Dwight Yoakam and the Story Behind “Then Here Came Monday”
Dwight Yoakam stands as one of the most distinctive names in American country music. Born in 1956 in Kentucky, he is not only a singer but also a songwriter, actor, and producer, contributing to the richness of country music for decades. With his signature honky-tonk and Bakersfield sound, Yoakam has carved a unique identity, setting himself apart from more mainstream country trends. Throughout his career, Yoakam has released more than 20 studio albums, with many of them certified gold and platinum. He is a Grammy Award winner and has received multiple major nominations. Fans often remember him through classics like Guitars, Cadillacs, A Thousand Miles From Nowhere, and Fast As You. Yet, one song that continues to spark discussion for its depth and subtle artistry is Then Here Came Monday.
Meaning and Message of the Song
Then Here Came Monday is Dwight Yoakam’s heartfelt reflection on the passage of time and the sudden shift from joy to reality. The song captures the universal feeling of how quickly weekends slip away, leaving behind the weight of Monday. For many working-class Americans, “Monday” has always been associated with weariness, responsibility, and routine. Yoakam skillfully turned this everyday experience into a broader metaphor: the inevitability of reality returning after fleeting moments of happiness. The track carries his signature country rhythm, with a soft yet haunting melody. Yoakam’s warm, husky voice adds authenticity, making listeners feel as though he is singing their very own stories. While not the biggest commercial hit of his career, Then Here Came Monday is critically praised for its sincerity and subtle power.
Influence and Place in Yoakam’s Career
This song showcases Yoakam’s consistency in weaving ordinary details into bigger narratives. It’s not only about the dullness of Monday but also about the unstoppable passage of time. In doing so, Yoakam reinforces his role as a storyteller, an artist who elevates common feelings into artistic experiences. With Then Here Came Monday, he continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the most influential country artists—someone who turns the mundane into music that resonates universally.
Conclusion
At its core, Then Here Came Monday is more than a song about a day of the week. It’s a reminder of life’s transience, of how fleeting happiness can be, and of the resilience required to face reality. Through his voice and style, Dwight Yoakam transforms a simple idea into a song layered with meaning, cementing its place in the hearts of listeners who see their own reflections within it.
[Verse 1]
Thursday came and went without a reason
But that’s the kind of thing that Thursdays will often do
I went to bed knowin’ better, then woke up believin’
That I only had Friday to get through
[Verse 2]
Friday’s never long, it feels real easy
‘Til Saturday winds up just Friday’s fool
Then Sunday left to hope, almost decievin’
Me about how I was over you
[Chorus]
Then here came Monday and I remembered how that hurt can feel
The pain goes on and on, it gets really real
Then here came Monday and I remembered where it all went
It looked like I was doin’ fine until Monday came along
[Chorus]
Then here came Monday and I remembered how that hurt can feel
The pain goes on and on, it gets really real
Then here came Monday and I remembered where it all went
It looked like I was doin’ fine until Monday came along
Yeah I guess I was doin’ fine and then Monday came along