Appears on a.o : Duke Reid's Treasure Chest.
Angel of the Morning 1968
Joya Landis Lyrics
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Not if my love can't bind your heart
And there's no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no need to take me home
I'm old enough to face the dawn
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Then slowly turn away
Maybe the sun's light will be dim
And it won't matter anyhow
If morning's echo says we've sinned
Well, it was what I wanted now
And if we're victims of the night
I won't be blinded by the light
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Then slowly turn away
I won't beg you to stay with me
Through the tears of the day, of the years
Baby, baby, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
The lyrics to Joya Landis's "Angel Of The Morning" convey a sense of emotional detachment and acceptance of a fleeting romantic encounter. The singer tells the object of their affection that they don't want to bind their hands or heart with strings of commitment, and instead revels in the temporary pleasure of the moment. The line "And there's no need to take a stand, for it was I who chose to start" implies that the singer is taking responsibility for initiating the relationship, but at the same time is not seeking any kind of permanence or accountability for their actions.
The chorus of the song, where the singer refers to themselves as the "angel of the morning," is both ironic and poignant. The idea of a heavenly figure watching over a fleeting, earthly relationship highlights the fleeting nature of the encounter, while at the same time there is a sense of tenderness as the singer asks their partner to touch their cheek before leaving. The final lines of the song, "I won't beg you to stay with me through the tears of the day, of the years," solidify the singer's stance of emotional independence and self-reliance, even as they long for a fleeting moment of connection with their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
There'll be no strings to bind your hands
I won't try to control or limit you in any way
Not if my love can't bind your heart
My love should be genuine and freely given, not used to manipulate you
And there's no need to take a stand
We don't have to pick sides or argue about anything
For it was I who chose to start
I took the initiative to begin this relationship
I see no need to take me home
I'm independent and capable enough to handle myself
I'm old enough to face the dawn
I'm mature enough to handle whatever comes our way
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Think of me as someone who brings light and positivity to your life
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Give me a small, affectionate gesture before you go
Maybe the sun's light will be dim
Things might not always be bright and happy
And it won't matter anyhow
But that's okay, because it won't change how I feel about you
If morning's echo says we've sinned
If others judge us or disapprove of our relationship
Well, it was what I wanted now
I made a conscious choice to be with you, despite any potential consequences
And if we're victims of the night
If things get difficult or challenging for us
I won't be blinded by the light
I won't lose sight of what's important to me or give up on us
I won't beg you to stay with me
I won't pressure you or make demands on you
Through the tears of the day, of the years
Through all the ups and downs we might face over time
Baby, baby, baby
I'm saying this with love and affection
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
I'm here for you, and I'll always be a source of comfort and happiness in your life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHIP TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind