“Let the Day Begin” is a cover of a 1989 song by American band The Call, written by their frontman Michael Been. Simple Minds recorded the track as a tribute to Been, who passed away in 2010, after touring with The Call in the 1980s and forming a close friendship.
Origins and Live Debut Michael Been wrote the song, which bears a rhythmic similarity to Simple Minds’ hit “Waterfront.” When Jim Kerr heard the demo, he was impressed by the lyrics, noting the song was “like a gospel for the working man.” Simple Minds first performed the track live during their 2013 American tour, where it was received enthusiastically by audiences.
Studio Recording and Release Following the positive live reception, the band recorded a studio version in London shortly after returning from the US tour in 2014. The song was first released on the deluxe version of the Graffiti Soul album in May 2009 as a bonus track, but the definitive 2014 arrangement was included on their album Big Music. The track serves as a homage to The Call, whose singer and guitarist Michael Been had died three years prior.
Key Facts
- Original Artist: The Call (1989)
- Writer: Michael Been
- Simple Minds Releases: Graffiti Soul Deluxe (2009) and Big Music (2014)
- Context: A tribute to the late Michael Been, honoring a friendship formed during 1980s tours.
Here’s to the babies in a brand new world
Here’s to the beauty of the stars
Here’s to the travellers on the open road
Here’s to the dreamers in the bars
Here’s to the teachers in the crowded rooms
Here’s to the workers in the fields
Here’s to the preachers of the sacred words
Here’s to the drivers at the wheel
[Chorus]
Here’s to you, my little loves, with blessings from above
Now, let the day begin
Here’s to you, my little loves, with blessings from above
Now, let the day begin, let the day begin
Here’s to the winners of the human race
Here’s to the losers in the game
Here’s to the soldiers of the bitter war
Here’s to the wall that bears their names
[Chorus]
Let the day start
Here’s to the doctors and their healing work
Here’s to the loved ones in their care
Here’s to the strangers on the streets tonight
Here’s to the lonely everywhere
Here’s to the wisdom from the mouths of babes
Here’s to the lions in the cage
Here’s to the struggles of the silent war
Here’s to the closing of the age
[Chorus] x2
Let the day start
