“Morning Has Broken” is a beloved Christian hymn with lyrics written by English author Eleanor Farjeon in 1931. It is a song that evokes feelings of awe and appreciation for the beauty of nature and the beginning of a new day.
Cat Stevens, an English pop musician and folk singer, included a version of the hymn on his album “Teaser and the Firecat” in 1971, which became widely popular and is now strongly associated with him.
In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the lyrics, exploring the spiritual and metaphorical significance embedded within its verses.
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Inspiration behind “Morning Has Broken”
The inspiration behind “Morning Has Broken” stems from its origins as a Christian hymn written by English author Eleanor Farjeon in 1931. Farjeon was inspired by the village of Alfriston in East Sussex, where she likely drew from the beauty of the natural surroundings. The hymn was set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune called “Bunessan,” which was originally associated with Christmas songs and children’s hymns.
Farjeon was commissioned by Percy Dearmer, the editor of Songs of Praise, to create a poem that would fit this lovely melody. The hymn expresses themes of gratitude and praise for the beauty of creation, celebrating the freshness and joy of each new morning. The imagery in the lyrics evokes a sense of renewal, likening the morning to the first morning of creation, and emphasizes a spiritual connection to nature.
Cat Stevens later popularized the hymn with his 1971 recording, which introduced it to a wider audience. He discovered the hymn while browsing through a Christian hymnbook, and he felt inspired to adapt it musically, adding his own chords and arrangement.
Stevens’ version transformed the hymn into a folk-pop classic, making it one of his most recognizable songs and associating it with themes of hope and renewal in the modern era.
“Morning Has Broken” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1: The Beauty of Creation
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 Word
In this opening stanza, the imagery of morning breaking signifies a new beginning, akin to the very first day of creation.
The comparison of the morning to the “first morning” emphasizes a sense of wonder and freshness. The mention of the blackbird as the first bird to sing suggests the joy of life awakening.
The repeated calls for praise highlight gratitude for the beauty of nature and the divine inspiration behind it, referencing “the Word,” which can be interpreted as a biblical reference to creation.
Verse 2
Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dew fall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
This stanza continues the theme of freshness with the imagery of rain and dew, symbolizing nourishment and growth. The “first dew fall” evokes a sense of purity and newness, reinforcing the idea of rebirth. The “wet garden” represents a flourishing creation, reflecting divine presence and care.
The phrase “where His feet pass” suggests that God walks among us, further emphasizing the connection between the divine and the natural world.
Verse 3
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
In this section, the speaker expresses a personal connection to the light and the morning, claiming ownership of the beauty that surrounds them.
The reference to “the One Light” connects to the idea of God as the source of all light and life, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.
The call to “praise with elation” encourages a joyful acknowledgment of each new day as a gift and a renewal, portraying every morning as a divine act of creation.
Verse 4
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 Word
The repetition of the first verse serves to reinforce the central themes of the song. It brings the listener back to the initial wonder and appreciation for the morning and the natural world.
This cyclical structure mirrors the cycle of day and night, emphasizing the ongoing nature of creation and the continuous opportunity for renewal and praise.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Morning Has Broken”
“Morning Has Broken” is a hymn of renewal, inviting listeners to find beauty in the world and to celebrate the divine presence in nature and everyday life.
It was written by English author Eleanor Farjeon in 1931. Farjeon was asked to pen a poem to fit the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune “Bunessan” as a hymn of thanksgiving for each new day.
The song is named after the opening line of the lyrics, which evokes the beauty and wonder of a new day dawning:
“Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.”
The lyrics celebrate the freshness and possibility of each new day, drawing inspiration from the creation story in the book of Genesis where God creates the world in six days, resting on the seventh. The phrase “like the first morning” suggests a sense of renewal and rebirth with the rising of the sun.
Throughout the lyrics, there is a strong connection to nature, with references to rain, dew, sunlight, and gardens. These elements symbolize nourishment and growth, reflecting the cycles of life. The “wet garden” represents a flourishing creation, suggesting that the divine is present in the beauty of the natural world.
The song transcends specific religious contexts, delivering a universal message of hope and gratitude. The mention of “Eden” and the “one light” connects to themes of innocence and divine perfection.
The narrator’s personal connection to the sunlight and morning signifies a deeper appreciation for the light and joy that each day brings.
Overall, “Morning Has Broken” serves as a reminder to celebrate the gift of each new day. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the joy of existence and to express gratitude for the beauty that surrounds them. This uplifting message resonates with people across different cultures and beliefs, making the song a timeless piece that inspires reflection and appreciation for life’s simple joys.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.