glory,” which reflects a more contemplative and somber view of the early hours. Where Cohen might see morning as a time for reflection, Stevens approaches it with a spirit of celebration. The song’s recurring refrain of “praise for the morning” emphasizes a deep appreciation for the dawn’s ability to signify a new beginning, a theme that resonates across cultures and musical genres.

Read More: Top 10 Cat Stevens Songs

# 2 – Monday Morning – Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Monday Morning” captures the restless energy of new beginnings with a blend of bright melodies and earnest lyrics. This opening track from their 1975 self-titled album—often called the “White Album”—signaled a significant shift for the band, introducing the world to the electrifying chemistry of their new lineup. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles with the band’s production oversight and Keith Olsen’s engineering finesse, the song serves as both a fresh start and a confident step forward. Buckingham’s upbeat guitar riffs and raw vocals, coupled with the rhythmic drive from John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, set a compelling tone that would define Fleetwood Mac’s sound in the years to come.

While “Monday Morning” may initially seem like a simple pop-rock tune, its deeper appeal lies in the way it captures the tension between desire and disillusionment. The song is underpinned by a strong rhythm section, with John McVie’s bass lines complementing Mick Fleetwood’s steady drumming, providing a driving backdrop that contrasts with Buckingham’s emotive delivery. This contrast adds a layer of complexity to the song, as the music suggests a forward momentum while the lyrics wrestle with a cycle of longing and letting go. Fleetwood Mac’s harmonies, particularly the interplay between Buckingham and Christine McVie, add warmth to the track, reinforcing the bittersweet nature of its message.

“Monday Morning” stands apart from other songs on this list about mornings by being less about a specific time of day and more about the symbolic weight Monday carries—the idea of starting anew, even when the outcome is uncertain. This theme of reluctant beginnings ties it to other morning-themed songs like Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken,” which approaches the dawn with a sense of spiritual renewal and optimism, while “Monday Morning” acknowledges the struggles that often accompany fresh starts. As the song wraps up with its infectious chorus and layered vocals, it leaves listeners with a reminder that, much like the unpredictable journey of love, mornings often bring a mix of hope, frustration, and the unavoidable push toward what comes next.

# 1 – Good Morning Good Morning – The Beatles

“Good Morning Good Morning” by The Beatles serves as the perfect conclusion to our list of the 10 Best Songs About Mornings in Rock Music. Featured on the seminal 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this track captures the chaotic energy and mundane routines of everyday life in a way that only The Beatles could. Written by John Lennon, the song was inspired by a Kellogg’s Corn Flakes commercial, which may explain its quirky yet satirical take on the concept of morning.

Recorded between February 8 and April 19, 1967, at EMI Studios in London, “Good Morning Good Morning” features the classic Beatles lineup: John Lennon on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, Ringo Starr on drums, and George Harrison on lead guitar. The track was produced by the legendary George Martin, whose inventive production techniques are on full display. The song is also notable for its use of a brass section, arranged by Martin, which gives it a unique, carnival-like feel. The frenetic pace of the song is enhanced by a series of animal noises that escalate in intensity towards the end, mirroring the restless and somewhat absurd portrayal of a morning routine.

While many morning-themed songs tend to focus on the beauty or peace of a new day, “Good Morning Good Morning” stands out for its more cynical and sardonic perspective. Lennon’s lyrics reflect the monotony and existential discontent that can accompany the start of a new day, as he sings about the emptiness of daily routines: “Nothing to do to save his life, call his wife in / Nothing to say but what a day, how’s your boy been?” Yet, despite the seemingly mundane observations, the song brims with a vibrant energy, propelled by the dynamic interplay of guitars and brass, creating a contrast that mirrors the dual nature of mornings: both a new beginning and a continuation of the same old grind.

Positioned as the final track on our list, “Good Morning Good Morning” provides a fitting closure, encapsulating the varied emotions that mornings can evoke. In contrast to the contemplative calm of Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” or the wistful nostalgia of Fleetwood Mac’s “Monday Morning,” The Beatles offer a more playful yet critical lens on the everyday experiences that define our mornings. By capturing both the trivial and the profound, “Good Morning Good Morning” reminds us that mornings, like life itself, are filled with contradictions, making it an essential part of any conversation about the best songs inspired by the start of a new day.

Read More: Top 100 Beatles Songs

10 Best Songs About Mornings In Rock Music article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024