The Great American Songbook Countdown – #7: Good Morning Heartache

I first heard “Good Morning Heartache” in 1993 (on Terence Blanchard’s previously mentioned Billie Holiday Songbook); I didn’t fall for the song until 1995, when I purchased Billie Holiday’s Complete Decca Recordings. The song is mesmerizing. Billie sings each verse as if she’s lived the lyrics¹.

Good morning, heartache, you ole gloomy sight
Good morning, heartache, thought we’d said goodbye last night
I turned and tossed until it seemed you had gone
But here you are with the dawn
Wish I’d forget you
but you’re here to stay
It seems I met you
When my love went away
Now everyday I start by saying to you
Good morning, heartache, what’s new?

Jill Scott does a decent turn on the song, but nothing beats Billie. Enjoy!

1. And if you know anything about Billie Holiday’s story, she probably did “live” these lyrics…. the same as she did with her “autobiographical tunes” God Bless The Child and Don’t Explain