Morning Sun (Son of Man)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of a crucifixion, focusing on the visceral details of suffering and the public's cruel indifference. The narrator observes the "bloody sight" of a man "hangin' there on the tree," noting his "face was beaten" and "back was beaten / 'Til the flesh fell on the ground." This graphic imagery underscores the brutality of the event, while the detail of people standing "in scorn" and laughing amplifies the sense of abandonment and pain. The central tension arises from the narrator's personal connection to this suffering figure, questioning, "Is that my Lord / I see hangin' there in pain?" This shifts the focus from detached observation to personal anguish and faith. Despite the agonizing scene, a powerful undercurrent of hope emerges with the declaration, "Praise His Name / He'll be comin' back again." This foreshadows a redemptive arc, transforming the moment of death into a prelude to resurrection and future triumph. The latter half of the lyrics pivots dramatically to an urgent call for awakening, anticipating a second coming. The repeated phrase "The Son of Man comin' / In power and glory" acts as a powerful refrain, building anticipation for a divine intervention. The contrast between the "morning sun" and the "Son of Man" creates a layered meaning, suggesting a dawn of divine reckoning and salvation. The birds still singing and the sun now high in the sky, while the "power of the Savior" is revealed, highlights a cosmic affirmation of this impending event. This lyrical structure effectively moves from the raw, painful reality of sacrifice to the triumphant, glorious return. The effectiveness lies in its unflinching depiction of suffering juxtaposed with unwavering faith in future vindication. The repeated, declarative pronouncements about the Son of Man's return create a sense of inevitable, awe-inspiring destiny, making the listener feel the weight of both the past sacrifice and the future glory.