About The Song
(Watch the video below)
Early Morning Rain is a song that was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1971 for the album Elvis Now. The song was written by Gordon Lightfoot, a Canadian singer-songwriter who is regarded as one of the greatest folk-rock artists of all time. The song was first released by Lightfoot in 1966 on his debut album Lightfoot! and became one of his signature songs.
The song is a melancholic ballad that depicts the loneliness and despair of a traveler who is stranded at an airport, unable to return to his loved one. The song uses imagery of the early morning rain, the runway, the jet plane, and the moon to convey the mood and the setting of the song. The song also uses contrast and irony to highlight the difference between the traveler’s situation and his dreams. For example, he has a dollar in his hand, but he cannot buy a ticket; he sees the silver wing on high, but he cannot fly; he hears the mighty engines roar, but he cannot escape.
Elvis Presley’s version of Early Morning Rain is similar to Lightfoot’s original, but with some differences. Elvis sings the song with his characteristic soulful voice, and adds some vocal embellishments and improvisations. He also changes some of the lyrics, such as “Where the pavement never grows” to “Where the pavement never goes”. Elvis’ version also features a more elaborate arrangement, with a piano, a guitar, a bass, a drum, and a harmonica. Elvis’ version is slightly faster than Lightfoot’s, and has a more country and blues feel.
Early Morning Rain is considered one of the best songs in Elvis’ later career, as it showcases his vocal and emotional range. The song is also a reflection of Elvis’ own life, as he was often away from his family and friends, traveling and performing around the world. The song is a tribute to Lightfoot’s songwriting skills, and a testament to Elvis’ musical talent and influence.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the 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 ways from home
And I missed my loved one so
In the early mornin' rain
With no place to go
Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
Well, I'm out here on the grass
Where the pavement never grows
Where the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
There she goes, my friend
She's rolling out at last
Hear the mighty engines roar (hear the mighty engines roar)
See the silver wing on high (see the silver wing on high)
She's away and westward bound
For above the clouds, she flies
Where the mornin' rain don't fall
And the sun always shines
She'll be flying over my home
In about three hours time
This ol' 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 (can't jump a plane)
Like you can a freight train (like a freight train)
So I best be on my way
In the early mornin' rain
So I best be on my way
In the early mornin' rain
So I best be on my way
In the early mornin' rain
Ah, you guys, lemme hear the, the, uh, the beat back there, don't be-
Don't hold back too much
I said, don't hold back too much, let me hear the feels and the beats
It's awfully isolated out here
Ah, thank you, Rodney