
Feature Photo: Aleksandar Pasaric
Rain has long been one of the most evocative symbols in art, spanning across all mediums from music and film to television and painting. It carries a depth of meaning that can range from cleansing and redemption to sadness and loss. In cinema, rain often punctuates a turning point—think of the iconic downpours in classic films like Blade Runner or The Shawshank Redemption, where water serves as a visual metaphor for transformation and release. In visual art, rain can be captured as either gentle or torrential, often reflecting the emotional landscape of both the artist and the observer. Music, too, has embraced this theme in countless ways. Some songs harness rain as a literal force of nature, while others wield it as a metaphor for revival, sorrow, or personal growth.
This is our second exploration of rain in music, building on the deep cuts and hidden gems we covered in our previous list. This time, however, we focus on the heavy hitters—the tracks that have become synonymous with the theme of rain, not just in rock, but across genres. These are the songs that, for better or worse, are etched into the collective consciousness whenever storm clouds gather. While no list could possibly encompass the vast number of rain-inspired songs that exist, these ten are what we consider to be the most essential, capturing rain’s multifaceted symbolism in popular music. Of course, as with any list, some may lament the exclusion of their personal favorites, but when narrowing down to just ten, these are the ones we believe truly stand out.
# 10 – Rain – The Beatles
“Rain” by The Beatles is widely regarded as one of the band’s most experimental and essential tracks, marking a significant shift in their musical evolution. Released as the B-side to the chart-topping single “Paperback Writer” in 1966, the song was recorded during the sessions for the Revolver album at EMI Studios in London. Produced by George Martin and engineered by Geoff Emerick, the track stands out for its innovative use of studio techniques and forward-thinking production, solidifying The Beatles’ status as pioneers in the world of rock.
The recording of “Rain” took place in April 1966, and it was here that The Beatles began to delve deeper into psychedelic soundscapes. Notably, the track features one of the first uses of backward tape loops, specifically on John Lennon’s vocals during the coda, creating an otherworldly effect that listeners had rarely heard before. Lennon’s lyrics, which explore themes of resilience and transcendence amid bad weather, mirror the sonic experimentation of the song. The rain becomes a metaphor for the ignorance and closed-mindedness of the world, something that Lennon’s increasingly philosophical lyrics sought to challenge.
Musically, “Rain” is a showcase for all four Beatles. Paul McCartney’s intricate bass line drives the track forward, complementing Ringo Starr’s masterful drumming, which has often been cited as one of his finest performances. Starr’s offbeat rhythms and fills give the song a unique groove, while George Harrison’s jangly guitar work adds texture and depth. The result is a track that, despite being a B-side, has achieved legendary status among Beatles fans and critics alike.
Compared to other songs on this list, such as Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song,” which dives into more emotional and atmospheric territory, “Rain” focuses more on the psychedelic and surreal aspects of a downpour. Unlike Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” which is tinged with political and social commentary, “Rain” by The Beatles offers a more introspective and mind-bending perspective on weather’s symbolic significance. The combination of innovative production and metaphorical depth makes “Rain” a quintessential track in both The Beatles’ catalog and the canon of essential rock songs about rain.
Read More: Complete List Of Beatles Band Members in detail
# 9 – Have You Seen The Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most enduring and beloved tracks. Released as a single in 1971 from the album Pendulum, this melancholy yet hopeful song was written by the band’s frontman, John Fogerty. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward song about weather, but “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is loaded with deeper meaning, both personal and universal. It was written during a turbulent time for the band, with tensions among its members growing, and its lyrics reflect a sense of impending change and disillusionment.
Recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, the track was produced by John Fogerty and captures the raw, rootsy sound that had become Creedence’s trademark. Musically, the song features the band’s signature blend of rock and country influences, with Fogerty’s powerful vocal delivery taking center stage. Doug Clifford’s drumming keeps the song steady and driving, while Stu Cook’s bass line provides a subtle but solid foundation. The guitar work, also by Fogerty, is clean and simple, perfectly supporting the song’s emotional tone without overshadowing the lyrics.
Lyrically, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” has often been interpreted as a metaphor for the band’s internal struggles. Fogerty uses the image of rain falling on a sunny day to symbolize how something that seems positive on the surface can be troubled underneath. Many fans and critics have linked the song to the eventual breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival, seeing it as a reflection of the personal and professional conflicts that were brewing within the band. This layered meaning adds a sense of poignancy to the song, making it more than just a catchy tune about the weather.
In the context of this list, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” stands in thematic contrast to the political undertones of “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” also by Creedence Clearwater Revival. While “Who’ll Stop the Rain” expresses frustration with societal issues, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” feels more introspective, dealing with personal struggles. Similarly, the song shares a reflective quality with Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song,” though where Zeppelin’s track leans into romantic and atmospheric melancholy, Creedence delivers a more grounded, heartland rock take on the emotional weight of rain.
Read More: Top 10 Creedence Clearwater Revival Songs
# 8 – Red Rain – Peter Gabriel
“Red Rain” opens Peter Gabriel’s critically acclaimed 1986 album So with an intensity and haunting atmosphere that makes it one of his most iconic songs. Released in the United States as a promotional single, the song reached number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Later released as a commercial single in parts of Europe, Australia, and the U.S., it peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart. Its dreamlike and harrowing imagery, combined with Gabriel’s atmospheric production, set the tone for an album that became a defining moment in his career.
The song was recorded in various sessions from 1985 to 1986 and was produced by Gabriel alongside Daniel Lanois, whose innovative production style helped shape the song’s rich texture. Musically, “Red Rain” features intricate drum work from Jerry Marotta and Police drummer Stewart Copeland, whose hi-hat contribution lends a rain-like sound to the song. The track’s brooding structure and evocative lyrics reference both a recurring nightmare Gabriel experienced and a long-abandoned movie concept called Mozo, which involved villagers punished by blood-red rain. Gabriel’s powerful vocals and deep emotional delivery create a visceral experience that echoes the paranoia and fear that defined much of the 1980s.
Lyrically, the song is filled with striking imagery. Gabriel’s dream of swimming in a pool filled with red liquid and the repeated image of red rain falling from the sky evokes apocalyptic and personal devastation. Critics have suggested that the song touches on major themes of the time, such as the AIDS crisis and nuclear fallout, making it one of Gabriel’s most socially resonant pieces. Unlike Who’ll Stop the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which reflects a more grounded concern about environmental and political turmoil, “Red Rain” plunges into a surreal and symbolic landscape, more akin to The Beatles’ Rain, where vivid imagery leads the listener into a dreamlike state.
Read More: Top 10 Peter Gabriel Songs
# 7 – Rainy Day And Mondays – The Carpenters
Released in 1971, “Rainy Days and Mondays” by The Carpenters quickly became one of the duo’s signature hits, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. Written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, the song captures the melancholy of feeling down on a rainy day and the emotional weight of Mondays, a theme that resonates with many listeners. Karen Carpenter’s velvety vocals and the song’s lush arrangement, produced by Richard Carpenter, evoke a deep sense of sadness while also being comfortingly familiar, making it a quintessential song about introspection and loneliness.
The song was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles with Richard Carpenter as the producer. As usual for The Carpenters, the arrangement is smooth and carefully orchestrated, with Richard’s arrangements on piano and Karen’s rich contralto carrying the emotional depth of the song. The delicate balance between melancholic lyrics and a gentle instrumental backdrop creates a perfect vehicle for Karen’s deeply emotive voice. In addition to Karen and Richard Carpenter, session musicians including Joe Osborn on bass, Hal Blaine on drums, and Louie Shelton on guitar contributed to the track, giving it a sophisticated yet soft sound that enhances the song’s theme.
Lyrically, “Rainy Days and Mondays” expresses the feeling of recurring sadness, with the chorus lamenting, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” It speaks to the universal human experience of finding comfort in melancholy, much like Red Rain by Peter Gabriel, which also uses rain as a metaphor for emotional release. However, where Gabriel’s song embraces a more surreal and brooding atmosphere, The Carpenters’ track stays grounded in everyday sorrow, offering a simpler, more relatable narrative. This contrast between songs underscores the different ways rain is used as a symbol in music, evoking a variety of emotional responses.
Read More: Top 10 Carpenters Songs
# 6 – November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
“November Rain” stands as one of the most iconic power ballads in rock history, released by Guns N’ Roses on their 1991 Use Your Illusion I album. Written by frontman Axl Rose, the track is a sweeping orchestral piece that blends rock, classical influences, and soaring guitar solos, creating a monumental soundscape. Its elaborate production and emotionally charged lyrics helped the song reach number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band’s most successful singles. The accompanying music video, directed by Andy Morahan, became a staple on MTV, further solidifying the song’s cultural impact.
Recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Mike Clink alongside Guns N’ Roses, the song’s nine-minute duration showcases an expansive arrangement with Rose’s evocative piano playing, layered strings, and Slash’s legendary guitar solos. The song is renowned for its dramatic structure, with each section building upon the last, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and grandeur. Axl Rose’s vocal performance is both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a sense of longing and heartache that resonates throughout the track.
Thematically, “November Rain” explores the pain of loss and unrequited love. Lines like “Nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain” evoke a sense of inevitable sorrow, much like the natural cycle of seasons. In comparison to Red Rain by Peter Gabriel, which also features dramatic imagery tied to weather, November Rain is more personal in its reflection on love and emotional fragility, with a focus on heartbreak and resilience. The song’s guitar solos, particularly Slash’s emotional phrasing, amplify the weight of the lyrics, creating a dynamic interplay between lyrical content and musical expression.
Read More: Slash: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
# 5 – Let It Rain – Eric Clapton
Released in 1970 on Eric Clapton’s debut solo album, Let It Rain is a timeless piece co-written by Clapton and Bonnie Bramlett. This track, which blends rock and blues elements with a hint of gospel through its backing harmonies, showcases Clapton’s ability to craft emotionally stirring music. Let It Rain was released as a single in 1972, supporting his Eric Clapton at His Best compilation album, and has since found a lasting place in Clapton’s live performances and multiple compilation albums.
The song was recorded at Village Recorders in Los Angeles and produced by Delaney Bramlett, who had a significant influence on Clapton’s early solo sound. The recording features a lineup of stellar musicians, including Stephen Stills on bass and guitar, Leon Russell on piano, and Jim Gordon on drums, while Bonnie Bramlett, along with backing vocalists like Rita Coolidge and Bobby Whitlock, provides the soulful background harmonies that give the song its depth and gospel-like power. Clapton’s soaring guitar work, both rhythm and lead, serves as the emotional core of the song, capturing the spirit of liberation and longing conveyed in the lyrics.
“Let It Rain” stands out not only for its evocative guitar solo and vocal performance but also for its lush arrangement, incorporating multiple guitars, organ, and a powerful rhythm section. Thematically, the song lyrically parallels other rock songs of its era that focus on the cleansing and redemptive power of rain. Much like The Beatles’ “Rain” or Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” Clapton uses rain as a metaphor for emotional release, renewal, and personal transformation. The powerful plea of the chorus, “Let it rain, let your love rain down on me,” echoes a yearning for spiritual fulfillment that resonates deeply with the listener.
While Let It Rain didn’t climb to the top of the charts upon release, it has since earned a place as one of Clapton’s most enduring songs, appearing in numerous live sets and compilations. It also serves as a testament to Clapton’s transition from being a band member in iconic groups like Cream and Blind Faith to becoming a solo artist capable of deeply personal and universal expression. The live performances of Let It Rain, especially with Derek and the Dominos, have become fan favorites, often extending the song into a guitar-driven jam that showcases Clapton’s virtuosity.
Read More: 11 Incredible Eric Clapton Guitar Solos
# 4 – Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head – B.J. Thomas
Written by the legendary duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” is one of the most enduring and iconic songs of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Originally written for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), the song reflects the protagonist’s ability to find optimism even in the midst of hardship. With lyrics that highlight overcoming personal struggles and embracing happiness, the song’s light, breezy tone carries a message of resilience, perfectly suiting the film’s lighter, more whimsical moments. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and its success cemented its status as one of the greats in both film and pop music history.
The track, recorded in 1969 at A&R Studios in New York City, features B.J. Thomas’ distinctive voice, which was still recovering from laryngitis, giving the vocal performance a slightly huskier tone that added warmth to the song. The session was produced by Bacharach himself, with arrangements filled with his signature sound of gentle orchestration, strings, and a catchy melody. The electric bass on the song was played by Carol Kaye, an in-demand session musician at the time. After several takes, Bacharach and Thomas achieved the relaxed, conversational style that perfectly matched the song’s hopeful lyrics. It remains a masterclass in classic songwriting, production, and performance.
Upon its release, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” became a smash hit. The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topped the charts in Canada and Norway. The song also found success on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it stayed at the top for seven weeks. Its infectious melody and feel-good lyrics helped it transcend its origins in the film world to become a beloved pop classic, and it would go on to be a symbol of the era. Billboard ranked it as the No. 4 song of 1970, further proving its cultural and musical significance.
Lyrically, the song is deceptively simple yet deeply resonant. The lines “Raindrops are falling on my head, but that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red / Crying’s not for me, ’cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining” capture a sense of self-awareness and emotional strength. The narrator refuses to succumb to life’s challenges, understanding that while problems will always exist, the solution is in maintaining a positive outlook. The metaphor of rain, often symbolic of melancholy, is subverted into a symbol of resilience and hope. This mirrors the earlier-mentioned “The Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin, where rain also holds deeper meanings of emotional transitions and personal growth. Both songs express how rain can signify change, but in vastly different emotional and musical contexts.
“Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” continues to inspire, with its blend of timeless optimism and an undeniably catchy tune. Its playful melody, thoughtful lyrics, and uplifting message place it among the essential songs about rain, alongside tracks like “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which also uses rain as a metaphor for emotional release and resilience. B.J. Thomas’ effortless delivery and Bacharach and David’s masterful composition have made this track not just a chart-topping hit, but an enduring classic.
Read More: Top 10 B. J. Thomas Songs
# 3 – Purple Rain – Prince
Released in 1984 as the closing track on the album Purple Rain, “Purple Rain” remains one of Prince’s most iconic songs. It was recorded live at the Minneapolis club First Avenue on August 3, 1983, during a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre. This performance was later edited and overdubbed in the studio, specifically at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, where additional layers were added to enhance its cinematic sound. The song was produced by Prince himself, under the pseudonym “The Starr Company,” and features The Revolution as his backing band. The lineup on this track includes Prince on vocals and guitar, Wendy Melvoin on guitar, Lisa Coleman on keyboards, Matt Fink on keyboards, Brown Mark on bass, and Bobby Z. on drums.
“Purple Rain” is often interpreted as a lamentation of lost love and friendship, with its deeply emotional lyrics reflecting regret, change, and healing. Lines like “I never meant to cause you any sorrow, I never meant to cause you any pain” set the tone for the song’s reflective nature, while the repetitive cry of “Purple rain” seems to symbolize both personal and spiritual redemption. The lyrics suggest an appeal for reconciliation and forgiveness, much like other songs in this article that also use rain as a metaphor for cleansing or emotional release. For instance, Rain by The Beatles explores the effects of rain on human emotions, while Have You Ever Seen the Rain? by Creedence Clearwater Revival considers the passage of time through the image of rain. “Purple Rain” similarly uses rain as a powerful, transformative element, indicating a moment of catharsis for both the singer and listener.
The song’s chart success solidified its place in pop culture, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earning Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score in 1985 for Purple Rain. Its accompanying music video, featuring the live performance from First Avenue, highlights Prince’s ability to command the stage with electrifying guitar solos and impassioned vocals. The raw emotion of the performance, with Prince donning his signature purple trench coat, adds to the song’s visual narrative of loss and redemption.
Read More: Complete List Of Prince Albums And Discography
# 2 – The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin
“The Rain Song” is one of Led Zeppelin’s most stunning and atmospheric tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to shift from heavy rock to intricate, melodic balladry. Released on their 1973 album Houses of the Holy, “The Rain Song” stands as a masterful blend of orchestration, lyrical beauty, and the band’s dynamic interplay. Recorded at the now-legendary Headley Grange in East Hampshire, England, the song was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page, who layered the song’s lush textures and employed John Paul Jones’ orchestral arrangements to create an ethereal and timeless piece.
Led Zeppelin’s lineup—Jimmy Page on guitar, Robert Plant on vocals, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums—worked in perfect harmony on this track. Page’s use of a Danelectro guitar, tuned in Gsus4, created a signature sound for the song, complementing Plant’s emotionally rich and vulnerable vocal performance. Jones’ work on the Mellotron added sweeping strings, while Bonham’s restrained drumming provided a rhythmic foundation without overpowering the track’s soft mood. The song transitions between different movements, from quiet, reflective verses to grand, sweeping instrumental sections, showing the band’s versatility in writing music that transcended the typical boundaries of rock.
Critical reception of “The Rain Song” has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it as one of the band’s most ambitious and musically sophisticated works. The song’s lyrics, written by Plant, explore themes of love, renewal, and emotional change, evoking the transient nature of life, much like the ever-changing weather. While Houses of the Holy peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, “The Rain Song” was not released as a single, but its influence endures among fans and critics alike, often being cited as a hidden gem in the Zeppelin catalog. The track’s fusion of rock with classical elements cemented its status as a standout moment in Led Zeppelin’s body of work.
Read More: Complete List Of Led Zeppelin Studio Albums And Songs
#1 – Who’ll Stop The Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” is one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most poignant tracks, standing as both a reflection of the turbulent era it was written in and an enduring rock anthem. Released as a double A-side single with “Travelin’ Band” in January 1970, the song appeared on the album Cosmo’s Factory, produced by John Fogerty and recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco. Known for its simplicity and sincerity, “Who’ll Stop the Rain” is a deceptively straightforward folk-rock track, but its underlying themes of disillusionment and unrest elevate it to a timeless classic.
John Fogerty, who wrote, sang, and played lead guitar on the track, captures a world wearied by social, political, and environmental upheavals. His lyrics reference the Vietnam War and the counterculture movements of the 1960s, framed through the metaphor of an unending rainstorm. Fogerty’s gravelly voice, paired with the song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody, gives the track a solemnity that resonates deeply. The rest of Creedence Clearwater Revival—Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums—play with restraint, allowing the focus to remain on the song’s message.
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” became one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most successful singles, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying the band’s status as one of the premier American rock acts of the time. Critically, it has been hailed as one of Fogerty’s finest compositions, balancing emotional weight with a catchy, singable melody. The song’s continued relevance, particularly in times of political and environmental turmoil, speaks to the universality of its message. The accompanying video for “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” with images of war, protest, and a world in flux, only further cements the song’s legacy as a cry for clarity amidst chaos.
Read More: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Best Song On Each Studio Album
A few additional and memorable songs about Rain to consider:
“Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” – Willie Nelson
“Fire and Rain” – James Taylor
“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” – Bob Dylan
“I Wish It Would Rain” – The Temptations/Norman Whitfield
i was thinking Dylan’s “Hard Rain” as well.
what about “Rain Man” by Counting Crows-great song.