Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” Lyrics Meaning

Although the lyrics of Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” are very symbolic and open-ended, the general consensus is that it is centered on a love affair the singer is in. That is to say that she is romantically involved with someone she should not be. More specifically, it is a tale of premarital intimate affair from the relatively-puritan days of the 1960s. And from the onset, we can see that it is not an easy relationship. That is to say that Juice seems to be operating under the impression that it can end at any time.

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But as for her personally, she is committed, even reminding her partner that it was she who initiated the relationship. Indeed she even tells him that if public opinion turns against their union, that is “what (she) wanted”. Also she lets this individual know that she is not trying to ensnare him but  is counting on her “love” to also keep him committed.

Chorus

This brings us to the chorus and title of the song, with Newton stating to her lover that she is his “angel of the morning”. This statement reads as if it is in the least an expression of strong affection. Indeed you can tell how much she loves her partner since she also refers to him as her “angel”. And given that, due to the illicitness of their relationship, their time together is limited, she entreats him to ‘touch her cheek before he leaves her’. This likely symbolizes her asking for one last show of affection before they have to temporarily part ways. For her desire is to be with him in a serious, long-term relationship, though she does not seem to believe that such will actually transpire.

That, once again, is what the song is generally considered to be about. Even the singer it was first offered to, Connie Francis, turned it down due to its obviously illicit nature (again during the 1960’s). However Chip Taylor, the writer of the song, has also stated that its lyrics “flowed out” of him during what he describes to be basically a 20-minute supernatural experience. So to some extent, even he does not seem to truly understand what they mean in their entirety.

Writing Credits for “Angel of the Morning”

“Angel of the Morning” was written by Chip Taylor, who also happens to be the uncle of actress Angelina Jolie. He penned this classic in 1966.  In fact an earlier version of “Angel of the Morning” was featured on the soundtrack of Jolie’s breakthrough film “Girl, Interrupted” (1999).

Cover Versions of “Angel of the Morning”

Various artists, including Chip Taylor himself, had recorded versions of this song before and after Juice Newton did in 1981. But her version proved to be the most-successful, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and also breaking the top 10 of the record charts in many countries. Some of these countries included Australia, Austria, New Zealand South Africa, Switzerland. In Canada, it actually topped the charts.

And as far as how it fared across the pond, “Angel of the Morning” peaked at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart.

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“Angel of the Morning” was nominated in the category of Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. This was at the 24^th Annual Grammy Awards in 1981.

“Angel of the Morning” holds the distinction of being the first ever country-music video MTV aired. This occurred on the day the network was launched, 1 August 1981.

Juice Newton’s version of the song was officially released by Capitol Records during February of 1981. It was the lead single off of her third album tilted “Juice”.

This song experienced a resurgence, which Juice Newton expressed appreciation for, in 2016 after being featured during the opening scene of the hit action movie “Deadpool”.

“Angel of the Morning” was used in “Deadpool” at the request of its star, Ryan Reynolds.

Yes, we have. Shaggy’s hit 2001 single “Angel” sounds very identical to Newton’s “Angel of the Morning”. And this is because Shaggy sampled this classic by Newton on his “Angel”.