We all sang it at school, and it often appears in church services. Here, we name the lyrics to the much-loved hymn, 'Morning Has Broken'.
Who wrote 'Morning Has Broken' and when was it composed?
'Morning Has Broken' was first published in 1931, with lyrics written by author Eleanor Farjeon. It was set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune known as Bunessan, named after a village in the Ross of Mull. The tune was likely written in the 1800s, and was collected in the early 20th century which helped it raise prominence. Eleanor Farjeon was a writer of books for children, many of which gained her a place in British nurseries. She also wrote librettos to operas, and composed nursery rhymes and simple tunes.
The hymn has long been featured in church services, particularly in children's services and school assemblies. It's also been a favourite in funeral services, thanks to its uplifting message and praise for the natural world.
Cat Stevens included a version of 'Morning Has Broken' on his 1971 album Teaser and the Firecat, which helped the song reach audiences beyond the religious sphere. This was performed with piano, and arranged and performed by Rick Wakeman, a composer and the keyboardist from the band Yes.
Morning Has Broken: lyrics
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 Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall
sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall
on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness
where God’s 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 recreation
of the new day!
Find more lyrics to more famous hymns here
