“Sunday Morning,” released in 1966 as the opening track of The Velvet Underground’s debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico, is one of the band’s most captivating songs. With its gentle melody, soothing vocals, and reflective lyrics, the song provides a stark contrast to the more experimental and edgy sounds that the band was known for. “Sunday Morning” remains a unique and beloved piece in The Velvet Underground’s catalog, highlighting their versatility and artistry.

About The Song

• Songwriting Inspiration: “Sunday Morning” was written by Lou Reed and John Cale as a late addition to The Velvet Underground & Nico. The song was initially intended for Nico, the German singer featured on the album, but Reed ultimately took on the vocal duties. The inspiration for the song came from Andy Warhol, the band’s manager, who suggested creating a softer, more accessible track that could potentially be a single. The lyrics capture the feeling of waking up on a Sunday morning with a sense of melancholy and introspection, evoking both the tranquility and the lingering doubt of the early hours.
• Musical Composition: “Sunday Morning” is characterized by its lush, dreamy arrangement, featuring a celesta played by John Cale that adds a bright, ethereal quality to the song. The song also incorporates a gentle bass line, soft percussion, and Reed’s understated vocals, creating a calm and introspective atmosphere. This melodic and mellow sound was a departure from The Velvet Underground’s typically gritty and avant-garde style, showcasing the band’s range and ability to explore different musical landscapes.
• Visual Elements (Music Video or Film Appearances): Although “Sunday Morning” was released in an era before the music video became a staple, the song has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials over the decades, often to evoke a mood of calm reflection or to underscore scenes of quiet introspection. Its gentle sound and evocative lyrics have made it a favorite for capturing the essence of contemplation and the softer side of the 1960s counterculture.
• Cultural Impact: “Sunday Morning” helped to broaden the appeal of The Velvet Underground by showcasing a more approachable and melodic side of their music. While the band was often associated with more avant-garde and experimental sounds, this song demonstrated their ability to craft beautiful, introspective pop songs. Over time, “Sunday Morning” has become one of their most popular and enduring tracks, resonating with audiences who appreciate its soothing sound and poetic lyrics.
• Live Performances: While “Sunday Morning” was not always a staple of The Velvet Underground’s live shows during their early years, it has since become one of the band’s most beloved songs, often covered by other artists and performed by surviving members in tribute concerts. Lou Reed, in his solo career, occasionally revisited the song in his live sets, delivering it with a sense of nostalgia and reverence, capturing the song’s gentle, contemplative essence.

“Sunday Morning” stands as a testament to The Velvet Underground’s ability to blend simplicity with emotional depth, creating a song that continues to captivate listeners decades after its release. Its unique place in their discography showcases the band’s range and remains a cherished classic in the history of rock music.

Video

Lyric

[Verse 1]
Sunday morning brings the dawn in
It’s just a restless feeling by my side
Early dawning, Sunday morning
It’s just the wasted years so close behind

[Chorus]
Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all

[Verse 2]
Sunday morning and I’m falling
I’ve got a feeling I don’t want to know
Early dawning, Sunday morning
It’s all the streets you crossed not so long ago

[Chorus]
Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all

[Instrumental Break]
[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Watch out, the world’s behind you
There’s always someone around you who will call
It’s nothing at all
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[Outro]
Sunday morning, Sunday morning
Sunday morning, Sunday morning