Origins: Early in the Morning (PP&M)

Subject: Lyr Add: EARLY IN THE MORNING (Paul Stookey)
From: Genie
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 02:52 AM

There's a PP&M song that I used to do in college (back in the dark ages) with a trio. Title: Early In The Morning.

EARLY IN THE MORNING
Paul Stookey ©Pepamar Music Corp.- ASCAP

Well early in the morning, about the break of day,
I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
Help me find the way to the promised land.
This lonely body needs a helping hand.
I ask the Lord to help me please find the way.

When the new day's a dawning, I bow my head in prayer.
I pray the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
Won't you guide me safely to the Golden Stair?
Won't you let this body your burden share?
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"

When the judgment comes to find the world in shame.
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name?
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain,
When the sun turns black, never shine again,
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!

Subject: RE: Origins: Early in the Morning (PP&M)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 04:23 PM

Is this song derived from a particular traditional song, or is it just Stookey's amalgamation of folk-sounding idioms?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Origins: Early in the Morning (PP&M)
From: leeneia
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 03:18 PM

Here's a YouTube video of the song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX0X_1t3cUQ

So different from the wispy, mournful sound that I have always associated with PPM.

Subject: RE: Origins: Early in the Morning (PP&M)
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 06:54 PM

It seems this very performance was used (the recording)
in an episode of Mad Men.

Subject: RE: Origins: Early in the Morning (PP&M)
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 12:00 PM

All these years I didn't realize
that Paul Stookey got the credit, all along.
I figured it was Rev. Gary Davis or whoever,
so I was entirely mistaken.

This is the opening track of the group's very first album,
which is atypical in a lot of respects;
I guess they, and Milt Okun, were trying things on for size
to see how well they fit.

I grew up with the album, so for me it's typical PP&M,
but I see that my experience is different.