Early Mornin Rain

Elvis Presley's rendition of "Early Mornin' Rain" captures a poignant sense of longing and melancholy. The song's protagonist finds himself in a desolate state, both physically and emotionally, as he stands in the early morning rain with nothing but a dollar in his hand and an aching heart. The imagery of his pockets full of sand suggests a feeling of emptiness and futility, emphasizing his distance from home and the loved one he misses dearly. This sets the tone for a narrative steeped in sorrow and a sense of being lost.

The setting of an airport runway, specifically runway number nine, introduces a stark contrast between the protagonist's grounded state and the freedom of the departing airplane. The 707 jet symbolizes escape and movement, something the protagonist yearns for but cannot attain. As he watches the plane take off, he is reminded of the life and loved ones he is separated from. The roar of the engines and the sight of the silver wings soaring above the clouds where the sun always shines serve as a painful reminder of what he cannot reach.

The song also touches on themes of escapism and the harsh reality of being stuck. The protagonist's lament about the airport being of no earthly good to him and his inability to jump a jet plane like a freight train underscores his feeling of entrapment. The repetition of the phrase "So I best be on my way in the early mornin' rain" suggests a resignation to his fate, a continuous cycle of wandering without a clear destination. This melancholic journey is a powerful reflection on the human condition, capturing the essence of longing, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity.