http://www.thewailinjennys.com
Bright Morning Stars
The Wailin' Jennys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a'breaking
In my soul
Oh where are our dear fathers?
Oh where are our dear fathers?
Day is a'breaking
In my soul
Oh where are our dear mothers?
Oh where are our dear mothers?
They are gone to heaven a'shouting
Day is a'breaking
In my soul
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a'breaking
In my soul
The Wailin' Jennys' song "Bright Morning Stars" is a traditional hymn that talks about the dawn of a new day and a spiritual awakening. The song has a melancholic melody with three-part harmonies that signify the hope and tranquility that comes with the break of a new day. The lyrics talk about an unnamed protagonist who wakes up to see the "bright morning stars" signaling the beginning of a new day, but at the same time, missing their fathers and mothers who are not around to experience the moment.
The lyrics' spiritual element becomes more prominent as the singer realizes their parents are praying and shouting in heaven, signifying their spiritual presence and blessings. The song's subtext seems to indicate the comfort and solace one can find in the midst of their struggles, knowing that they are not alone and that their loved ones in heaven are still watching over them.
The Wailin' Jennys' rendition of "Bright Morning Stars" captures the essence of the song through their soulful harmonies and thoughtful approach to the hymn. The music video for the song features the group's members singing around a campfire, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere that matches the song's themes.
Line by Line Meaning
Bright morning stars are rising
The hope of a new day is present, and the signs of new beginnings are apparent.
Day is a'breaking
The coming of a new day is much like the rising of the stars, where the darkness of night transitions into the light of day.
In my soul
The rising of the stars and the breaking of the day have a profound effect on our inner-being and spiritual connection.
Oh where are our dear fathers?
The longing for the wisdom, guidance, and support of our fathers is ever-present, and we wonder where they are in this new day.
They are down in the valley a'praying
Our fathers may be found in a place of solitude, connecting with their faith and seeking guidance for the day ahead.
Oh where are our dear mothers?
The love, nurturing, and support of our mothers are greatly missed, and we ponder their whereabouts in this new day.
They are gone to heaven a'shouting
Our mothers may have journeyed to a higher plain of existence, and their joy and celebration are heard through the chorus of angels.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EMMYLOU HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@right334
"Bright Morning Stars"
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a breaking in my soul
Oh where are our dear Fathers
Oh where are our dear Fathers
They are down in the valley a praying
Day is a breaking in my soul
Oh where are our dear Mothers
Oh where are our dear Mothers
They are gone to heaven a shouting
Day is a breaking in my soul
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a breaking in my soul
@MarcBachrach
Magnificent. Stunningly, swimmingly spellbinding.
I've been singing a variant of this for more than 40 years I learned from the Georgia Sea Island Singers at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in the early 70's.
I've sung it for people on their deathbeds, sung it along with 100's of people laying on the ground watching the Northern Lights... every one of those moments understandably had enormous emotional and spiritual impact...
But this... this reveals an impossibly richer depth and power... even though it's only a recording....
Wail on, Jennys... wail on.
@cosmicdustparticle7481
It sounds like you have lived a deep, rich life and probably have many great stories. As a mid-20s spiritually-minded person in modern society I am worried by the uncertain future ahead of me and the seeming lack of real connections like the experiences you listed. Hearing this song and others like it that arrest the mind's attention and guides the mind deep into the heart gives me a glimpse of raw, authentic emotional connection. I'm often moved to tears as the meaning of the words are delivered by the perfect tones and harmonies. Your comment is 2 years old so you may never even see this, but if you do "Hello friend."
@ElleCarpenter
Such perfection exists only in the underground music scene - with the real music lovers. Even as famous as they are, I believe The Wailin' Jennys are underplayed! Love this and thank you for sharing :-)
@nottalackey4046
You mean to tell me they are better than Lady Gaga and Britney Spears? Hmmph.
@ElleCarpenter
There is no comparison, really. Brittney Spears was "made", meaning her job was to perform/dance/sing and be a pop superstar. She's not a songwriter - in fact, Lady Gaga wrote FOR Brittney spears. Gaga is different too - she is a fabulous songwriter and made her mark that way before she was a pop star. Pop stars can be very talented, so my compliment to these ladies isn't intended to be an insult to pop music. I love pop. However, pop is not the same as organic, un-tuned, perfectly harmonized music. Pop stars have a different job entirely. Music doesn't get more real than The Wailin' Jennys.
@carinahuber2503
true!
@livefreeordie1377
Mainstream is controlled by crooks, that's the bottom line. This songs amazing.
@joannstaebler
I with they'd articulate their consonants better, though. The words are beautiful but not understandable as sung.
@right334
"Bright Morning Stars"
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a breaking in my soul
Oh where are our dear Fathers
Oh where are our dear Fathers
They are down in the valley a praying
Day is a breaking in my soul
Oh where are our dear Mothers
Oh where are our dear Mothers
They are gone to heaven a shouting
Day is a breaking in my soul
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a breaking in my soul
@secretname6049
Oh where are our dear brothers oh where are our dear brothers they are cross the valley working day is a breakin in my soul