Peter Paul & Mary – Early Morning Rain (1966)

About the song

Peter, Paul, and Mary’s “Early Morning Rain” is a timeless folk classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1965, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying the trio’s status as one of the most popular folk groups of their generation.

The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a haunting guitar riff and Peter Yarrow’s distinctive, soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life, painting a vivid picture of a man struggling with his demons.

One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its powerful chorus, in which Yarrow sings, “I’ve been walking on this road for so many miles.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of a solitary journey.

The song’s production is simple yet effective, with Yarrow’s acoustic guitar providing the primary accompaniment. The arrangement allows his vocals and the lyrics to take center stage, creating a raw and intimate atmosphere.

“Early Morning Rain” is a testament to the power of storytelling through music. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and Yarrow’s soulful performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the trio’s talent and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.

Video

Lyrics

In the early morning rain
With a dollar in my hand
And an aching in my heart
And my pockets full of sand

I?m a long way from home
And I missed my loved one so
In the early morning rain
With no place to go

Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
But I?m out here on the grass
Where the pavement never grows

Well, the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
There she goes my friend
She?s rolling down at last

Hear the mighty engine roar
See the silver wing on high
She?s away and westward bound
Far above the clouds she?ll fly

Where the morning rain don?t fall
And the sun always shines
She?ll be flying over 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
Cold and drunk as I might be

You can?t jump a jet plane
Like you can a freight train
So I?d best be on my way
In the early morning rain

So I?d best be on my way
In the early morning rain