Morning Sun

The Zoo Crew is spinning the mellow vibes of "Morning Sun" by Jesse Colin Young from his 1973 album Song For Juli, and the Zoo Freaks are surely soaking in its introspective glow. This track, a standout from Young's solo career, carries a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone. According to an analysis on radio.callmefred.com, the lyrics depict a protagonist grappling with feelings of being lost and disenchanted, questioning the beauty of a morning sun after a sleepless night and pondering life's direction. The song's narrative evokes a sense of aimlessness, with a nod to a village drunk who might have watched the sunrise daily, ending with an uncertain yet poignant reflection on the day's history unfolding by evening. Young wrote "Morning Sun" inspired by the birth of his son Cheyenne, as noted in his Wikipedia biography, making it a deeply personal piece that contrasts its somber tone with the joy of new life.

In a 2019 Songfacts interview, Young didn't delve directly into "Morning Sun" but shared insights into his songwriting process, which often drew from personal experiences and the natural beauty of his surroundings. Fans on Telecaster Guitar Forum have reminisced about the song's pristine production and Young's stellar vocal delivery, with one user noting how it "still shines brightly" decades later. The song's laid-back, folk-rock vibe, infused with jazz and blues elements, resonated strongly with listeners, as highlighted in a New Directions in Music article that praised Song For Juli as Young's definitive solo masterpiece. While specific social media posts about "Morning Sun" are scarce, Young's Facebook page often shares nostalgic reflections, and fans in the Jesse Colin Young Fans group frequently discuss the emotional depth of his 1970s work, including tracks like this one.

Jesse Colin Young, born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, kicked off his musical journey in New York City's vibrant folk scene. As detailed in his AllMusic biography, Young was accepted into the prestigious Phillips Academy at age 15 but was soon expelled, leading him to pursue music in Greenwich Village's coffeehouses. Balancing studies at New York University, he performed as a blues-folk singer, adopting the stage name Jesse Colin Young—a blend of outlaws Jesse James and Cole Younger, plus Formula One's Colin Chapman—to avoid comparisons with Perry Como. In the early 1960s, he met producer Bobby Scott, who helped him secure studio time, resulting in his 1964 debut album, The Soul of a City Boy, recorded in just four hours with only his acoustic guitar. His cover of "Four in the Morning" gained radio traction, and a second album, Young Blood, followed in 1965, featuring contributions from jazz musicians like John Sebastian.

Young's career took a significant turn when he co-founded The Youngbloods with Jerry Corbitt, as noted on Genius. Their 1967 hit "Get Together" became a defining anthem of the Woodstock era, cementing Young's place in folk-rock history. After The Youngbloods disbanded in 1972, Young moved to Point Reyes, California, where he built a recording studio and crafted Song For Juli, inspired by his love for the rugged landscape. Despite challenges like the 1995 Mount Vision Fire that destroyed his home, Young continued creating music, later relocating to a coffee farm in Hawaii. He retired briefly in 2012 due to chronic Lyme disease but returned in 2016, performing with his son Tristan and releasing Dreamers in 2019. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, or join discussions on the Jesse Colin Young Fans Facebook group and explore his legacy at westcoast.dk.