“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Imagine waking up every morning with a simple yet powerful reminder of love—just like a warm, gentle kiss to start the day. This sentiment resonates deeply with the classic country tune “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride. Released in 1971, the song quickly became an anthem of affection, capturing the essence of love in a few short lines. For many, it’s not just a song but a daily ritual, a gentle nudge to express love in the simplest yet most meaningful way.

About The Composition

  • Title: Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’
  • Composer: Ben Peters
  • Premiere Date: 1971
  • Album: Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs
  • Genre: Country

Background

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is one of those rare songs that feel timeless from the first listen. Written by Ben Peters, the song was brought to life by Charley Pride, a trailblazing artist who broke racial barriers in country music. At a time when the genre was still largely homogeneous, Pride’s voice brought something fresh and authentic. The song was inspired by the universal theme of love and the simple, everyday gestures that keep it alive. It quickly resonated with audiences, becoming Pride’s signature song and earning him widespread acclaim.

Upon its release, the song soared to the top of the charts, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It became one of the defining hits of Pride’s career, showcasing not only his vocal talent but also the warmth and sincerity that he brought to his music. The song’s success also highlighted the growing acceptance of diversity within country music, with Pride standing as a pioneering figure.

Musical Style

The musical style of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is quintessentially country, marked by its straightforward structure and relatable lyrics. The song features a classic country arrangement with gentle guitar strums, a steady rhythm section, and Pride’s rich, velvety vocals leading the way. There’s an easygoing, almost conversational quality to the music that makes it instantly appealing. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, making the message of love and affection all the more impactful.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” are a masterclass in saying a lot with very little. The song revolves around the simple advice that a man should show his love every day, starting with a kiss in the morning. The chorus, in particular, is both catchy and meaningful, encapsulating the essence of the song in just a few lines. There’s a comforting familiarity to the lyrics, which many listeners have found themselves echoing in their own lives. The message is clear: love should be expressed daily, in the small, tender moments that often go unnoticed.

Performance History

Since its release, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” has been performed countless times by Charley Pride and covered by many other artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal. The song has become a staple in Pride’s live performances, often eliciting the loudest cheers from the audience. It has also been featured in numerous compilations and greatest hits albums, ensuring its place in the annals of country music history.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” extends beyond the realm of country music. The song has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials, often to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to underscore themes of love and family. It has also inspired countless people to incorporate its message into their daily lives, turning the act of kissing a loved one in the morning into a cherished ritual. The song’s influence is felt not just in music, but in the way people express and appreciate love in their everyday lives.

Legacy

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” remains one of the most beloved country songs of all time. Its simple yet profound message continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. The song is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of expressing it, no matter how busy life gets. Charley Pride’s rendition has become iconic, and the song’s legacy lives on through its continued popularity and its influence on other artists. Even decades after its release, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” still has the power to bring a smile to listeners’ faces and warmth to their hearts.

Conclusion

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt reminder to cherish the small moments of love in our lives. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Charley Pride or hearing the song for the first time, its message is one that will stay with you long after the music fades. So, the next time you wake up, remember to kiss your angel good morning—it might just make your day a little brighter

Video

Lyrics

… When ever I chance to meet, old friends on the street
They wonder how does a man get to be this way
Always got a smiling face, anytime and any place
And every time they ask me why I just smile and say
… ‘Cause you’ve got to kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home
… Though people may try to guess, the secret of our happiness
But some of them never learn it’s a simple thing
The secret I’ma speaking of, is a woman and a man in love
And the answer is in this song that I always sing
… ‘Cause you’ve got to kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home
… Kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home

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AT 70, BILLY JOE SHAVER SHOT A MAN OUTSIDE A TEXAS BAR. THREE YEARS LATER, WILLIE NELSON SAT IN THE COURTROOM WHILE A JURY DECIDED IF HE WOULD GO TO PRISON. By 2007, Billy Joe Shaver had already lived the kind of life that made most outlaw songs sound tame. He had written much of Honky Tonk Heroes for Waylon Jennings. He had buried his wife, his mother, and his son. He had survived a heart attack onstage at Gruene Hall. He was nearly seventy, still playing Texas rooms, still carrying the same hard edge that had made people call him an outlaw even when he preferred another word. Then, on March 31, 2007, he went to Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon in Lorena. Outside the bar, Billy Joe got into an argument with a man named Billy Bryant Coker. Shaver said Coker threatened him with a knife. Witnesses described the confrontation differently. What nobody disputed was what happened next: Billy Joe pulled a .22 pistol and shot Coker in the face. Coker survived. Shaver turned himself in days later. He was charged with aggravated assault, a case that could have sent him to prison for as long as twenty years. The old songwriter who had spent a lifetime turning fights, failures, faith, and bad decisions into songs was suddenly standing inside a Texas courtroom with his own life reduced to testimony, photographs, and one question: had he acted in self-defense? The trial came in April 2010. Willie Nelson was there. Robert Duvall was there too. Duvall testified about Billy Joe’s character and told the jury he did not believe Shaver would have fired unless he thought his life was in danger. Willie sat through the proceedings as the case moved toward its verdict. Then the jury came back. Not guilty. Billy Joe walked out of the courthouse without prison waiting behind him. He was seventy years old when the shooting happened. He had spent three years carrying the charge. And after the verdict, he went back to doing what Billy Joe Shaver always did when life nearly broke open around him. He kept moving. Most singers spend their final years protecting the legend. Billy Joe Shaver spent his standing in a courtroom while two old friends watched a jury decide whether the road had finally caught him.

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