The Dawn of a New Day: Love’s Enduring Promise
Gather ’round, my friends, and let’s journey back to a simpler time, a time when melodies truly stirred the soul and lyrics painted vivid pictures in our minds. Today, we’re casting our gaze upon a particular gem that, while perhaps not a chart-topping behemoth, held a quiet power and resonated deeply with those who heard it. I’m speaking, of course, about Mark Lindsay‘s enchanting rendition of “Come Saturday Morning.”
Now, for those of us who came of age in the late 60s and early 70s, the name Mark Lindsay immediately conjures images of the energetic, charismatic frontman of Paul Revere & The Raiders. Their distinctive colonial-era costumes and high-octane performances were a staple of television variety shows and concert stages. But in 1969, as the decade was drawing to a close, Lindsay embarked on a solo career that allowed him to explore a more introspective and tender side of his artistry, a side beautifully showcased in “Come Saturday Morning.”
The song itself, with its gentle orchestration and Lindsay‘s heartfelt vocals, was more than just a pleasant tune; it was a warm embrace, a whisper of hope in an era often defined by upheaval. While it may not have soared to the very pinnacle of the charts like some of its contemporaries, it found its own significant place. Released as a single, it achieved a respectable position on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 27 in early 1970. This was a testament to its undeniable charm and the immediate connection it forged with listeners. For a song that wasn’t a hard-driving rock anthem, reaching the Top 30 was a considerable feat, indicating its widespread appeal and radio airplay.
The story behind “Come Saturday Morning” is as charming as the song itself. It was originally written by Dory Previn and Fred Karlin for the 1969 film The Sterile Cuckoo, starring a young Liza Minnelli. In the film, the song serves as a poignant backdrop to the blossoming, albeit unconventional, romance between the two main characters. Its inclusion in the movie undoubtedly gave it an initial boost, exposing it to a broader audience. Mark Lindsay‘s decision to cover the song for his debut solo album, Arizona, was a stroke of genius. He took a song already imbued with a sense of wistful romance and infused it with his own unique blend of warmth and sincerity, making it distinctly his own.
At its heart, “Come Saturday Morning” is a tender ode to the promise of enduring love and the quiet comfort found in companionship. It speaks of waking up beside the one you cherish, with the simple joys of a new day unfolding before you. The lyrics evoke a sense of peaceful contentment, focusing on the small, intimate moments that truly define a relationship: “Come Saturday morning / I’m gonna be with you / Just you and me / We’ll wake up slowly / And share the morning dew.” It’s a song that bypasses grand declarations and instead celebrates the profound beauty of everyday love, the kind that weathers storms and finds solace in quiet togetherness. For many of us, it became an anthem of domestic bliss, a melodic reminder of the simple yet profound happiness that can be found in a shared life.
Listening to it today, one can’t help but be transported back. Perhaps it reminds you of a time when you too woke up with that special someone by your side, the world still and quiet, filled only with the promise of the day ahead. It’s a song that transcends its era, its message of enduring love and hopeful beginnings remaining just as relevant now as it was then. Mark Lindsay‘s voice, always so expressive, takes on a particular tenderness here, conveying a genuine affection that makes the listener feel as though they are privy to a private moment of intimacy. The gentle strumming of the guitar, the soft swells of the strings – every element works in harmony to create an atmosphere of serene devotion.
So, as the sun sets on another week and we look forward to the weekend, let us take a moment to rediscover the quiet magic of “Come Saturday Morning.” It’s more than just a song; it’s a feeling, a memory, a timeless reminder that sometimes, the greatest joys are found in the simplest of moments, shared with the one you love. It’s a song that gently reminds us to cherish those dawns, those quiet mornings, and the enduring promise of love that greets us with each new day. It’s a nostalgic journey back to a time when love songs were earnest and heartfelt, and Mark Lindsay delivered them with an authenticity that continues to resonate with us, even decades later. It wasn’t about flashy production or complex arrangements; it was about the pure, unadulterated emotion conveyed through the melody and lyrics, a quality that makes it so enduringly beautiful.