Early in the Morning
Paul and Mary Peter Lyrics
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I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
Help me find the way (help me find the way)
To the promised land (to the promised land)
This lonely body (this lonely body)
Needs a helping hand (needs a helping hand)
I ask the Lord (I ask the Lord) to help me please find the way
I bow my head in prayer (I bow my head in prayer)
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
Won't you guide me safely (guide me)
To the Golden Stair (Golden Stair)?
Won't you let this body your burden share?
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"
When the judgment comes to find the world in shame
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name (won't you call my name)?
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain
When the sun turns black, never shine again (never shine again)
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!
The song "Early in the Morning" by Peter, Paul, and Mary is a Gospel-inspired plea for guidance and salvation. The first stanza has the singer, presumably at the start of a new day, asking the Lord to help them find their path - "To the promised land" - and to aid their "lonely body" with a "helping hand." There is a sense of desperation and humility in the lyrics, exemplified by the repetition of "help me find the way." The second stanza follows a similar pattern, with the singer praying for guidance and protection on their journey towards their ultimate destination, the "Golden Stair." Again, there is a sense of needing help and support, with the lyrics calling out for the Lord to "guide me safely" and to share the burden of their body.
The third and final stanza takes a more apocalyptic tone, with the singer acknowledging the coming end of the world and the final judgment. However, even in the face of such destruction, the singer remains hopeful, asking the Lord to remember them when the trumpet blows and to "call my name." It is a powerful closing to the song, showing that even in the darkest of times, faith can still provide a comforting light.
Line by Line Meaning
Well early in the morning, about the break of day
At the crack of dawn, in the early hours of the morning
I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
I humbly pray to God for guidance
Help me find the way (help me find the way)
Assist me in finding my path
To the promised land (to the promised land)
To the land of hope and salvation promised by God
This lonely body (this lonely body)
My desolate soul and body
Needs a helping hand (needs a helping hand)
Requires divine intervention
I ask the Lord (I ask the Lord) to help me please find the way
I plead with God to show me the path
When the new day's a-dawning (day's a dawning)
At the beginning of a new day
I bow my head in prayer (I bow my head in prayer)
I humbly pray to God
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
I implore God to guide me to my destination
Won't you guide me safely (guide me)
Ensure my safe passage
To the Golden Stair (Golden Stair)?
To the staircase to heaven
Won't you let this body your burden share?
Permit me to share in the burden of God
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"
I appeal to God to guide me
When the judgment comes to find the world in shame
On the day of reckoning, when humanity is disgraced
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name (won't you call my name)?
When the trumpet sounds, please call my name, oh Lord!
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain
When the skies are filled with thunder and rain
When the sun turns black, never shine again (never shine again)
When the sun is obscured and darkness prevails
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!
When the trumpet sounds, please call my name, oh Lord!
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Noel Paul Stookey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paola Montilla
Well early in the morning, about the break of day
I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
Help me find the way (help me find the way)
To the promised land (to the promised land)
This lonely body (this lonely body)
Needs a helping hand (needs a helping hand)
I ask the Lord (I ask the Lord) to help me please find the way
When the new day's a-dawning (day's a dawning)
I bow my head in prayer (I bow my head in prayer)
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
Won't you guide me safely (guide me)
To the Golden Stair (Golden Stair)?
Won't you let this body your burden share?
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"
When the judgment comes to find the world in shame
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name (won't you call my name)?
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain
When the sun turns black, never shine again (never shine again)
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!
Margaret Gaskell
"Early In The Morning" Golden oldie ..
Well early in the morning, about the break of day,
I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
Help me find the way to the promised land
This lonely body needs a helping hand
I ask the Lord to help me please find the way.
When the new day's a dawning, I bow my head in prayer.
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
Won't you guide me safely to the Golden Stair?
Won't you let this body your burden share?
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"
When the judgment comes to find the world in shame
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name?
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain
When the sun turns black, never shine again
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!
Kurt Gonzalez
I heard this for the first time on Mad Men. Now I can’t get enough of it. Love this.
Kurt Gonzalez
@Jamie Brackett I just did. So beautiful. You made my day. Thanks a mil.
Robert Dorr
@James Dadzie whatever you say
David Anthony Stone
I saw PPM as an 11 year old back in
The early 60’s and up through the years
From Concert Halls to Peace Rallies
Great performers
Jamie Brackett
Listen to them sing don’t think twice it’s alright. You will NOT be disappointed!!
James Dadzie
Kurt Gonzalez ME too! lol
David Anthony Stone
One of the Greatest Singing Ensembles Ever True harmonic masters. No gimmicks
Paola Montilla
Well early in the morning, about the break of day
I ask the Lord, "Help me find the way!"
Help me find the way (help me find the way)
To the promised land (to the promised land)
This lonely body (this lonely body)
Needs a helping hand (needs a helping hand)
I ask the Lord (I ask the Lord) to help me please find the way
When the new day's a-dawning (day's a dawning)
I bow my head in prayer (I bow my head in prayer)
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there?"
Won't you guide me safely (guide me)
To the Golden Stair (Golden Stair)?
Won't you let this body your burden share?
I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?"
When the judgment comes to find the world in shame
When the trumpet blows won't you call my name (won't you call my name)?
When the thunder rolls and the heavens rain
When the sun turns black, never shine again (never shine again)
When the trumpet blows, won't you call me please, call my name!
John Ford
Mary on fire! This was the opening track of their first album. What a fantastic song.
Italiano
I have the LP! muy parents purchased it the year it came out