Blue Morning, Blue Day

Album: Double Vision (1978)
Charted: 45 15
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This sinister-sounding song takes us inside the head of a guy who can't sleep and is desperately pleading with his girl, trying to keep her from leaving. The song was written by Foreigner's songwriting team of lead singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones.

    In our interview with Gramm, he said: "It talks about a young musician that's burning the candle at both ends. He has a lot on his mind, and walks the street at night."
  • Blue is a versatile color for Lou Gramm, who uses it here as a metaphor for misery. He used the color in a different context on his 1987 solo hit "Midnight Blue"; he also has a song on his 1989 solo album called "True Blue Love."
  • This was the third single from Foreigner's second album, Double Vision, following "Hot Blooded" and the title track. Critical adulation eluded the band (witness their snub from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), but the group earned legions of fans around this time: each of their first four albums sold at least 5 million copies.
  • Mick Jones was going through a phrase of digging British progressive rock icons Procol Harum when he co-wrote "Blue Morning, Blue Day" with Lou Gramm. Jones channeled the grand, majestic vibe of Procol Harum's 1972 orchestral hit "Conquistador."

    "That was a little Procol Harum coming out in me, the period with the big orchestra and 'Conquistador.' It was that mood," Jones told In the Studio With Redbeard. "I felt very strongly that it was an inspiration in that song. And I was starting to experiment, I was getting clever on the piano!"

Comments: 1

  • Basketballjones from UsaThe lyric is not, "my ways are cut through men." The correct lyric is, "my ways I've tried to mend."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.