About the song
Lorrie Morgan, one of the most recognizable female voices in 1990s country music, rose to prominence with her heartfelt ballads, fiery anthems, and the ability to balance vulnerability with resilience in her performances. Among her many hits, “Except for Monday” stands out as a defining track in her career. Released in 1991 as a single from her second studio album Something in Red, the song not only showcased Morgan’s vocal versatility but also cemented her status as a major force in contemporary country music.
“Except for Monday” is an upbeat, clever, and empowering breakup song that captures the emotional rollercoaster of moving on from a failed relationship. While many country ballads of the time focused heavily on heartbreak and sorrow, Morgan infused this track with humor, optimism, and a catchy rhythm that immediately resonated with audiences.
Song Background and Release
The track was written by Reed Nielsen, a songwriter who had a talent for blending wit with relatable storytelling. When released in late 1991, “Except for Monday” quickly gained traction on country radio. It climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, eventually peaking at number 4, and became one of Morgan’s signature songs.
By the early 1990s, country music was experiencing a period of transition, with artists like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, and Lorrie Morgan leading the charge into a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound while still honoring the traditions of the genre. Morgan’s “Except for Monday” fit neatly into this trend, offering listeners a blend of traditional country wit and contemporary energy.
Lyrical Themes and Storytelling
The central theme of “Except for Monday” revolves around the process of healing after a breakup. What makes the song unique is the way it uses the days of the week as a framework to describe the narrator’s shifting emotions.
Monday represents sadness, the lingering sting of heartbreak.
Tuesday and Wednesday mark the beginning of recovery, as the narrator slowly starts to regain composure.
Thursday and Friday bring growing strength and confidence.
By the weekend, the narrator is fully ready to move forward with her life.
This day-by-day progression cleverly mirrors the healing process many people experience after a breakup. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit, showing that while heartbreak is painful, it does not last forever.
Unlike many sorrow-filled breakup ballads, “Except for Monday” has a playful undertone. The narrator acknowledges the pain but refuses to be consumed by it, instead celebrating her gradual liberation from emotional dependence. This mixture of humor, relatability, and strength gave the song wide appeal, particularly among female listeners who saw it as an anthem of empowerment.
Musical Arrangement and Style
Musically, “Except for Monday” is bright, lively, and irresistibly catchy. The production features upbeat guitar riffs, steady percussion, and a polished arrangement typical of early 1990s country-pop. The tempo keeps the mood light and optimistic, complementing the playful nature of the lyrics.
Lorrie Morgan’s vocal performance is the centerpiece of the track. Known for her ability to convey raw emotion, Morgan adapts her voice here to balance wit and sincerity. She sings with a confident tone that conveys both humor and strength, showing that while heartbreak hurts, she is ultimately in control of her emotions.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “Except for Monday” was met with enthusiastic reception from fans and critics alike. It demonstrated Morgan’s versatility, proving that she could succeed not only with sweeping ballads like “Something in Red” but also with lighthearted, fast-paced tracks. The song’s success helped her second album reach platinum certification, further solidifying her place among the leading women in country music during the 1990s.
The track also became a staple of Morgan’s live performances. Its fun, crowd-pleasing quality made it an audience favorite, and its uplifting message resonated with fans who enjoyed singing along to its witty chorus. Over time, it has become one of her most enduring hits and a defining moment in her discography.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
“Except for Monday” reflects a broader cultural shift in country music during the early 1990s. It arrived during a moment when female artists were increasingly celebrated for expressing strength, independence, and individuality. Alongside contemporaries like Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lorrie Morgan helped expand the role of women in country music beyond traditional narratives of passive heartbreak.
The song’s humor and relatability also ensured its lasting popularity. Even decades after its release, it continues to resonate with audiences as a lighthearted reminder that healing is possible and that moving on can even be joyful.
Conclusion
In summary, “Except for Monday” by Lorrie Morgan is more than just a catchy country single—it is a smartly written, cleverly structured, and empowering song that captures the universal process of recovering from heartbreak. With its witty lyrics, upbeat instrumentation, and Morgan’s confident vocal delivery, the track brought a refreshing perspective to country music in the early 1990s.
Its success helped solidify Lorrie Morgan’s reputation as one of the era’s most dynamic female country artists and remains a testament to her ability to blend humor, emotion, and strength into her music. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, “Except for Monday” endures as a lively anthem of resilience, optimism, and the timeless truth that even heartbreak fades with time.