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Last updated on April 10th, 2023 at 07:07 pm
Rain has been used as a symbol in songs and literature for hundreds of years.
It can elicit emotions as diverse as the calmness of a light rain to the chaos of a heavy storm. Check out our list of the best songs about rain.
“Here Comes the Rain Again” – Eurythmics
This Eurythmics masterpiece sets a moody scene through its lyric reference and minor-keyed music.
The melancholy start emotionally twirls you around, while the chorus is filled with encouraging, intense and pleasing lyrics you don’t see coming.
“Rain Over Me” – Pitbull, ft. Marc Anthony
A dance-related hit from 2011, “Rain Over Me” was released by Latin performers Pitbull and Marc Anthony. The song has a simple hook, sexually suggestive lyrics, and a pulsing synth.
“No Rain” – Blind Melon
This oddly upbeat and melancholy song is an ideal example of the indifference of the post-grunge of the mid-90s. It also happens to be one of the best songs about rain.
The track is remembered by many because of the accompanying music video that featured the tap-dancing Bee Girl who eventually discovered her Bee-Crowd.
“I’m Only Happy When it Rains” – Garbage
“I’m Happy Only When it Rains” is a standout track from Garbage’s self-titled album.
As with many other songs about rain from the time, its lyrics are tongue-in-cheek and angsty with a self-loathing edge.
“Set Fire to the Rain” – Adele
“Set Fire To The Rain” is undoubtedly one of Adele‘s more furious songs from 21.
The song’s emotional depth is in the contrast that the rain and flames create, which symbolizes the contradictions that exist within our relationships.
“Rain On Me” – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
It’s no surprise that Gaga and Grande sing with conviction about the stark realities of heartache and discontent. Rain creates strong imagery throughout their smash pop song “Rain on Me.”
It is a classic illustration of how songs that have miserable rain lyrics can be an ideal analogy.
“I Love A Rainy Night” – Eddie Rabbit
A country song makes the list for the first time. This track, like others in this category, accentuates the peaceful feelings that can come with stormy weather, but also the hope for better things to come.
\“Red Rain” by Peter Gabriel
Symbolically, if the rain changes into a red hue, it means something is wrong. In the 1980s, nuclear war-related paranoia was commonplace, and it’s likely that this reality motivated the lyrics.
With the threat of pandemics in the world and climate change today, the song is just equally relevant as it was in the mid-’80s.
“Make It Rain” – Sherman Robertson
“Make it Rain,” by Guitar Man Sherman Robertson, certainly deserves a place among the best songs about rain. The track builds convincingly, giving the lyrical hook line extra heft.
“Not a cloud in the sky/yet you’ll discover a way to make it rain”
Ouch…
“Dancing in the Rain” – Ruth Lorenzo
While there are plenty of songs about rain that mention dancing, “Dancing in the Rain” is among the best.
The words are inspirational and memorable, truly encouraging the listener to dance in the rain.
“Rain” – Madonna
It’s not one of Queen Madge’s most popular tracks, but lightweight “Rain” still peaked at #14 on the Billboard charts following its release in 1993.
This track is included because, unlike many love songs about rain, this one is a bit more positive. The lyrics depict how love can wash away the pain from the past.
“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
This relaxing, well-written, classic track is among the best that features strong weather-related imagery.
The famous chorus of this late ’70s hit song is unforgettable. “Thunder only happens when it’s raining/players only love you when they’re playing”…preach on, Stevie Nicks.
“Raining Blood” – Slayer
Songs that have rain in the title can be found in many types. Perhaps heavier music calls for heavier rainfall.
In Slayer’s case, a grey cloudy day isn’t enough. If you don’t like the louder things of life, you must at least acknowledge that the wordplay between “rain” and “rule” is enjoyable.
“Still Raining, Still Dreaming” – Jimi Hendrix
“Still Raining, Still Dreaming,” found on Hendrix’s iconic album Electric Ladyland, is simply amazing. Its Hammond organ groove was miles ahead of the time.
This version, with an entertaining brief interview at the beginning, is great, but don’t pay attention to the motion pictures, as they’re out of time.
“Singin’ in the Rain” – Gene Kelly
Sure, sometimes rain can make us feel miserable, but when it does, listen to this classic. This track about speeding through the air in blissful ignorance of the clouds that are soaring above you will always uplift your spirits.
“I Wish It Would Rain” – The Temptations
Like many of these songs, this is another sad one. It’s as devastating as it was popular, and one of the most memorable Motown songs ever.
‘It’s Raining Men’ – The Weather Girls
Th success of this Weather Girls classic wasn’t anticipated, but it ended up selling over six million copies. It’s still a staple at bachelorette parties and weddings.
“Rhythm Of The Rain” – The Cascades
Of course this sad-but-stunning song makes the list. There were several versions of it, and Jan & Dean’s version did best in the charts, but none can match the original version. The vocals are amazing and the music fits perfectly.
“Rain” – The Beatles
Originally released as a double A-side single with “Paperback Writer,” “Rain” quickly became an instant hit with its distinctive backwards vocals, fantastic guitar playing, and some of the greatest drumming from Ringo’s time with the Beatles.
It was also one of the first tracks to feature an actual music video.
“Summer Rain” – Belinda Carlisle
Another great track, “Summer Rain” is my personal favorite from Belinda Carlisle’s solo albums.The singalong chorus is infectious, helping it rank among the best songs about rain.
“Purple Rain” – Prince
What good songs about rain list from Music in Minnesota would be worth its salt without “Purple Rain”?
Prince’s most famous song, he said that he was inspired by Bob Seger and how his epic tracks would really get audiences into it.
Boy did he succeed! “Purple Rain” is one of the biggest, most epic rock songs of all time.
We can’t forget, of course, his rendition during the Super Bowl Halftime show 2007
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