Introduction:
Ah, yes, Alan Jackson’s timeless classic, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'”. Released in 1999 on his album “Under the Influence”, this song is a prime example of Jackson’s ability to capture the simple joys and profound emotions of everyday life within the realm of country music.
While “Under the Influence” was a covers album, featuring Jackson’s interpretations of classic country hits, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” stands out. Originally written by Vern Gosdin and Bobby Braddock, the song became a chart-topping hit for Charley Pride in 1971. Jackson’s rendition, produced by Keith Stegall, breathes new life into the beloved tune, retaining its core message of love and devotion while infusing it with his own signature smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery.
The song’s success is undeniable. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and stayed there for a remarkable three weeks. It also landed within the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its crossover appeal. “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” earned Jackson a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, a testament to the song’s enduring impact on the genre.
But awards and chart positions only tell part of the story. The true magic of “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on a personal level. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a man who’s simply, yet undeniably, happy. His friends, curious about the secret to his constant smile, receive a straightforward answer – he gets to “kiss an angel good mornin'”. This isn’t some elaborate metaphor; it’s a loving tribute to the woman he shares his life with.
The beauty lies in the contrast. The man, perhaps a weathered soul who toils with his hands, compares his wife to an angel, a celestial being of pure goodness. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the transformative power of love. It elevates the ordinary, imbuing everyday moments with a touch of the extraordinary.
“Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” is more than just a love song, though. It’s a celebration of a committed relationship, a testament to the idea that love’s flame can continue to burn brightly over time. The second part of the refrain, “love her like the devil when you get back home”, adds a playful touch. It suggests a passionate, well-balanced relationship where tenderness and fiery passion coexist.
Jackson’s masterful delivery enhances the song’s emotional core. His voice, a smooth baritone with a touch of Southern twang, conveys genuine warmth and affection. The instrumental accompaniment, with its gentle guitar picking and subtle pedal steel flourishes, complements the vocals perfectly, creating a soundscape that’s both intimate and inviting.
“Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” is a country classic that transcends genre. It’s a song about love, gratitude, and the simple joys of life’s everyday moments. It’s a reminder that happiness can be found in the most basic things, like a loving embrace and a shared sunrise. So, sit back, let Alan Jackson’s warm vocals wash over you, and prepare to be charmed by this timeless country treasure.
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Lyrics:
“Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'”
Whenever a chance to meet
Some old friends on the street
They wonder how does a man
Get to be this way
I always got a smiling face
Any time and any place
And everytime they ask me why
I just smile and sayYou’ve got to kiss angel good mornin’
And let her know you think
About her when your gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil
When you get back homeNow people may try to guess
The secret of happeniness
Some of them never learn
It’s a simple thing
The secret I’m speaking of
Is a woman and a man in love
And the anwser is in this song
That I always singYou got to kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think
About her when your gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil
When you get back homeKiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think
About her when your gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil
When you get back home…