“Morning Train (9 to 5)” is a cheerful, soft pop song by Sheena Easton, released in May 1980 with “Moody (My Love)” on the B-side as the second single from her debut album Take My Time. In February 1981 it was launched in the United States and released with name changed to “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” to avoid confusion with the Dolly Parton song of the same name that was released the same year. The song became Easton’s breakthrough hit, establishing her as an international pop star.
Morning Train (9 to 5) is about a woman eagerly waiting for her partner to return from work, as she spends her days dreaming about their time together. The song features a bright, bouncy melody, playful instrumentation, and Easton’s sweet, youthful vocals. Its lighthearted, upbeat sound perfectly matches the lyrics, making it catchy and radio-friendly.
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., making Sheena Easton one of the few UK artists to top the American charts with a debut hit. It also topped the charts in Canada and Australia, and reached No. 3 in the UK, helping launch her career worldwide.