If the measure of a song is how often it is covered, then ‘Early Morning Rain’ by Gordon Lightfoot would be high in the chart. Factor in the calibre of the musicians who have embraced the tune, and you are going even higher. More of that later.
Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot wrote and composed the song in 1964. Simple in structure and lyrically uncomplicated, ‘Early Morning Rain’ captures Lightfoot in a reflective mood. At the time, he lived in Los Angeles, far removed from his hometown of Orillia, Ontario. Lightfoot often visited the International Airport to watch the approaching aircraft and stave off homesickness. From these lonely visits the song was born.
‘Early Morning Rain’ appeared on Lightfoot’s 1966 debut record “Lightfoot!” and then again as a re-recorded version on the 1975 compilation “Gord’s Gold”. His work impacted many artists, and as our own AUK writer Martin Johnson wrote following Lightfoot’s death in 2023, “ It is not easy to imagine what the Canadian music scene that produced Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Neil Young would have been like without his influence.”
Lightfoot wasn’t the first to record his song. Canadian folk duo, Ian & Sylvia, released a version in 1965. It appeared on their fourth album, which took its title from Lightfoot’s song. They also included another of Lightfoot’s compositions “(That’s What You Get) For Lovin’ Me”. Also in 1965, Peter, Paul, and Mary “jumped the freight train” and released their interpretation. It has gorgeous harmonies and is exceptionally soft and folky.
George Hamilton IV gave the song its first country makeover in 1966. It included a lot of tambourine (it could be argued too much) and a steel guitar. Coupled with a mournful harmonica, the public seemed to like it, as it reached number 9 in the country charts.
Bob Dylan covered it in 1970, making it a Tex-Mex-inspired classic. Dylan’s arrangement was different and has never sounded so good. When Sir Bob covers something you have written rather than you covering his work, then you know it is something special.
If Sir Bob wasn’t the pinnacle, then “The King” came along. Elvis Presley’s rendition, recorded in Nashville in 1971 and appearing on his 1972 “Elvis Now” album, exudes class. Presley makes the song so personal as he sings softly into the microphone. Lightfoot did say in one interview that Presley’s version of his music was his favourite.
In 2004, for his covers album “Studio 150”, Paul Weller almost takes a sledgehammer to the guitar for the opening chords but belts out a stunning version. One of the finest versions of the song, Simple, lovely and sad, what more could an americana fan want?
There are certainly more versions of the song if you dig deep. Neil Young recorded his version for the 2014 album “A Letter Home” in a 1947 refurbished Voice-o-Graph vinyl recording booth at Jack White’s Third Man Records Studio in Nashville. Young was another artist revisiting past songs that inspired him.
We have Dylan, Presley, and Young among many others who have covered this simple but effective song. The plane and Lightfoot left the airport for the last time in May 2023, leaving a lasting legacy. “And I’m stuck here on the ground as cold and drunk as I can 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 mornin’ rain.” See you on runway number nine.
Fine song like many of his.
Thanks for the comment Andrew, Gordon was up there with the best as a songwriter.
Raul Malo recorded a great version. But then again he could sing a railway timetable and it would sound great.
Thanks Steve, I was hoping this would spark some feedback on other versions. The Raul Malo version is excellent. Still just the Dylan one for me but close.
Great song. There have been a few Bluegrass treatments, including by Tony Rice on an album of Gordon Lightfoot songs. The version I enjoy most is Tim O’Brien’s on his Fiddler’s Green’ album. I first heard him sing it on a recording from a Telluride performance. His voice and mandolin playing really suits the song.
Great stuff Jeremy, the whole Fiddler’s Green album is excellent. O’Brien’s interpretation adds something to the song, again showing the versatility of a well written tune. Thanks for the comment and recommendation.
That Elvis version is indeed pure class. Beautifully produced and really personal. Just a glorious piece of music from an underrated Americana artist!
Thanks Jonathan, I agree. Had a discussion about how Presley would have developed had the Colonel not had him just doing films for years.