It’s funny how someone can cover an old song and make it entirely new for you. This is what has happened with the song “Morning Has Broken.” In fact, it’s become a sort-of anthem for me.
Since I grew up in the 70s, I’d heard Cat Stevens‘ version of the song several times, and I did like it. But I didn’t get the full meaning of the song. It was just a really nice song.
Fast forward to a few months ago when I picked up Third Day‘s album Miracle. (I mentioned to you guys that I’m obsessed with them right now, and “Morning Has Broken” is part of the reason why.)
The lyrics have been highlighted for me in this version, to the point where I am filled with joy at the vision of what this song really means. I can picture:
“Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlight 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.”
and I actually get shivers at the thought of that very first morning ever “where His feet pass.” There are times when I hear this song that I get tears in my eyes. It is so moving to me.
Of course, I play it over and over and then drag the CD to the car where I play it over and over and I’m sure that drives the rest of the family nuts but I can’t help it! I’m obsessed!
I had to do some digging (because I really didn’t know if Cat Stevens wrote the song or what) and found (on Wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt) that it was a Christian hymn from 1931.
It’s funny because when I first listened to the whole album, I thought, Morning Has Broken? What a dumb song to end the album on. I’m such a cynic. Then I heard it, and I couldn’t stop listening, to the point where I’m blabbling about it here now. It’s become a way to get connected to the right frame of mind for me, to meditate on, almost like a prayer.
I’ll end with these words from the song:
“Praise with elation, praise every morning;
God’s recreation of the new day.”
I’m on the music team at my church. Heard a church member saying this week that he “would never sing a song that had been sung by a Muslim”…referring to Cat Stevens. Guess which hymn we’re doing this Sunday? Time for a bit of gentle and loving education.
Oh Cyndi I didn’t know you were on the music team. Good for you! Yeah, a little gentle and loving education goes a long, long way. 🙂 I love that you’re doing this song this week.