In the late '60s and early '70s, Baez came into her songwriting own, penning many songs (most notably "Diamonds & Rust," a nostalgic piece about her ill-fated romance with Bob Dylan, and "Sweet Sir Galahad," a song about sister Mimi Fariña's ( of Richard & Mimi Fariña fame) second marriage, and continued to meld her songcraft with topical issues. She was outspoken in her disapproval of the Vietnam war and later the CIA-backed coups in many Latin American countries.
She was also instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on many occassions and being jailed for her beliefs. In 1963, her performance of "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial just prior to Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream..." speech helped confirm the song as the Civil Rights anthem.
In December 1972, she traveled to Hanoi, North Vietnam, and was caught in that country's "Christmas Campaign," in which the U.S. bombed the city more times than any other during the entire war. While pregnant with her only son, Gabriel, she performed a handful of songs in the middle of the night on day one of the 1969 Woodstock festival. She is considered the "Queen of Folk" for being at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival and inspiring generations of female folksingers that followed. On July 28, 2019, following dates across Europe, Baez performed her final concert at Madrid's Teatro Real. In January 2021, Baez received a 2020 Kennedy Center Honor.
So Soon In The Morning
Joan Baez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So soon in the morning I'll never go astray
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
I heard the voice of Jesus say: come unto me and rest
Lay down thou weary ones, lay down thou head upon my breast
So soon in the morning I'll never go astray
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
Oh Lord I stretch my hands to Thee - no other help I know
If Thou withdray Thou help from me, wherever shall I go
So soon in the morning when the clouds roll away
So soon in the morning I'll never go astray
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
I'm standing at the station with the ticket in my hand
I'm standing at the station trying to make it to the promised land
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
So soon in the morning when the clouds roll away
So soon in the morning I'll never go astray
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
The lyrics to Joan Baez's song "So Soon In The Morning" discuss the singer's unwavering faith in God during difficult times. They repeatedly mention the morning as a symbol of hope and a new beginning, where the dark clouds of the night will roll away and the singer's troubles will disappear. The lyrics also reference Jesus and his offer of rest to those who come to him, portraying him as a source of comfort and strength for the singer. The final verse mentions standing at a train station, holding a ticket to the promised land, further emphasizing the idea of hope and the promise of a better future through faith. Overall, the song expresses the singer's deep trust in God and their belief in the power of hope to overcome adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
So soon in the morning when the clouds roll away
When the morning comes and the sky is clear after the clouds have gone.
So soon in the morning I'll never go astray
When the sun rises, I will find my way and never get lost.
I'll hope and I'll trust and I watch through the night
I will have faith and confidence, and remain vigilant throughout the night.
So soon in the morning when the dark clouds roll away
When dawn breaks and the dark clouds disperse.
I heard the voice of Jesus say: come unto me and rest
I listened to the words of Jesus, inviting me to come to him and find peace.
Lay down thou weary ones, lay down thou head upon my breast
Take rest, you who are tired, and lay your head on my chest for comfort.
Oh Lord I stretch my hands to Thee - no other help I know
I cry out to God for assistance, as I have no other support.
If Thou withdray Thou help from me, wherever shall I go
If you abandon me, God, I will have nowhere else to turn for aid.
I'm standing at the station with the ticket in my hand
I am at the train station holding my ticket.
I'm standing at the station trying to make it to the promised land
I am at the station, attempting to reach the land of paradise.
Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rebecca Lynn
Hugely important album! You're a hero. I do have the album, but this is great to have so I can share. I know I already wrote that.