About The Song
Charley Pride, the velvet voice of country music, wasn’t just a master of tearful ballads. He possessed an uncanny ability to weave sunlight into sorrow, crafting stories where hope bloomed even in the cracks of loss. His 1971 masterpiece, “Kiss An Angel Good Morning,” stands as a testament to this talent, a song that transcends genre, offering a morning ritual steeped in bittersweet remembrance and the enduring power of love.
While Pride gave voice to the song’s tender ache, the melody’s roots belonged to Ben Peters. Inspired by the tragic loss of his daughter, Angela, Peters wrote a melody infused with both sorrow and a yearning for connection. Recognizing Pride’s unique ability to breathe life into fragile emotions, he entrusted him with the song.
Pride embraced the vulnerability, his voice a hushed whisper as he paints a picture of a solitary morning ritual. The protagonist greets the day not with coffee, but with a photograph of his lost love. He kisses it, whispering words of longing and tenderness, a silent conversation across the divide. The gentle melody, punctuated by the mournful hum of the steel guitar, creates a space for both sorrow and the echo of cherished moments.
“Kiss An Angel Good Morning” wasn’t just a hit; it resonated deeply with anyone who had experienced loss. The song’s universal message of finding solace in memories and cherishing fleeting connections touched hearts across generations. It became an anthem for grieving souls, a reminder that even amidst the heartache, the beauty of love can linger long after the physical presence is gone.
But the song’s power transcends mere grief. It offers a flicker of resilience, a sunbeam breaking through the clouds of sorrow. The closing lines, “I’ll kiss an angel good morning, and when we meet again, I’ll tell you all the things I’ve missed,” whisper a quiet hope. They speak of a future reunion, a promise that keeps the flame of love burning even in the darkest hours.