It continues to precipitate outside, so I thought a sequel would be in order, especially as there are some spectacular rain songs that we have yet to include. So we begin with Bob Dylan’s ‘A Hard Rain Gonna Fall’. written in the summer of 1962 and recorded later that year for his second album, The Freewheeelin Bob Dylan (1963). Its lyrical structure is modeled after the question and answer form of traditional ballads such as “Lord Randall”.
The song is characterized by symbolist imagery in the style of Rimbaud, communicating suffering, pollution, and warfare. Dylan has said that all of the lyrics were taken from the initial lines of songs that “he thought he would never have time to write.” Dylan attributed his inspiration to the feeling he got when reading newspapers in the New York Public Library: “After a while you become aware of nothing but a culture of feeling, of black days, of schism, evil for evil, the common destiny of the human being getting thrown off course. It’s all one long funeral song.”
“Riders on the Storm” is a song by American band The Doors. It was released as the second single from their sixth studio album and last with singer Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman, in June 1971. It reached number 14 on the Billboard in the U.S., number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. It was unusual for the time being over 7 minutes in length.
“Umbrella” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). It features American rapper Jay Z, who co-wrote the song The song was originally written with Britney Spears in mind, but her label rejected it. “Umbrella” is a song that refers to a romantic and platonic relationship and the strength of that relationship.
“Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” is a song by Scottish band Travis, released as the third single from their second studio album, The Man Who. The song became the group’s international breakthrough single, receiving recognition around the world. It was their first top-ten hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number ten in August 1999. Fran Healy wrote the song while on holiday in Eilat, Israel. The city is known for its hot weather even during winter time, but surprisingly it began to rain for two days during his stay. When Travis began to perform this song at the 1999 Glastonbury Festival, after being sunny for several hours, it began to rain exactly when the first line was sung.
Finally, I just wanted to bring to your attention a beautifully sad rain song by local singer/songwriter Rachel Croft. She played it for me duriing a live online concert last night and so I wanted to return the favour with a mention on this blog. I think it stands up well the other songs highlighted in this post. Here she is performing Rainier Day, as a part of the Chapel Sessions, live from St Constantine the Great, York.
