“Sun Is Rising” – A Beacon of Hope Amidst Life’s Twilight Hours
Ah, Chris Norman. Just the mention of that name, particularly to those of us who came of age with the sounds of the 70s and 80s, evokes a certain warmth, doesn’t it? From his days as the distinctive voice of Smokie to a solo career that has seen him continue to produce heartfelt melodies, Norman has always been a reliable purveyor of accessible, comforting rock and pop. His voice, with that instantly recognizable gravelly quality, has a way of cutting through the noise, reaching straight for the quiet corners of the heart where memories reside.
One such song that, while perhaps not a chart-topper in the vein of his earlier hits, carries a profound resonance is “Sun Is Rising”. Released as a single in 2017, and also featured in the Benita Von Sass film soundtrack for “The Yesterday” (2022), it didn’t achieve the high chart positions of his more famous collaborations like “Stumblin’ In” with Suzi Quatro, which famously hit number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. Instead, “Sun Is Rising” serves as a quieter, yet equally powerful, testament to Norman’s enduring artistry and philosophical outlook. While it might not have dominated the airwaves globally, it was certainly a significant release for Chris Norman fans, marking a continued presence in the music world, and resonating particularly in regions where his solo work has consistently found a dedicated audience, notably in Europe. The single was praised as a “foot stomping feel good number perfect for the summer of 2017” upon its release, reflecting its optimistic and uplifting nature.
The story behind “Sun Is Rising” isn’t one of dramatic triumph or public spectacle, but rather a reflection of the more contemplative phase of a seasoned artist’s life. Chris Norman, having navigated decades in the music industry, from the raucous days of Smokie to a prolific solo career, often imbues his later works with a sense of accumulated wisdom. The lyrics themselves, penned by Chris Norman, speak of love being “waiting all around us now,” “moving, always changing,” and “believing, love is all you need.” This isn’t the tempestuous, youthful love of early pop hits, but a deeper, more mature understanding—a realization that love, in its myriad forms, is the foundational essence of existence. It suggests a profound appreciation for the simple, yet fundamental, truths of life that often only become clear with the passage of time.
The meaning of “Sun Is Rising” is beautifully straightforward, yet deeply evocative. It’s a song about hope, renewal, and the enduring power of love and connection. For those of us who have lived through many seasons, many challenges, and many heartaches, the image of the “sun is rising high” is a potent metaphor. It speaks to the promise of a new day, regardless of the darkness that may have preceded it. It’s a comforting thought, a gentle reminder that even when things feel overwhelming, there is always the potential for warmth, light, and a fresh start. The repetition of “Love is knowing, love is everyone / Love is feeling, all that’s real is love / And it is living, feel your heart is true / It is being, it’s inside of you and me” reinforces this message, urging listeners to recognize the pervasive nature of love within and around them. It’s a mature reflection on life’s interconnectedness and the intrinsic value of human emotion.
In an age where so much music is fleeting and designed for instant gratification, “Sun Is Rising” stands as a quiet anchor. It’s the kind of song you might listen to on a quiet morning, with a cup of tea, as the first rays of light stream through the window. It doesn’t demand your attention with flashy production or intricate arrangements; instead, it settles in, a warm presence that resonates with the quiet strength of experience. It reminds us of the constant ebb and flow of life, the inevitable cycles of darkness and light, and the unwavering promise that, no matter what, the sun will rise again. For listeners of a certain vintage, it’s a nostalgic whisper of enduring melodies and timeless sentiments, a gentle reassurance from an artist who understands the journey we’ve all been on.