Introduction
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is a classic in the world of country music, and though many associate it with Charley Pride, Alan Jackson breathed new life into the tune in 1999. Originally penned by songwriter Ben Peters, the song debuted in October 1971 on Pride’s album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for five weeks from December 1971 to January 1972 and became Pride’s signature hit. Moreover, it earned crossover appeal, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing into the top 10 of the Adult Contemporary chart, solidifying its status as a million-seller.
At its core, the song is a warm celebration of love and devotion. Its narrator recounts how friends marvel at his constant joy, to which he replies that the secret lies in his daily ritual—“kiss an angel good mornin’” (his beloved wife) and “love her like the devil” when he returns home. That charming blend of sweetness and passion, set to a concise 2‑minute melody with a playful country-pop arrangement, captures the essence of domestic bliss .
Alan Jackson honored the song on his 1999 cover album Under the Influence, produced by Keith Stegall, which featured classics from the country canon, including tracks by Jim Ed Brown, Gene Watson, and other luminaries . Jackson’s version remains faithful to the original’s spirit while showcasing his rich, smooth baritone, offering both reverence to Pride and an introduction to the song for a new generation .
Over the decades, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” has inspired numerous covers—from George Jones and Conway Twitty to Tom Jones and Percy Sledge—underscoring its enduring appeal across genres . More than just a chart-topping hit, it stands as a testament to the power of simple, heartfelt songwriting. It reminds listeners that love’s small daily gestures—morning kisses, affectionate devotion—can indeed make life extraordinary.
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Lyrics
Whenever I chance to meet some old friends on the street
They wonder how does a man get to be this way
I’ve always got a smiling face
Any time and any place
And every time they ask me why
I just smile and say
You’ve got to kiss angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil when you get back home
Now people may try to guess
The secret of happiness
But some of them never learn
It’s a simple thing
The secret I’m speaking of
Is a woman and a man in love
And the answer is in this song that I always sing
You’ve got to kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil when you get back home
You kiss an angel good mornin’
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
So kiss an angel good mornin’
And love her like the devil when you get back home