“Early Morning Rain,” a poignant ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, captures the essence of longing and introspection amidst the backdrop of rainy days and departing flights. Written in 1964 and featured on his debut album *Lightfoot!* in 1966, the song has become a classic that resonates with listeners through its evocative lyrics and heartfelt melody.
The genesis of “Early Morning Rain” can be traced back to Lightfoot’s time in Westlake, Los Angeles, where he often found solace at the Los Angeles International Airport during rainy days. Watching planes take off against the overcast sky left a lasting impression on him, later influencing the imagery within the song. The initial spark to write the song came when Lightfoot, caring for his infant son in 1964, sat down to compose while his child peacefully slept nearby.
The song’s narrative unfolds through its vivid lyrics, painting a picture of a man contemplating his circumstances while facing the prospect of separation. This theme of departure and emotional distance struck a chord with audiences, leading to several notable renditions by various artists over the years. Ian & Sylvia’s rendition topped the Canadian AC charts in 1965, followed by Peter, Paul and Mary’s interpretation that reached the Billboard Hot 100. George Hamilton IV also found success with a country version, further solidifying the song’s cross-genre appeal.
Beyond North America, “Early Morning Rain” found international acclaim with adaptations like Joe Dassin’s French cover “Dans la brume du matin,” which became a hit in France. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of homesickness, departure, and the quiet beauty found in moments of solitude.
Gordon Lightfoot’s legacy as a songwriter is intricately tied to “Early Morning Rain,” a song that continues to captivate new generations with its timeless melody and lyrical depth. Whether through its original recording on *Lightfoot!* or its inclusion on the 1975 compilation *Gord’s Gold*, the song remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and memories associated with life’s journeys.
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Lyrics
In the early morning rain
With a dollar in my hand
With an achin’ in my heart
And my pockets full of sand
I’m a long way from home
And I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain
With no place to go
Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
But I’m stuck here in the grass
Where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
Well, there she goes my friend
Well, she’s rollin’ down at last
Hear the mighty engines roar
See the silver bird on high
She’s away and westward bound
Far above the cloud, she’ll fly
Where the mornin’ rain don’t fall
And the sun always shines
She’ll be flyin’ o’er 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
As cold and drunk as I can be
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain
You can’t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So, I’d best be on the way
In the early morning rain
