  We derive an explicit formula for factorizing an $n$-point closed string
amplitude into open string amplitudes. Our results are phrased in terms of a
momentum kernel which in the limit of infinite string tension reduces to the
corresponding field theory kernel. The same momentum kernel encodes the
monodromy relations which lead to the minimal basis of color-ordered amplitudes
in Yang-Mills theory. There are interesting consequences of the momentum kernel
pertaining to soft limits of amplitudes. We also comment on surprising links
between gravity and certain combinations of kinematic and color factors in
gauge theory.
