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My Gen X Playlist: Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens

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Daily writing prompt
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
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Since signing up for WordPress, my morning routine includes writing this blog. Being on a sabbatical, I’ve had the time and energy to make this a daily routine. My ultimate goal is to reach 365 consecutive days which has been challenging. Some days the words don’t flow or I struggle finding a corresponding song. Sometimes I can’t remember if I’ve already touched on a topic. Other times I’m unable to use the perfect song because it’s already been used in an earlier post. When I started, I made a gentleman’s agreement with myself that I would only use songs I knew and liked. No adding newbies found through researching topics or songs I can’t stand, just for the sake of neatly fitting in the prompt. I will admit, the only time I’ve strayed from the rules was on New Year’s when I included a punk version of Auld Lang Syne. That was the first time I heard that cover but it was way too cool to pass up.

Writing daily for a blog has been an interesting challenge. I appreciate people reading my sometimes ridiculous rants and taking the time to comment and interact. On the flip side, I enjoy reading other fellow bloggers’ writings as well. Its nice to engage in a community of diverse people. I’ve enjoyed the content and different writing styles. I find both shape what and how I write. It’s been nice. All in all, this blog has been fun, therapeutic and a nice trip down memory lane. It’s made my mornings fun. A big thank you for joining me on this little experiment. I appreciate you.

Cat Stevens released Morning Has Broken in 1971. Who knew this was originally written as a hymn that he discovered in a bookstore.

“Morning Has Broken” is Cat Stevens’ reworking of a 1931 children’s hymn by Eleanor Farjeon, who also wrote a lot of children’s poetry. The lyric is a reference to the book of Genesis in the Bible, where God creates Earth on the “first morning.”

Stevens discovered the hymn in a hymn book he found at a bookstore while looking for (public domain) song ideas. He explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: “I accidentally fell upon the song when I was going through a slightly dry period and I needed another song or two for Teaser And The Firecat. I came across this hymn book, found this one song, and thought, this is good. I put the chords to it and then it started becoming associated with me.”

– Songfacts

If even Cat Stevens can experience a writing dry patch, I won’t feel too discouraged when I’m in that same skid. After all, I’m just a newbie. I’m pretty sure it’s allowed.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

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 World

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

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the One Light Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's re-creation of the new day

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 World

26 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens”

  1. What a coincidence! I just listened to that song this morning. It’s on my Easter Spotify playlist. The version I have is by “Eli.” Sounds almost identical to Cat Stevens’ version, even his voice is similar. I love the creative video in the link you shared.

    I enjoy reading your posts every day! Your blog is one of the few that I take the time to read daily, because I like your writing style and the songs that you link to the theme. I’m always telling my husband about “this guy” on WordPress that connects songs to his posts! It’s rewarding to belong to this WordPress community.

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    1. Thanks so much! It’s been a nice experience. I’ve never learned so much about the music I listened to when I was younger. It makes the music that much more meaningful. I’ve enjoyed your blog as well. I’ve enjoyed our back and forth. Joining the WordPress community has been a pleasant surprise.

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    1. I’ve been learning that many songs that I’ve enjoyed have been covers. It’s pretty cool listening to the many different versions out there. Covers are so cool.

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  3. My sabbatical is ending, and I am already trying to figure how maintaining the blog will look. A part of me senses that the end of days is coming, but we’ll see.
    Sorry to hijack there. Just got me thinking. lol
    Good luck on the 365! I agree that some days can be very, very difficult to come up with something fresh or interesting. You’ve done fantastically! 👍👍

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    1. Funny you should say that. I’ve started looking for opportunities recently and the end of my sabbatical will eventually come. I was thinking the same thing, how to continue as well. Not hijacking at all, my friend. Congrats again on the new gig. I’ve enjoyed the creativity of your artwork. I hope you keep it going in some capacity. It looks like a great way to express yourself.

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      1. Thank you very much. I, like you, have greatly enjoyed it for the most part. I have a pretty favorable schedule, but the days I am working are 12 hour shifts, so it’s going to take some juggling.
        I’ll have to see how it plays out, and if I honestly feel the juice is worth the squeeze.

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  4. Another stellar post. I look forward to what you come up with each day because adding the song is a unique (haha see what i did there) approach.

    I did know MHB was a hymn but Cat Stevens did a beautiful rendition for sure.

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  6. “When I started, I made a gentleman’s agreement with myself that I would only use songs that I knew and liked” Good to know! You’ve highlighted SO many of my old favorites that I feel like we would’ve hung out in college. Music was such an important part of forming friendships back then. I only wish I could personally drag you to an 80s karaoke night…before you go back to the working world. That would be fun.

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    1. We had so much good music then, didn’t we? Yeah, I’m with you about music and friendships. Now, if you ever are able to drag me up to karaoke to do a solo, please buy a lottery ticket immediately. That surely will be a winner!

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  7. This is such a beautiful song, one that evoked childhood memories for me, so I’m sort of surprised I haven’t written a post on it yet.

    It is indeed a challenge blogging daily, especially if you’ve set standards for yourself. You’re doing great, and I enjoy your reflections on life and songs (and their backstories). Great post!

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  8. I’m not a huge Cat Stevens fan but I do like his song, Don’t Be Shy. It’s nice to start the day off writing. I’d love to start my day that way, but my morning ritual nowadays is rushing out the door for work.

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    1. Thanks for the link. I’m not familiar with a number of songs on the list, so it will be fun to listen. I do like Peace Train and Father and Son. I’m curious to hear his version of People Get Ready. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Pingback: My Gen X Playlist: Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens – aliza

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