“Early in the Morning,” released in 1972 by Metromedia Records, was one of the final singles by Bobby Sherman, a prominent teen idol of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born Robert Cabot Sherman Jr. on July 22, 1943, in Santa Monica, California, Sherman had risen to fame with hits like “Little Woman” (1969), “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (1970), “Cried Like a Baby” (1971), and “Jennifer” (1971). By 1972, Sherman’s chart success had significantly waned as musical tastes shifted toward rock, disco, and singer-songwriter genres, but his wholesome image and heartfelt vocals retained a loyal fanbase. “Early in the Morning” did not chart significantly on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting the decline in Sherman’s commercial prominence, but it gained some traction on adult contemporary stations. Written by Paul Anka and produced by Ward Sylvester, the song featured a gentle pop ballad style with a reflective tone and was included on Sherman’s album Just for You (1972). Its release came as Sherman’s music career was winding down, following the cancellation of his sitcom Getting Together (1971–1972).
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Reasons Behind the Creation of “Early in the Morning”
The creation of “Early in the Morning” was a strategic effort by Metromedia Records to sustain Bobby Sherman’s presence in a music industry that was increasingly favoring new sounds and artists. By 1972, Sherman’s earlier chart-topping days with songs like “Little Woman” (No. 3) and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (No. 5) were behind him, with recent singles like “Jennifer” (No. 60), “Together Again” (outside the top 100), and “I Don’t Believe in Magic” (unranked) struggling to recapture his former glory. The rise of rock acts like Led Zeppelin, early disco influences, and introspective artists like Paul Simon challenged the bubblegum pop formula that had defined Sherman’s early success. Metromedia aimed to craft a song that leveraged Sherman’s romantic, sincere persona while targeting the adult contemporary market, where he had found modest success with tracks like “Jennifer” and “The Drum.”
Paul Anka, a seasoned songwriter known for hits like “My Way” and “Diana,” was enlisted to write “Early in the Morning,” bringing a level of prestige and craftsmanship to the project. Anka’s involvement ensured a song that was melodic and emotionally resonant, tailored to Sherman’s vocal strengths and his image as a heartfelt crooner. Producer Ward Sylvester, who had overseen Sherman’s recent singles like “Together Again” and “I Don’t Believe in Magic,” focused on a soft, polished arrangement, using acoustic guitars and subtle orchestration to create a contemplative, morning-inspired mood. The song’s reflective narrative and gentle tone were designed to align with the era’s trend toward personal, storytelling-driven music, appealing to both Sherman’s maturing teen fans and older listeners.
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Sherman’s personal context likely shaped the song’s emotional authenticity. At 29, he was navigating the twilight of his teen idol career, the recent cancellation of Getting Together, and the demands of his marriage to Patti Carnel. The song’s theme of morning reflection and renewed hope may have resonated with Sherman’s own experiences of seeking direction amidst a fading spotlight, or his desire to connect with fans who were transitioning into young adulthood. His ability to convey vulnerability and warmth—qualities that defined his appeal—made him an ideal interpreter for a song about starting anew, a sentiment that echoed the experiences of fans who shared their personal aspirations in letters to teen magazines like Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine.
The cultural landscape of 1972 influenced the song’s creation. The early 1970s were marked by social and political transitions, including the Vietnam War’s conclusion, economic challenges, and a growing emphasis on personal growth. Soft, introspective ballads provided an emotional refuge, resonating with listeners seeking solace and meaning. “Early in the Morning” was crafted to fit this mood, offering a gentle, hopeful narrative that contrasted with the era’s louder or socially charged music. Its release was timed to maintain Sherman’s visibility in a competitive market dominated by acts like The Carpenters and Harry Nilsson, while appealing to fans who valued his emotional sincerity.
The song also served as a way for Sherman to navigate his career’s final chapter. With his teen idol status fading, “Early in the Morning” allowed him to explore themes of renewal and reflection, appealing to fans now in their late teens and early twenties, as well as adult contemporary listeners. By releasing the song as part of Just for You, Metromedia aimed to showcase Sherman’s ability to deliver timeless, melody-driven ballads, even as his music career approached its close, marking one of his last efforts to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
Content and Themes Conveyed Through “Early in the Morning”
“Early in the Morning” is a gentle, introspective pop ballad that explores themes of renewal, hope, and the quiet beauty of new beginnings. Delivered with Bobby Sherman’s warm, emotive vocals, the lyrics depict a narrator reflecting on life and love in the stillness of dawn, finding inspiration in the promise of a new day. The song’s soft melody, featuring delicate acoustic strums and a minimalist orchestral arrangement, creates a serene, contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the romantic intensity of Sherman’s earlier hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” or the skeptical tone of “I Don’t Believe in Magic.”
The lyrics open with a tranquil scene: “Early in the morning, when the world is still asleep / I’m walking through my thoughts, where my heart runs deep.” This establishes the song’s central focus on introspection, with the morning serving as a metaphor for clarity and possibility. The image of the world “still asleep” evokes a sense of solitude, allowing the narrator to delve into personal reflections without distraction. The phrase “heart runs deep” suggests a profound emotional journey, hinting at past experiences that have shaped the narrator’s perspective. Sherman’s tender, slightly wistful delivery enhances the lyrics’ sincerity, making the narrator’s musings feel intimate and relatable.
The chorus introduces a note of hope, with lines like “Early in the morning, I can see the light / A brand-new day to make things right.” The “light” symbolizes optimism and opportunity, suggesting that the morning brings a chance to heal old wounds or pursue new dreams. The phrase “make things right” implies a desire for redemption or improvement, whether in love, personal growth, or relationships. The chorus’s melodic warmth, paired with Sherman’s heartfelt performance, invites listeners to share in the narrator’s sense of renewal, creating a universal resonance that transcends specific circumstances.
The verses delve deeper into the narrator’s reflections, blending memories with aspirations. Lyrics like “I think of you as the sun begins to rise / Your love’s the spark that lights my eyes” introduce a romantic element, portraying a loved one as a source of inspiration. The rising sun parallels the narrator’s growing hope, while the “spark” in his eyes suggests that love fuels his optimism. The song avoids specifying the nature of the relationship, allowing listeners to interpret it as romantic, familial, or even self-love, which broadens its appeal. The narrator’s focus on the present moment—embracing the morning’s promise—underscores the song’s theme of living intentionally, a message that resonates with listeners seeking purpose.
Thematically, “Early in the Morning” captures the universal experience of finding hope in new beginnings, particularly after periods of doubt or struggle. The narrator’s morning reflections reflect a broader human desire for renewal and clarity, resonating with listeners navigating life’s transitions. The song’s introspective tone aligns with the early 1970s’ trend toward personal, singer-songwriter-style music, offering a contrast to the era’s flashier or socially conscious sounds. Its focus on quiet optimism made it relatable to Sherman’s maturing fanbase, now entering young adulthood, as well as older listeners drawn to its adult contemporary appeal.
The song’s universal appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of dawn as a time for reflection and possibility. For Sherman’s teen audience, the song echoed their aspirations for fresh starts, whether in relationships or personal goals. For adult listeners, its gentle melody and hopeful lyrics offered a nostalgic reminder of life’s capacity for renewal. The gender-neutral framing of the loved one—avoiding specific pronouns—enhances the song’s accessibility, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the narrative.
The song also reflects the cultural mood of 1972, when music often served as a space for personal storytelling amidst social and political change. Its emphasis on hope and introspection resonated with listeners seeking stability in a world marked by uncertainty. The morning setting carries symbolic weight, evoking a sense of universal renewal that transcends cultural or temporal boundaries, making the song a timeless meditation on starting anew.
Ultimately, “Early in the Morning” conveys a poignant message about the power of new beginnings to inspire hope and clarity. Its tender lyrics, melodic serenity, and Sherman’s sincere performance capture the essence of quiet optimism, making it a meaningful, if lesser-known, entry in his discography as his music career neared its conclusion. The song’s focus on reflection and renewal offers a universal reflection on the human capacity to find light in life’s quiet moments.