About the song
“Morning Has Broken” is a cherished Christian hymn that first appeared in 1931, crafted by English author Eleanor Farjeon. The hymn’s gentle lyrics are paired with a traditional Scottish Gaelic melody, “Bunessan,” which originated in the Scottish Highlands. Farjeon’s words and the tune’s serene qualities have made “Morning Has Broken” a beloved piece, often sung in children’s services and funeral ceremonies due to its uplifting and reflective nature.
The hymn’s creation was inspired by the village of Alfriston in East Sussex, where Farjeon was enchanted by the beauty of the countryside. The original hymn, which was included in the second edition of *Songs of Praise* in 1931, expresses gratitude for the dawn of a new day and celebrates the renewal and hope that morning brings. Its structure is notably in 9/4 time, although it feels like 3/4, adding a distinctive rhythm to its melodic flow.
The song gained renewed prominence through the recording by English pop musician and folk singer Cat Stevens, who included it on his 1971 album *Teaser and the Firecat*. Stevens’ version of “Morning Has Broken” brought the hymn into the mainstream, reaching number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topping the easy listening chart in 1972. The track also achieved significant success in Canada, reaching number four on the RPM magazine charts.
Stevens’ rendition of the hymn features a notable piano arrangement by Rick Wakeman, which added a new layer of depth to the traditional melody. The recording process saw some creative challenges, as Stevens initially struggled to extend the hymn into a longer format suitable for the album. With producer Paul Samwell-Smith’s encouragement and Wakeman’s contributions, the song was transformed into a pop-folk masterpiece. The version recorded by Stevens is distinguished by its dynamic key changes and the interplay between the piano and vocal lines, which enhanced the hymn’s emotional resonance.
The arrangement for Stevens’ version includes key changes that give the song a compelling structure: verses in C major and instrumental sections in D major. This creative adaptation has helped the song endure and remain relevant to new generations of listeners. Despite some initial disputes over credits and payments, Stevens later reconciled with Wakeman, acknowledging his significant role in the song’s success.
Today, “Morning Has Broken” continues to be celebrated for its timeless beauty and spiritual depth. It remains a staple in various musical settings, from religious services to popular media, illustrating the enduring power of its message and melody.
Video
Lyrics
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
Sweet the rains 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
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
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