About The Song
Background
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” is a country song written by Ben Peters and popularized by legendary country music artist Charley Pride. Released in October 1971, it became the lead single for Pride’s album “Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs.” The song quickly gained traction on the country music charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and staying there for five weeks. It also achieved mainstream success, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” marked a significant moment in Charley Pride’s career. A Black artist in a genre with a predominantly white audience, Pride had already faced challenges breaking into country music in the 1960s. This song’s immense popularity solidified his place as a country music superstar and helped pave the way for greater diversity in the genre.
Musical Style
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” is a classic country ballad. Built on a simple yet effective structure, the song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody accompanied by a steady drumbeat and subtle piano fills. Pride’s signature baritone vocals deliver the heartfelt lyrics with warmth and sincerity. The melody utilizes a call-and-response pattern, with Pride’s vocals leading the melody and the backing vocals responding in harmony. This creates a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that resonates with the listener.
The song’s tempo is moderate, allowing for a relaxed and introspective mood. The overall sound leans towards the smoother end of the country music spectrum, characteristic of the “countrypolitan” style popular in the early 1970s. This style incorporated elements of pop music into the traditional country sound, resulting in a broader appeal.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” paint a vivid picture of a man’s devotion to his wife. The opening line sets the scene: “Last night I held you in my arms / Watched the sunrise through the window pane.” The narrator describes his love for his wife using tender metaphors, comparing her to an angel and expressing his gratitude for her presence in his life.
The song takes a bittersweet turn in the second verse as the narrator contemplates leaving for work: “But the rooster crows and the day breaks through / Gotta get goin’ babe, there’s work to do.” He acknowledges the sacrifice his wife makes by staying home while he goes out to earn a living. Despite the distance, his love remains strong, as he promises to “kiss an angel good mornin'” when he returns home.
The chorus is the emotional heart of the song: “Morning you better know I think about you when I’m gone / Kiss an angel good mornin’ ’til I get back home.” The repetition of “kiss an angel good mornin'” emphasizes the depth of his devotion and longing. The final line, “Love you like the devil when I get back home,” injects a touch of playful sensuality into the otherwise sentimental ballad.
Cultural Impact
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” transcended the boundaries of country music, achieving crossover success on the pop charts. This mainstream recognition helped introduce Charley Pride and country music to a wider audience. His success as a Black artist in this genre challenged existing racial barriers and inspired future generations of Black country music artists.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its relatable themes of love, devotion, and the sacrifices made for family. The simple yet evocative lyrics speak to a universal human experience, resonating with listeners across generations and backgrounds. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” has become a country music standard, covered by numerous artists and featured in movies, television shows, and commercials.
Conclusion
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” is more than just a love song; it’s a cultural touchstone. The song’s success not only cemented Charley Pride’s place in country music history but also helped pave the way for greater diversity in the genre. Musically, the song exemplifies the classic country ballad style, with its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melodies. Thematically, it resonates with listeners through its portrayal of enduring love and commitment. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” continues to be a beloved song, a testament to the enduring power of country music and the universal language of love.
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Lyrics
They wonder, how does a man get to be this way
I’ve always got a smilin’ face, any time and any place
And everytime they ask me why, I just smile and say.
You’ve got to kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like a devil when you get back home.
Some people may try to guess, the secret of a happiness
But some of them never learn, it’s a simple thing
The secret I’m speaking of, is a woman and a man in love
The answer is in that song, Charlie always sings.
You’ve got to kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like a devil when you get back home.
You’ve got to kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like a devil when you get back home…
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