Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

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[@davidheiser2225]

The song actually IS a hymn written almost a century ago. The great Rick Wakeman plays the piano.

[@kevinweakley2852]

The first thing I thought was, who’s on piano ? Thanks, and Wakeman is great !

[@DWbo-r7v]

My Scottish family told me that it was a Scottish hymn specifically used for children's funerals 😢😢

[@terryrichards8979]

Rick Wakeman told the story of this and played it at one of his solo concerts I went to in or around 2022: [This keyboard work by Wakeman would later become 'Catherine Howard' from his album The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Stevens told Wakeman that he liked it and wanted something similar as the opening section, the closing section and, if possible, a middle section as well. Wakeman told Stevens he could not as it was his piece destined for a solo album, but Stevens persuaded him to adapt his composition.]

[@MilosDaddy]

Thanks for that info. I've always loved this song,, and I did not know that Rick Wakeman was on piano.😎

[@johnbaird4912]

@DWbo-r7v English song set to Scottish tune

[@garywilson5103]

It actually is a hymn, and can be found in many church hymnals. Cat Stevens takes it to another level.

[@jayedwards4787]

Not really. Mary Hopkin does a better version , especially live from 1972

[@jackiewilliams4854]

Absolutely

[@StoneDigitalArtCanada]

Beyond Cat Stevens' exceptional vocal talent, Rick Wakeman's tasteful piano really makes this song stand out.

[@nzlemming]

It really can't be anyone else.

[@stephaniegoddard9397]

The more you listen to Cat Steven’s music the more you realize he’s bringing you on his spiritual journey. 💕🙏🏼☮️

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

That's so true!

[@kerrihennebury7616]

I saw the title of this song and my brain exploded with memories of my musician father playing this on his big reel to reel in our living room. Man, thank you for the misplaced memory 🥹

[@andyandalex]

Awe I love that

[@kv99990]

Several mentions of Rick Wakeman's beautiful piano; just wanted to add (in case no one else did) that he was the main keyboardist for another of your faves, Yes!

[@3gypt1an]

Yup and as a hired gun Rick scored the piano part, scored the track, scored number one for Cat and scored a whopping ten quid for it all. True story!

[@ChrisMehl-h2z]

Couldn’t have picked a better song to bring in the new year, love cat’s music, have for decades

[@mike98024]

I first heard this song almost 50 years ago. To this day it still puts tears in my eyes and reminds me that each day has all of the potential in the world. It fights depression in a beautiful way.

[@kittiecoast]

Crying, beautiful hymn to start the new morning of the new year, honoring the Creator 💖

[@nancy9478]

Praise our heavenly Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I too am thankful for the new day!

[@davebramble2444]

We are so blessed. Praise God!

[@carlswenson5538]

Lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon from her hymn. Piano by Rick Wakeman, not originally credited, since he was just a 'session' player, at the time, lol. Cat later fully credited him and gave him back royalties.

[@Serai3]

She also wrote the best version of Cinderella, her novel "The Glass Slipper". Beatiful expansion of the traditional story.

[@chucksiegfried7440]

Rick turned around and donated those royalties to Cat’s charity in the UK, I read. Pretty cool.

[@denizinan979]

Isn't it incredible how a song can paint a more vivid picture in our minds than any video ever could?

[@Serai3]

That's because imagination is the best artist.

[@mnelson56]

I love that this generation is hearing this tune.

[@bradsense7431]

Mom didn’t exactly like the music her kids listened to but when this one came on the car radio she made a point to tell us she liked it. That was back in 1972. Funny how you remember certain things.

[@lakecrazy]

This has been used for Easter morning for a couple of decades. I was lucky enough to see him live in 71.

[@thefoss5387]

The hymn's words were published in 1931, written by Eleanor Farjeon. The melody is a Scottish Gaelic folk tune, Bunessan. The piano arrangement was improvised, with key changes, in the studio, by the session pianist, Rick Wakeman! Wakeman jokes that when he is approached by people wanting to cover the song, for the musical score, he points to his head, and says, it was always just all in there. Wakeman relates that Stevens wanted to use sections of his Six Wives of Henry VIII, particularly the Catherine Howard section, then being worked on, for the background.

[@adrianstevens2146]

That is so interesting, thanks for the facts, thefoss5387! I just always thought Cat Stevens wrote and played it all! Glad he put it all together for us, though.

[@sammcbride2149]

His voice is so delicate and reverential.

[@christineh14]

This hymn is in the Hymnal of the Episcopal Church. The words were written by Eleanor Farjeon and the tune is Bunessan, harmonized by Alec Wyton. It is in the section for Morning, to be used for Morning Prayer or other morning services. I love when we sing this hymn.

[@papercup2517]

Yep, and in the English Hymnal and Hymns Ancient and Modern (IIRC) as used in the Church of England. I loved it as a child growing up in 50s and 60s Britain, singing it both at Church and in school assembly. In our teens my friends and I were all thrilled when Cat Stevens brought out his version in the mid 60s. I often wonder if he knew and loved it from church or school, just as we did, before he decided to record it.

[@SteelyDaddy59]

Tea For The Tillerman would be a great second album for January.

[@bomagosh1252]

Great call. They've hit several of the songs from that album, but there's no way they'll get to some of the songs without going to the album. Tea for the Tillerman is a virtually perfect album; there isn't a bad song on it. The title track is the LAST song on the album, and it's just over one minute long. And besides being a great album musically, Stevens painted the cover art.

[@duneshard]

Every song is great on that album.

[@ginaabernathy7419]

Yes yes yes! ❤❤❤

[@imdone2114]

I was blessed to see Cat Steven's live, simple, pure. and powerful 😊

[@MTVessel61446]

Eleanor Farjeon wrote these lyrics decades before Cat Stevens set them to music. I adore this song. My 50 year old photo album has these lyrics next to a photo of a pastoral creek on my parents mountain property. I had it played at the end of my mother's mass of the resurrection as people were leaving. The song has gratitude and hope, and that's what we all should strive for. Bless you Alex for appreciating music for more than just head banging. Although, a good head banding can be just the ticket sometimes. Peace.

[@kv99990]

Another great Cat Stevens is "Oh Very Young," which shows his genius well. Also great are songs from Cat's soundtrack to the film "Harold and Maude" (1971), such as "I Think I See the Light" and "Don't Be Shy."

[@margostites6385]

I was a church pianist and organist in the 1960's and 1970's. I played this song for many Sunday services and weddings. I've always loved this version.

[@emmelleperry9956]

Classic. What a great way to start the year

[@vidge123]

love this hymn. we sing it often at church (united methodist). pray for us this presidential term...God help us!

[@kimkovaly2393]

Amen

[@stupeters8409]

My Father was a great musician and also a Episcopalian Minister and Use to do the Cat Stevens version, in Church during service...one of the great moments of my life doing duets with Dad played the piano and I'm on the Axe...Dad opened up the gift of Music and I miss him everyday but the music lives on that song always makes me cry...tears of joy...thanks for the great review

[@kevinmcmahon5116]

This song and Here Comes The Sun are set in my phone as my alarms. Both make your day start out the right way.

[@jamesmichael5475]

Cat Stevens produced one gorgeously melodic tune after another in the 1970's. He stood at the pinnacle of song writing and musical arrangements. His was a spiritual odyssey. In "Morning Has Broken" he took an old hymn and embellished it to perfection. This was a wonderful period in music, where gifted musicians, renowned on their own right, slide comfortably right in as studio artists, complimenting others music. I am not an overly religious person, but this tune has a Christian overture to me. Credits to Rick Wakeman on piano, the man behind the keyboards for Yes. a"Cat Stevens "Where Do The Children Play" is a lovely tune.

[@adrianstevens2146]

"Where Do The Children Play" is a definite yes for me; often stuck on my mind. In fact, I think his album, Tea for the Tillerman should get a whole album review! I've seen others suggest it here. C'mon Alex, let's get more Cat on!

[@JanetLees]

I'm one of those people who gets chills up the back of my neck and head when music moves me, and this song has always done it for me. But this is the first time I've ever gotten those chills from something someone said about the music: "It feels like a painting. I can hear the color in it, and the landscape ... it feels like aspects of a landscape painting." Thank you, Alex, for describing this song so beautifully.

[@adrianstevens2146]

I so agree, to describe a song as beautifully as Alex heard it; as a painting, so colorful and vibrant. To "hear the color", how insightful and wonderful is that? Commendations to Alex for his artistic take on this beautiful song!

[@ROSEBILL]

This song is an actual hymn. The piano was performed by the great Rick Wakeman, who went on to join Yes as their keyboard player. He is one of the best ever.

[@TheGreatGig73]

WOW! This was my time machine! I miss the 70's, dearly.

[@susanryan2451]

You and me both, sweetie

[@zitabraun1176]

I love this particular rendering of this hymn. So beautiful. You are so right on in your description of the piano playing and the vocals. I have listened to and admired this for years knowing it was indeed a hymn. Some hymns are beautiful music. This is proof.

[@pahtar7189]

Wow. I haven't heard this song in years. Outrageously good piano playing!

[@martinreed5964]

what else would you expect from Rick Wakeman?

[@bradleybyrne7691]

We all sang this song as a hymn in junior school over here in England … Cat Stevens was amazing . He grew up at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue in the west End of London .. a proper Londoner👍

[@DWbo-r7v]

Scottish hymn for children's funerals

[@johnbaird4912]

@DWbo-r7v English

[@papercup2517]

@@johnbaird4912 An old Scottish tune, with lyrics added later (c. early 1930s?) by the wonderful English children's author Eleanor Farjeon.

[@bomagosh1252]

I'd recently been re-watching your reactions to Cat Stevens and really wanted you to hit this. Thanks. There's lots more Cat Stevens for you and Andy to hear in 2025!

[@mararundell2500]

Happy New Year, Alex. Hope it's a good new year for Andy, too. Good luck to you both this year and beyond.

[@keithb5341]

Why isn’t Andy on anymore

[@reneeruhmann1055]

Thanks for more Cat! "Hard Headed Woman" would be my suggestion for your next listen. Happy New Year, Alex - thank you for being you and for continuing to deliver fantastic videos. Andy, I miss you and wish you all the best in 2025 - I can't wait for your return!

[@AllanHaskell]

We played this song during our,wedding ceremony 51 years ago.Always loved it.

[@Jim-m9k]

One of the best albums...EVER

[@michaelligue3842]

On a 3 day high school retreat in 1976 we were awakened each morning with this being played over the sound system . Beautiful song , Cat is a fantastic musician .

[@martinreed5964]

er....that would be Rick Wakeman providing the music

[@wpawson]

The way Cat Stevens performed this was spiritual meant for all races and cultures. Happy New Year.

[@stephaniegoddard9397]

Yes. To me Cat Steven’s music takes us with him on his spiritual journey.

[@nettiemac]

I heard this when I was a wee lass, and it was a Vacation Bible School staple for me. I still love it.

[@sealdrup]

We had this sung at my wife and my wedding 42 years ago. I have always loved it.

[@LoisChisholm]

I remember seeing this song performed live in concert before the album was released. I was blessed to see him 3 times in concert in the early 70s. All were fabulous shows. ❤❤❤

[@sherryheim5504]

The piano is my favorite instrument in this song, from the attention grabbing heavy lower notes to the tinkling high notes that just whisk me off onto a whisping breeze giving me the sense of being an Autumn leaf dancing in the wind. This song is a masterpiece and Stevens' vocals never disappoint. His voice is like a ship gliding on top of an ocean of instruments. Great way to start the New Year I hope it is a good one for all of the World.

[@papercup2517]

A Happy New Year to you too, Sherry and I join in your wishes for the whole world. May blessings, peace and love reign in all our hearts, no matter what challenges we may face 'out there'..

[@markjacobsen8335]

Consider this for a second: Rick Wakeman played piano on this within a the same year he played keyboards with YES on "Roundabout" and "Heart Of The Sunrise".

[@trevorbrooks5250]

And played piano on Bodies 'life on mars'

[@lilamuzik3385]

Cat Stevens a miracle of poetry and musicianship.

[@marybrandenburg7127]

Not only is he one of my favorite musicians, he was a great illustrator, as evidenced by many of his album covers.

[@SabineThinkerbellum]

Back in 1977 my music teacher made us pick 3 songs that we then discussed in class. This one was part of it and it blew my 12 year old mind.

[@murraybozinsky7067]

It is amazing how you interpreted this song, not just that it's a hymn but the imagery too. The song was inspired by a little village in the south of England. Says a lot for the songwriter and Cat Stevens interpretation that 100 years later when someone listens to it they can still interpret it.

[@DWbo-r7v]

It's a Scottish hymn

[@AaronKelley1969]

​@DWbo-r7vit's originally a Gaelic Folk tune, first published in the late 19th century that became a hymn when these words were written to it and it was published as a hymn in the early 1930s.

[@johnbaird4912]

@@AaronKelley1969 Yes tune only , words by an English women

[@AaronKelley1969]

@johnbaird4912 right.

[@susanryan2451]

I completely agree, right?

[@simonplatt4366]

You're so right about Cat evoking the feeling of nature in his songs, especially on these early albums. It's a great gift he has and makes his music satisfying on quite a profound level.

[@Denebreus]

Back in the 70's, a local Houston television station would open their morning broadcast with the National Anthem, and then this song. Even as a kid, I appreciated the depth of not only the song, but the singer as well. Great reaction. Thanks!

[@Janet076]

Our chorus director had us singing this in Middle School. In the early 70’s. I sang with the altos. A beautiful song.

[@davidmontgomery9846]

Used to sing this hymn at school .Loved it even more when Cat brought this out .

[@janetroberts3202]

I agree Alex, Cat Stevens IS The Man. His whole body of work is soul transporting! I have so many favorites of his but #1 is Foreigner Suite. 18 minutes os sheer Joy!!

[@danielthompson9509]

One of Cat Stevens most wonderful songs.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Surely I was not the only young woman who had this played at her wedding in the early 70’s……

[@1177kc]

My all time favorite hymn and song. I probably listen to Cat Stevens more often in the past few years than any other artist.

[@DropAnchor1978]

Cat Stevens's songwriting has a beautiful childlike quality-just an extraordinary sensibility. His works are deceivingly sophisticated.

[@maryannprzybycien2013]

His songs still give me goosebumps after all these years. I had such a crush on him when I was young. Couldn't have asked for a better song to start the year. ❤

[@papercup2517]

Understandable - he was gorgeous! ...And talented, and sensitive...the whole package! You had great taste! 😀

[@iamthepapa]

Great reaction. What a special song. It's like the embodiment of light, but in a song. It just bursts with emotion and soothes your soul.

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

We used to sing this in church (the youth group) all the time. Especially Easter morning - it's awesome.

[@papercup2517]

Great song for Easter!

[@jentommyontheroad8089]

Great choice! Love starting my day with this song. It’s so peaceful and uplifting.

[@carolcarol3938]

I had this album on "replay" at one time of life ....fabulous album.

[@Magravated]

I love this song. Thanks, Alex! It's perfect! Happy and Blessed New Year's everyone!

[@lauriemartin490]

I was raised in the church and one of my happy memories of childhood is singing this hymn. It's just so beautiful. As I became a teenager and discovered Cat Stevens, this song became more to me than just a church song. I am no longer a believer, but I do still feel that we should be grateful for the glory and grandeur of our planet and the beauty of nature. We can feel this way, whether or not we believe a higher power created the universe.

[@TallyDrake]

Great comment!😊

[@greenbrown7776]

Agreed.

[@brendapratt1044]

Why are you no longer a believer?

[@nancy9478]

God still loves you. Always will. I pray you come back to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, they will never leave your side.

[@papercup2517]

Me too - one of my favourite hymns growing up in the 50s and 60s, before Cat Stevens recorded his version.

[@paulroberts1000]

Cat Stevens - Yusuf Islam - and Rick Wakeman... two of the nicest people in the business! (And Rick is a wicked joke teller!!)

[@joemesa6745]

Thank you for your reaction. I have such wonderful memories of listening to this on the radio in the early 70's as an impressionable 12 year old.

[@kimkovaly2393]

Gorgeous song. ❤❤❤

[@jailnurse]

I have loved this song almost my entire life.

[@komakafox4207]

My first video of the year... perfect. Thanks Alex for a great start.

[@user-ky6vw5up9m]

Cat discovered the Words by Eleanor Farjeon in an old book. She is buried in a Churchyard near me.

[@HappyAitch]

I remember singing this in assembly as a child in the 70s, what memories 😊

[@guitarman8462]

I remember singing this in the 70s when I was in elementary school .

[@phillipharrison7283]

'The Road to Find Out' is also an exceptional track. He does have many, too many to list. Happy New Year Alex ( Andy too). Cheers ✌

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

We sang this everyday in school assembly as kids in UK. Before Cat's version. Beautiful HAPPY NEW YEAR ANDY, ALEX & FAM. xx

[@Tracy-fromHouston]

Aww I absolutely love this song. Perfect for the start of the new year Alex. My favorite lines are (praise the elation, praise every morning God’s recreation of the new day.) While we’re never promised a tomorrow, there will be a new tomorrow for somebody. So do the best with each day we have. Such a deep song. I hope everyone has an awesome 2025 and an awesome rest of your day🔥🙌🏼🤘

[@catherinelw9365]

Happy New Year, Alex and Andy! Was delighted by your choice to kick off the year. Yes, it is a hymn, actually! Loved your reaction to it - your appreciation for the piano and the melody of this beautiful song. Recreation is the word you heard - that each day is a new creation and a new start!

[@ingrid8994]

This reminds me of high school choir Spring concert in the 70’s. So much practicing to do this song justice. It was perfect ❤😊 (this was when he was still Cat Stevens)

[@ofrabjousday1]

"I Think I See the Light." Same album. Greatest Cat Stevens banger.

[@BernhardMauerer-u8p]

this song is one of his countless hits - it stays with me since my childhood - I love this timeless quality - everything is so pure and beautiful - as I said Cat Stevens and his pure spiritual attitude will be always with me -

[@stellaburnell7947]

My grandson's school plays this song over the sound system every morning as the kids go into class.

[@Sarvasaha]

Cat wrote so many great songs. Father and Son is one of the best.

[@ms-fl7jj]

I remember this song when I was a kid-thought it was just magical!!

[@jefferytheis4157]

Brings a tear to my every time

[@Jude_196]

I JUST LOVE YOUR ZEST FOR MUSIC, ALEX!! HUGS!

[@maryklacik5358]

We were in church during a holiday mass and the choir sang this. My husband asked me when the Catholic Church began stealing songs from Cat Stevens. 😂

[@JDoors]

😄

[@CyndiDeimler]

I'm also Catholic and had a similar reaction when I was a kid and everyone started singing "Holy God we praise thy name..." which I knew from the movie Heidi. I whispered to my mom "This is a Shirley Temple song!"

[@zzuave2666]

Great version of this hymn. I remember singing it often in morning assembly at school when I was around 7 years old.

[@scottboswell6406]

Happy New Year!! To be honest, 2024 had more crappy than happy moments for me, so I deeply appreciate this hymn to start 2025!! Happy also that Andy will be back soon! Thanks Alex for continuing the dream!!

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

This was the perfect song to begin the new year! Yes ot actually is a Hymn and Cat took it and enhanced it which took it to the next level. Great reaction!!

[@floridamom6495]

Great review!! I appreciated your fresh insight. It truly adds so much to this song that I thought I already knew!

[@luckylady7542]

So pure❤

[@brendanmcdowell4335]

Rick Wakeman on piano? He talks about recording this on Rick Beato’s channel.

[@jaquestraw1]

Fantastic interview

[@samueltabo3390]

Was Cat Stevens a Christian before he converted to Islam? No that it matters but this is a n ecumenical song sung in most Christian churches. Happy New Year

[@JimDorman]

I never knew that was Wakemam. Thank you.

[@caryriggs6000]

Thanks Alex for this song. When I was a kid this piece of music moved me every time I heard it. I don't know why. It just did. Best wishes to Andy

[@shemanic1]

Thank You! What a great tune you played on my Birthday, I was born 1.1.51. & still love these tunes from Cat. Please try "King of Trees" next Alex.

[@babsk4071]

❤LOVE IT! GREAT ONE PEOPLE YES! 👏

[@Meandmymirror]

Cat is the man! I hope Andy gets to hear it. And I loved your thoughts and analysis of the song very well done

[@CheriHardman]

I'm so glad you loved it

[@chrisjenkins6120]

🎼6/8 time. My favorite time signature. I’ll always love Cat Stevens because I’m in his age bracket.🎹☮️💟🎼

[@susanfontaine5214]

1st Happy New Year! Hope you both are doing well!😊

[@moniphil]

Written by Eleanor Farjeon (13 February 1881 - 5 June 1965). She won many literary awards and the Eleanor Farjeon Award for children's literature is presented annually in her memory by the Children's Book Circle, a society of publishers. Farjeon's most widely published work is the hymn "Morning has Broken", written in 1931 to an old Gaelic tune associated with the Scottish village Bunessan. She was the sister of thriller writer Joseph Jefferson Farjeon whose best known work was a 1925 play, Number 17, which was adapted into several films, including Number Seventeen (1932) directed by Alfred Hitchcock.