Johnny Cash’s 1970 “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” Was Written By Kris Kristofferson
on Oct 05, 2016 • Updated Oct 09, 2020
Widely considered the most influential artist of the 20th century, music moguls struggled to put Johnny Cash into a box. Over the course of his career, Cash won inductions into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
The legend’s iconic “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” is a prime example of the musician’s hard-to-categorize musical stylings. “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” was written by Kris Kristofferson in 1969 but was catapulted into prominence with Cash’s cover in 1970.
Cash’s version of the iconic tune hit No.1 on the Billboard’s country chart as well as No.46 on the all-genre chart later earning him a CMA for “Song of the Year.”
Cash was asked to change the controversial line “I’m wishing Lord that I was stoned” in a televised performance of the song. Being Johnny Cash, he refused to comply fearing it would take away from the song.
Television producers might have been upset, but Cash proved to be a hit as everyone loves a good rebel.
Watch his live performance of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” in the video below and let us know what you think in the comments!
