Rain has always been a source of inspiration for songwriters and musicians, providing a wealth of material to draw from. Whether it’s the melancholy of a gentle drizzle, the catharsis of a thunderstorm, or the beauty of a rainbow after the rain has passed, there’s no shortage of emotions that can be evoked by the weather. From classic ballads to contemporary hits, rain has been a common theme in music across genres and eras.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the 20 best songs about rain that will soak you to the bone. From soulful ballads to upbeat pop anthems, each of these songs captures the essence of the rain in its own unique way. Some of the songs on our list may be familiar, while others may be new discoveries for you, but all of them are worth a listen.
We’ll be covering songs from a diverse range of artists, including The Beatles, Adele, Prince, and many more. We’ll also be discussing the stories behind the songs, including the inspiration behind the lyrics, the creative process of the artist, and the impact the songs have had on their listeners. So grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and get ready to be soaked to the bone by these 20 incredible songs about rain.
1. ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’ – Creedence Clearwater Revival
‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’ – Creedence Clearwater Revival: This classic rock song from Creedence Clearwater Revival features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer John Fogerty. The lyrics describe the sadness of watching the rain fall and feeling as though it will never stop, with an underlying message about the struggles of the Vietnam War era.
2. ‘Rain’ – The Beatles
‘Rain’ – The Beatles: ‘Rain’ was a B-side track released by The Beatles in 1966, but it became a hit in its own right. The song features a trippy, psychedelic sound with unique backwards tape effects and a driving drum beat. The lyrics explore the duality of rain as both a source of renewal and a symbol of sadness, with John Lennon singing, “When the rain comes, they run and hide their heads. They might as well be dead.”
3. ‘Red Rain’ – Peter Gabriel
‘Red Rain’ – Peter Gabriel: This haunting and atmospheric song by Peter Gabriel is an enigmatic exploration of the emotions and experiences associated with rain. The title ‘Red Rain’ refers to a particularly intense and potentially dangerous form of rainfall, and the lyrics explore themes of loss, redemption, and transformation. The song features Gabriel’s signature soulful vocals and a driving beat with hints of Middle Eastern and African rhythms.
4. ‘A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall’ – Bob Dylan
‘A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall’ – Bob Dylan: This iconic protest song from Bob Dylan was written during the height of the Cold War and captures the fears and anxieties of that era. The song features Dylan’s distinctive vocal style and a powerful melody, with poetic lyrics that evoke images of apocalypse, political unrest, and environmental devastation.
5. ‘The Rain Song’ – Led Zeppelin
‘The Rain Song’ – Led Zeppelin: This epic ballad from Led Zeppelin is a masterpiece of rock music, featuring haunting melodies and powerful guitar work from Jimmy Page. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of yearning and loss, with a sense of melancholy that is perfectly captured in the sweeping, emotional music.
6. ‘Purple Rain’ – Prince
‘Purple Rain’ – Prince: This iconic power ballad from the late Prince is a tour de force of musical virtuosity and emotional intensity. The song features Prince’s soaring vocals and blistering guitar work, with lyrics that are both deeply personal and universal in their themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The song’s epic chorus has become one of the most recognizable and beloved in all of pop music, making ‘Purple Rain’ a true classic.
7. ‘Rainy Day, Dream Away’ – Jimi Hendrix
‘Rainy Day, Dream Away’ – Jimi Hendrix: This bluesy and soulful song from guitar legend Jimi Hendrix captures the mellow and contemplative mood of a rainy day. The song features Hendrix’s signature guitar work and gritty vocals, with lyrics that evoke a sense of introspection and peacefulness.
8. ‘The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
‘The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers: This upbeat and funky song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and lift their spirits. The song features a driving bass line and infectious guitar riffs, with catchy lyrics and a memorable chorus that will have you singing along.
9. ‘Dry The Rain’ – The Beta Band
‘Dry The Rain’ – The Beta Band: This experimental and atmospheric song from The Beta Band is a sonic journey through a dreamlike landscape of sound. The song features a hypnotic beat and haunting vocals, with lyrics that explore themes of isolation and introspection. The song’s layered textures and rich harmonies create a lush and immersive listening experience that is not to be missed.
10. ‘I Wish It Would Rain’ – The Temptations
‘I Wish It Would Rain’ – The Temptations: This soulful and emotionally powerful song from The Temptations is a classic example of Motown’s signature sound. The song features lush, orchestral arrangements and rich vocal harmonies, with lyrics that express heartbreak and longing. The song’s chorus, with its haunting repetition of the line “I wish it would rain,” has become an enduring symbol of the power of music to express deep emotions.
11.‘Box of Rain’ – Grateful Dead
‘Box of Rain’ – Grateful Dead: This melodic and gentle song from the Grateful Dead is a tribute to the band’s bassist, Phil Lesh, and his father. The song features Lesh’s distinctive bass work and a soaring melody, with poetic lyrics that explore themes of mortality and the cycle of life. The song’s chorus, with its evocative image of a “box of rain” that can heal and renew, has become a beloved symbol of hope and renewal for Grateful Dead fans around the world.
12. ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ – Gene Kelly
‘Singin’ In The Rain’ – Gene Kelly: This iconic song from the classic musical film of the same name has become a beloved symbol of joy and optimism. The song features Gene Kelly’s iconic dance moves and soaring vocals, with lyrics that celebrate the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of nature. The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable melody have made it a perennial favorite among music lovers of all ages.
13. ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ – Ray Charles
‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ – Ray Charles: This soulful and bluesy song from the legendary Ray Charles is a powerful expression of devotion and loyalty. The song features Charles’s raw and emotional vocals, with lyrics that promise to stand by someone through thick and thin. The song’s haunting melody and evocative imagery have made it a classic example of American popular music.
14. ‘November Rain’ – Guns ‘N Roses
‘November Rain’ – Guns ‘N Roses: This epic and sprawling ballad from Guns ‘N Roses is a masterpiece of rock music. The song features soaring guitar solos and powerful vocals, with lyrics that explore themes of love and loss. The song’s extended instrumental sections and ambitious arrangements create a rich and immersive listening experience that is unforgettable. The song’s iconic music video, with its sweeping cinematic visuals, has become a landmark of 1990s popular culture.
15. ‘Fire and Rain’ – James Taylor
‘Fire and Rain’ – James Taylor: This introspective and melancholy song from singer-songwriter James Taylor is a poignant meditation on loss and grief. The song features Taylor’s soulful vocals and gentle acoustic guitar work, with lyrics that express a sense of longing and acceptance. The song’s chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain,” has become an enduring symbol of the human experience.
16. ‘Rain on Me’ – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
‘Rain on Me’ – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande: This powerful and danceable song from pop icons Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande is a celebration of resilience and strength. The song features catchy beats and soaring vocals, with lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace their emotions and find hope in difficult times. The song’s music video, with its futuristic imagery and stunning choreography, has become a viral sensation around the world.
17. ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ – B.J. Thomas
‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ – B.J. Thomas: This classic song from the 1960s has become an enduring symbol of hope and optimism. The song features a catchy melody and B.J. Thomas’s smooth and soulful vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of acceptance and joy in the face of life’s challenges. The song’s iconic appearance in the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” has made it a beloved symbol of American popular culture.
18. ‘Africa’ – Toto
‘Africa’ – Toto: This iconic song from 1980s band Toto has become a global anthem for wanderlust and adventure. The song features a driving beat, soaring vocals, and evocative lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the African continent. The song’s chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I bless the rains down in Africa,” has become an enduring symbol of the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
19. ‘Kentucky Rain’ – Elvis Presley
‘Kentucky Rain’ – Elvis Presley: This soulful and bluesy song from “The King” is a haunting meditation on love and loss. The song features Elvis Presley’s iconic vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of longing and desperation in the face of heartbreak. The song’s evocative imagery of “Kentucky rain” has become a symbol of the power of nature to reflect and amplify our deepest emotions.
20. ‘I’ll Be There for You’ – The Rembrandts
‘I’ll Be There for You’ – The Rembrandts: This upbeat and catchy song from 1990s band The Rembrandts has become an enduring symbol of friendship and camaraderie. The song features catchy guitar riffs and catchy lyrics that celebrate the joys of companionship and support. The song’s association with the popular TV show “Friends” has made it a beloved and nostalgic symbol of the cultural zeitgeist of the 1990s.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
