The band's moniker comes from a discarded coat James saw while walking through the remains of his favorite bar the morning after it burned down. The coat had the letters "MMJ" embroided on it. The band has released seven albums so far: "The Tennessee Fire" (1999), "At Dawn" (2001), "It Still Moves" (2003), "Z" (2005), "Evil Urges" (2008), "Circuital" (2011) & "The Waterfall" (2015). The band's breakthrough came when their 2003 single "One Big Holiday" became one of the most played songs on college radio that year. 2008's "I'm Amazed" was also a sizable hit, peaking at #6 on Billboard's Triple A (adult album alternative) Singles chart.
The Circuital songfacts reports that "Circuital" was recorded inside a church’s converted gymnasium in the band's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Said frontman Jim James: “I hate the phrase ‘going back to our roots’, but for this record we came home and made it in Kentucky. And it just felt a lot like it did when we were first starting out.”
James co-produced the record with Tucker Martine. The pair first worked together when James appeared on Laura Veirs ' album "July Flame" in 2010, which Martine, Veirs’ husband, also produced.
My Morning Jacket guest stared in the American Dad Episode "My Morning Straitjacket" where Stan Smith becomes obsessed with them and decides to become a groupie. The edisode was first aired November 22 2009.
First Light
My Morning Jacket Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
First light this morning, first light this evening
First light tonight
Been lookin' back down thru the ages
First I was an ancient, then I was an infant
Now I am alive
Been holdin' out searchin' for somethin'
To dawns early light
First light tonight, first light tomorrow
First light this morning, first light this evening
First light tonight
Then I found it or did it find me?
My search it was over, my blood filled with gold
My own inner light
I been prayin' still holdin on
First light tonight, first light tomorrow
First light this morning, first light this evening
First light tonight
The lyrics to My Morning Jacket's song "First Light" are about the cyclical nature of life and the search for purpose and meaning within it. The repetition of "First light tonight, first light tomorrow" emphasizes the idea that each day brings a new beginning, a chance to start fresh and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. The lyrics suggest that this search for meaning is not limited to one point in time, but rather spans across generations: "Been lookin' back down thru the ages, first I was an ancient, then I was an infant, now I am alive." This line suggests that the search for purpose is not limited to one particular time in history or within one's own lifetime, but rather a universal human quest.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of spiritual growth and enlightenment. The line "Then I found it or did it find me? My search it was over, my blood filled with gold, my own inner light" suggests a sense of self-discovery and the idea that enlightenment is something that can be achieved through personal introspection and a willingness to search for answers. Finally, the repetition of the phrase "First light tonight" at the end of each verse reinforces the cyclical nature of life and the idea that each new day brings with it new opportunities and new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
First light tonight, first light tomorrow.
The beginning of each day is a new opportunity.
First light this morning, first light this evening
Every moment is a fresh start.
First light tonight
Emphasizing the importance of beginnings.
Been lookin' back down thru the ages
Reflecting on the past.
First I was an ancient, then I was an infant
Examining previous phases of life.
Now I am alive
Feeling a sense of vitality and presence.
Been holdin' out searchin' for somethin'
Enduring in the quest for meaning.
Somethin' to carry me over the sunset
A desire to navigate through difficult times.
To dawns early light
A hope for a new beginning.
Then I found it or did it find me?
Uncertainty about the path to enlightenment.
My search it was over, my blood filled with gold
Having a heightened sense of purpose and fulfillment.
My own inner light
An individualized sense of spirituality.
I been prayin' still holdin on
Continuing to have faith and hope.
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Jim Edward Olliges Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ambarxox4879
I just heard this on the vampire diaries and I liked it 👍👍💕💕
@beatrizqueiros1858
Same
@consuellaturner
Heard this Vampires Diaries! Of course, reminds of Joseph Morgan so I love it!
@vampireloverml
Aaaaaahhhhhhh i love this song!!!! i came here from the VD's and evertime i listen to this song i get chills. lol LOOOOVE IIIT!!!!!!!!!!
@katrinareason
I like Beatles, My Morning Jacket, Coldplay, TVD, dogs, metal, whatever. That what connects us is this song.
@heinskitzvelvet3972
Heard this on Space's Deepest Secrets. Big Bang: The Dark Secrets. Super cool and groovy tune :)
@mikek.3694
I first heard this on the weather channel local on the 8's! Great song- every once in a while the weather channel plays a really good song during their local on the 8's.
@judyeblen3275
Really great song. Love TVD
@MrBeefcake2150
That's the nicest way I have ever read someone correct someone on Youtube. "I'm Amazed" at what this "Wonderful" music will do to people. Kudos sir.
@lolotevenic9931
Thanks to TVD for this great song,like it's from 60'