A Heartbreak That Lingers Through the Week, Except for Monday
Lorrie Morgan, a name synonymous with 90s country heartache, delivered a poignant ballad with “Except for Monday”. Released in 1991 as part of her acclaimed album “Something in Red”, this song quickly resonated with listeners, climbing the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and solidifying Morgan’s status as a leading voice in contemporary country music. While I couldn’t pinpoint an exact peak chart position without extensive archival research (chart data pre-internet can be tricky!), it’s safe to say it was a significant hit for her during that time.
The song paints a vivid picture of a woman grappling with the aftermath of a lost love. It’s not just any heartbreak; it’s a deep-seated ache that permeates every day of the week, with one notable exception: Monday. This seemingly paradoxical detail is the heart of the song’s brilliance. It suggests that the initial shock and raw pain of the breakup have subsided enough to allow for some semblance of normalcy, at least for one day. Perhaps Monday represents a return to routine, a focus on work or other obligations that temporarily distract from the emotional turmoil. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a day of fleeting hope, a fragile belief that things might eventually get better.
The lyrics are beautifully crafted, capturing the nuances of grief and the complex emotions that follow a separation. Morgan’s delivery is equally compelling, her voice imbued with a mixture of sadness, resignation, and a touch of lingering hope. You can almost hear the tremor in her voice as she sings about the “empty space” left behind by her former lover. It’s a performance that speaks directly to the heart, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love.
The beauty of “Except for Monday” lies in its relatability. It taps into a universal experience: the struggle to move on after a relationship ends. The specific detail of Monday being the “exception” adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, making the song more than just another heartbreak ballad. It’s a song about the process of healing, the small steps forward that we take even in the midst of profound sadness. It is about the subtle shifts in our emotional landscape as we navigate the days and weeks after loss. Time, the song suggests, is a healer, even if it’s a slow and uneven one.
Think back to the early 90s country music scene: It was a time of powerful female voices telling stories of love, loss, and resilience. Artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Trisha Yearwood, and of course, Lorrie Morgan were leading the charge, creating music that resonated deeply with audiences. “Except for Monday” fits perfectly within this context, a testament to Morgan’s talent as both a vocalist and an interpreter of song.
For those of us who remember hearing this song on the radio back in the day, it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. It takes us back to a time when country music was filled with heartfelt ballads and powerful storytelling. It reminds us of the shared human experience of love and loss, and the enduring power of music to help us through difficult times. It’s a song that continues to resonate today, a timeless reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of hope, even if it’s just for one day a week. It’s that small glimmer that keeps us going. The song is a testament to the fact that even in our deepest sorrow, life, in its mundane rhythm, continues on.