About the song
Peter, Paul and Mary – Early Morning Rain (1966)
Few songs capture the bittersweet ache of longing and departure quite like “Early Morning Rain,” a folk standard that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. Recorded by the iconic trio Peter, Paul and Mary in 1966 for their album The Peter, Paul and Mary Album, this poignant ballad, penned by the gifted Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, became one of their signature tunes.
The song paints a vivid picture of a man stranded in a town far from home, watching the planes take off and wishing he could be on one of them. He’s haunted by a lost love and a yearning for a place where he truly belongs. The imagery is stark and evocative: the “early morning rain” mirroring his tears, the “empty street” reflecting his loneliness, and the “jet plane” symbolizing the freedom he craves.
Peter, Paul and Mary’s rendition is masterful in its simplicity. Their voices, rich in harmony and imbued with emotion, bring Lightfoot’s lyrics to life. Mary Travers’ crystalline lead vocal, supported by the gentle harmonies of Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability. The acoustic guitar accompaniment is delicate yet powerful, underscoring the song’s melancholic mood.
“Early Morning Rain” is a timeless classic for a reason. Its themes of longing, displacement, and the search for belonging are universal, striking a chord with anyone who has ever felt lost or far from home. Whether you’re a lifelong folk enthusiast or new to the genre, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In this exploration of “Early Morning Rain,” we’ll delve into the song’s origins, examine its lyrical and musical nuances, and consider its enduring legacy in the world of folk music. Join me as we revisit this timeless masterpiece and rediscover its power to move and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
In the early mornin’ rain with a dollar in my hand
And 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 mornin’ rain with no place to go
Out on runway number nine, big seven o seven set to go
But I’m out here on the grass where the pavement never grows
Well the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast
There she goes my friend, she’s rollin’ down at last
Hear the mighty engine roar, see the silver wing on high
She’s away and westward bound far above the clouds she’ll fly
Where the mornin’ rain don’t fall and the sun always shines
She’ll be flyin’ over my home in about three hours time
This old airport’s got me down, it’s no earthly good to me
‘Cause I’m stuck here on the ground, cold and drunk as I might be
Can’t jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So I’d best be on my way in the early mornin’ rain
So I’d best be on my way in the early mornin’ rain