Pure is the fastest-selling international début classical album to date, and Westenra became an international star, aged 16, when the first of her international albums were released. In August 2006, Westenra joined the Irish group Celtic Woman and toured with them on their 2007 Spring Tour.
Westenra has performed for dignitaries around the world. She is the youngest UNICEF Ambassador to date and has contributed to charities around the world.
Hayley Westenra's music was featured prominently in the 2007-2008 Nintendo Wii game, Endless Ocean.
See also (references):
- Official website: www.hayleywestenra.com
- This bio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayley_Westenra
Morning Has Broken
Hayley Westenra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Lyrics: Eleanor Farjeon
Morning has broken, like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,
Praise for the springing fresh from the world.
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning,
Born of the one light, Eden saw play.
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day.
Morning has broken, like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,
Praise for the springing fresh from the world.
The lyrics of Hayley Westenra's rendition of "Morning Has Broken" capture the essence of a new day. The first stanza sets the scene - the morning sun rises anew, and the sound of the blackbird's chirping voice constitutes the first sound. The morning is further celebrated with praise for its freshness and the renewal it brings. The second stanza describes the aftermath of a refreshing rainfall, as it revitalizes the grass and plants around us, thus affirming the beauty and promise of a new day. The final stanza is a call to praise every morning for its life-giving force, framed in religious terms as "God's recreation of the new day."
These lyrics are an example of vivid imagery and poetic language that gives life and depth to a simple concept - a new day's beginning. By focusing on specific elements of nature - the blackbird, the rain, the morning light - the lyrics bring us back to our roots and remind us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us; something that we may take for granted in our busy lives. The celebratory and reverent tone of the song invites us to appreciate each day as a unique opportunity to start over and experience life anew.
Contributed by Hannah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.