If morning’s echo says we’ve sinned/
It was what I wanted now.

Many artists have covered this song, but Merrilee Rush’s version of “Angel Of The Morning” is the standard. She is in great voice, and we hear the emotion she sings with as she asks her lover to “just touch my cheek before you leave me baby.” It is a song about a young woman becoming an adult and exercising her right to love and live with whomever she chooses. The lyrics were quite risqué for the time.

Merrilee Rush’s melody of “Angel of the Morning” is so strong that it has managed to remain fresh some fifty years after release. Both the verses and especially the chorus are iconic melodies that have achieved Standard status. The production is well done. The trumpet is featured prominently, and it sounds muted and not overdone. I also think there is an oboe being used, though I cannot confirm that. This was her only hit.

Angel Of the Morning Lyrics

There’ll be no strings to bind your hands
Not if my love can’t bind your heart
And there’s no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no need to take me home
I’m old enough to face the dawn

Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Then slowly turn away

Maybe the sun’s light will be dim
And it won’t matter anyhow
If morning’s echo says we’ve sinned
Well, it was what I wanted now
And if we’re victims of the night
I won’t be blinded by the light

Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)
Then slowly turn away
I won’t beg you to stay with me
Through the tears of the day, of the years
Baby, baby, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, (angel)

written by chip taylor