July Morning

Uriah Heep

About July Morning

"July Morning" is a song by the English rock band Uriah Heep. It is the third track on their 1971 album Look at Yourself. The song was written in July 1970 by the band's keyboardist Ken Hensley and lead singer, David Byron. Approximately the last four minutes of the piece consist of a virtuosic organ solo. The odd sounding calliope riffs are played by Manfred Mann who, according to the album's liner notes, "appears for the first time with his Moog synthesizer". The song also was released as a single from Uriah Heep's first live album Uriah Heep Live. The song is written in the key of C minor, and is played with eight chords: Cm, Fm, Bb, Eb, G, Ab, F and C. The song has four verses and four choruses, featuring an organ introduction and a guitar solo. There is a guitar bridge between the first and second parts of the song. AllMusic contributor Dave Thompson described the song as the best produced by Uriah Heep, with a "magnificent arrangement and performance", and in 1995, Radiomafia added "July Morning" to their list of "Top 500 Songs"."July Morning" was first released on the Look at Yourself album and as a single in Japan and Venezuela. The Venezuelan single split the song across both sides of the 7", while the Japanese single featured an edited version of the song, which was later released on the band's greatest hits album Your Turn to Remember in 2016. The live version from Uriah Heep Live was also released as a single. In 2009 the band released a new version of the song on the album Celebration. Uriah Heep's manager Gerry Bron thought Manfred Mann not only played an important part in the original studio recording, but also played a crucial role in its development. 


Year:
2001
10:34
31 
#1

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There I was on a July morning
Looking for love
With the strength
Of a new day dawning
And the beautiful sun

At the sound
Of the first bird singing
I was leaving for home
With the storm
And the night behind me
And a road of my own

With the day came the resolution
I'll be looking for you
La la la la, la la la la, la la la

I was looking for love
In the strangest places
Wasn't a stone
That I left unturned
Must have tried more
Than a thousand faces
But not one was aware
Of the fire that burned

In my heart, in my mind, in my soul
La la la la, la la la la, la la la

In my heart, in my mind, in my soul
La la la la, la la la la
La la la la, la la la la, la la la la
La la la la, (la la la la)

There I was on a July morning
I was looking for love
With the strength
Of a new day dawning
And the beautiful sun

And at the sound
Of the first bird singing
I was leaving for home
With the storm
And the night behind me
Yeah, and a road of my own

With the day came the resolution
I'll be looking for you
La la la la, la la la la, la la la

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Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep is a 70s hard rock band named after a fictional character created by Charles Dickens in his novel David Copperfield. They are known for their songs Easy Livin' and The Wizard. more »

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Written by: DAVID GARRICK, KEN HENSLEY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Origin
"July Morning" is a song by the English rock band Uriah Heep. It is considered one of their most famous compositions. Ken Hensley, the keyboardist and vocalist of the band, is credited as the song's principal writer.
Song Length
With a length of 10:36 minutes in its original album version, "July Morning" is one of Uriah Heep's longest songs.
Album Debut
It was first released in 1971 on their album "Look at Yourself".
Song Theme
The song is known for its theme of personal awakening and self-discovery, represented by the imagery of a new July morning.
Notable Cover
A notable cover of "July Morning" was done by Finnish singer Jarkko Ahola.
Bulgarian Tradition
In Bulgaria, "July Morning" has turned into an anthem for an unofficial holiday celebrating freedom and non-conformity. Each year on the morning of July 1st, people gather to watch the sunrise, with "July Morning" often being played.
Contribution by David Byron
Although Ken Hensley wrote the majority of the song, the final verse was contributed by lead vocalist David Byron.
Spectacular Ending
The song is recognized for its dramatic ending with a Moog synthesizer solo that was played by Manfred Mann.
Mysterious Chant
The chant in the middle of the song is often speculated upon. Some fans believe it's a reversed recording of someone reading from the Book of Revelation, giving the song somewhat of a mystical aura.
Live Performances Significance
"July Morning" is one of the highlights of Uriah Heep’s live shows, often featuring an extended organ introduction by Hensley.
Ken Hensley Death
After the death of Ken Hensley in 2020, the song received increased attention, being regarded as one of his most iconic creations.
Iconic Line
One of the most iconic lines of the songs is: “There I was on a July morning, looking for love, with the strength of a new day dawning and the beautiful sun." This is often cited to encapsulate the entire essence of the song.

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