You might be surprised to learn that before Cat Stevens picked up “Morning Has Broken,” it was already a beloved Christian hymn with deep roots in Celtic tradition.
Eleanor Farjeon, an English children’s author, penned the lyrics in 1931 at the request of Percy Dearmer, editor of Songs of Praise. The melody itself traces back even further to a traditional Gaelic tune called “Bunessan,” named after a small village on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
Song’s Meaning
The original hymn celebrated the renewal of each day, with Farjeon drawing inspiration from the Scottish Highlands where the tune originated. Her words painted vivid pictures of blackbirds singing at dawn and dew sparkling in the morning light – imagery that would later captivate millions through Stevens’ interpretation.
Cat Stevens’ Transformative Touch
When Stevens discovered “Morning Has Broken” in the early 1970s, he saw something special in its simple melody.
The transformation from hymn to pop hit wasn’t straightforward, though. Stevens brought in Rick Wakeman, then a session musician who would later find fame with progressive rock band Yes, to create the distinctive piano arrangement.
The recording sessions at London’s Morgan Studios in March 1971 proved challenging. Stevens and producer Paul Samwell-Smith worked tirelessly to expand the brief hymn into a full-length song while maintaining its spiritual essence. They achieved this by repeating verses and adding instrumental breaks that showcased Wakeman’s intricate piano work.
Commercial Success & Cultural Impact
The gamble paid off spectacularly. “Morning Has Broken” soared to #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the easy listening chart. (ref) In the UK, it reached #9, proving that spiritual music could resonate with secular audiences when presented in the right way.
What makes this success particularly fascinating is how Stevens managed to preserve the song’s religious spirit while making it accessible to everyone. The universal themes of gratitude and daily renewal struck a chord with listeners regardless of their faith.
The Wakeman Connection
The story behind the song’s iconic piano arrangement adds another layer of intrigue. Rick Wakeman’s contribution was initially uncredited, and he wasn’t paid for his session work at first.
Years later, Stevens acknowledged this oversight, leading to a reconciliation between the two musicians.
Wakeman’s cascading piano notes became as recognizable as Stevens’ gentle vocals, creating a perfect marriage of classical technique and folk simplicity.
Modern Relevance & Legacy
Fast forward to today, and “Morning Has Broken” continues to resonate with new generations. In 2020, Stevens (now performing as Yusuf/Cat Stevens) reunited with Wakeman at London’s O2 Arena, performing the song to an enraptured audience.
The song has been translated into multiple languages, covered by countless artists, and used in various cultural contexts. Its message of finding joy in life’s simple renewals speaks as clearly today as it did in both Stevens’ era and Farjeon’s time.
Bridging Musical Worlds: A Timeless Legacy
What makes this transformation so remarkable isn’t just the commercial success, but how Stevens managed to bridge different worlds – Christian hymnal and pop chart, sacred and secular, traditional and modern.
The story of “Morning Has Broken” reminds us that great music knows no boundaries. Whether sung in a Scottish church, played on 1970s radio, or streamed today, its simple celebration of daily renewal continues to touch hearts and lift spirits.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
