# 10 – Here Comes The Rain Again – Eurythmics
Read More: Top 10 Eurythmics Songs
# 9 – Here Comes the Flood – Peter Gabriel
# 8 – Against The Wind – Bob Seger
Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind” is one of the most poignant songs in his catalog, known for its introspective and nostalgic themes. Released as the second single from his 1980 album Against the Wind, this mid-tempo soft rock ballad became an instant classic. The song, which features Seger’s Silver Bullet Band and harmonies by Eagles’ Glenn Frey, reflects on life’s journey, aging, and the passage of time. Its use of wind as a metaphor is central to its meaning, representing the resistance and obstacles faced in life. Seger wrote the song drawing from personal experiences, particularly his days as a cross-country runner, where running against the wind became symbolic of overcoming life’s challenges and growing older.
Recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami with producer Bill Szymczyk, “Against the Wind” exemplifies Seger’s craftsmanship as a songwriter. The song’s piano-driven arrangement and Glenn Frey’s backing vocals give it an emotive, wistful quality, resonating with listeners of all ages. Lyrically, Seger reflects on youthful exuberance, love, and eventual disillusionment as he recounts memories of his past. The metaphor of running against the wind symbolizes not only youthful rebellion but also the inevitability of growing up and confronting life’s challenges. The song’s reflective tone is reinforced in lines like “I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then,” encapsulating the bittersweet realization that comes with maturity.
“Against the Wind” became one of Seger’s most successful singles, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a hit in Canada, Australia, and Belgium. Critical reception to the song was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Seger’s ability to capture universal themes of nostalgia and resilience. The song has had a lasting impact on listeners and musicians alike, with notable covers by country artists such as Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn. Like other songs on this list, “Against the Wind” uses weather metaphorically to represent inner emotional struggles, comparing favorably with tracks like “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics, which also uses weather to illustrate deeper emotional currents.
Read More: Top 20 Bob Seger Songs
# 7 – After The Flood – Lone Justice
“After the Flood,” written by Maria McKee and performed by Lone Justice, is a heartfelt narrative about resilience and rebuilding after a natural disaster. Featured on the band’s self-titled debut album Lone Justice, which was released in April 1985, the song uses the aftermath of a flood as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop for themes of loss and determination. McKee’s evocative lyrics convey a deep sense of connection to the land and the emotional toll of watching everything be swept away, yet the song also emphasizes the resolve to persevere and rebuild. Musically, it carries a strong roots rock influence, driven by McKee’s impassioned vocals and the band’s steady, earthy instrumentation. The album was produced by Jimmy Iovine and recorded in Los Angeles, with Lone Justice at the height of their creative powers.
The song’s vivid imagery of devastation—”Years of hard work and memories / Are floatin’ down big river on their way out to sea”—underscores the emotional weight of loss, but the recurring refrain, “Life goes on after the flood,” speaks to the human capacity for survival. The flood becomes a metaphor for any overwhelming challenge, whether personal or environmental, and the lyrics paint a picture of endurance in the face of disaster. As the protagonist shovels through the mud and slush, they express a steadfast determination to reclaim what was lost, stating, “I’d rather be shovelin’ / Through the slush and mud / Than to leave my home where I grew up.” The song stands out not only for its lyrical depth but also for McKee’s ability to blend personal and universal emotions.
Lone Justice peaked at number 56 on the Billboard 200, with “After the Flood” contributing to the album’s critical acclaim. The album’s mixture of rock, country, and roots music established the band as a unique force in the mid-1980s rock scene. McKee’s songwriting and vocal performance drew comparisons to iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen, who similarly explored themes of perseverance and struggle in songs like “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger. However, “After the Flood” offers a distinctly personal take on loss and recovery, with McKee’s storytelling reflecting the resilience of rural communities facing natural disasters. As a song about weather, both literally and metaphorically, “After the Flood” fits well within the framework of this list, blending natural forces with human emotion in a powerful way.
Read More: 11 Best Lone Justice Songs
# 6 – Riders On The Storm – The Doors
“Riders on the Storm,” by The Doors, is a haunting and atmospheric track that blends elements of psychedelic rock, jazz, and art rock. Released in June 1971, it became the second single from the band’s L.A. Woman album, which was also the last studio album Jim Morrison worked on before his sudden death in Paris on July 3, 1971. The song peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a lasting symbol of the band’s darker, more introspective side. With its eerie rain sound effects and ominous lyrics, “Riders on the Storm” is a literal and metaphorical take on weather, where the storm serves as both an external force of nature and an inner emotional tempest.
The track was recorded in December 1970 at the Doors Workshop in Los Angeles, with production helmed by longtime engineer Bruce Botnick after Paul A. Rothchild, the band’s previous producer, departed from the L.A. Woman sessions. One of the defining moments in the recording is Jim Morrison’s whispered vocal overdubs, which add an unsettling echo effect to the already brooding atmosphere. The song’s iconic keyboard riff, played by Ray Manzarek, evokes the feel of cascading rain, while Robbie Krieger’s guitar lines add a sense of menace that complements the lyrics’ themes of danger and existential angst. Drummer John Densmore’s subtle rhythms and jazzy improvisations tie the song together, making it a sonic storm that builds and dissipates, much like the literal one it depicts.
Lyrically, “Riders on the Storm” refers to both external and internal conflicts, with lines like “There’s a killer on the road” hinting at violence and isolation. Morrison draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including the Western song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky,” as well as the real-life story of hitchhiker Billy “Cockeyed” Cook, a notorious killer whose crimes were immortalized in the 1953 film The Hitch-Hiker. The song also explores Morrison’s personal struggles, with lines like “Girl, you gotta love your man,” serving as a plea for connection amidst chaos. The storm, in this sense, is not just about weather; it’s also a metaphor for life’s unpredictable, often uncontrollable forces.
Charting in several countries, “Riders on the Storm” became one of The Doors’ most iconic songs. Its fusion of literal weather elements with metaphoric explorations of human existence sets it apart as one of rock’s most profound weather-related songs. The song’s fusion of jazz improvisation, rock, and Morrison’s poetic lyrics makes it not only a standout in the band’s catalog but also a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners.
Read More: The Doors Most Underrated Songs
# 5 – Fleetwood Mac – Storms
“Storms” by Fleetwood Mac is a haunting track from their 1979 album Tusk. Written and sung by Stevie Nicks, the song reflects on the emotional turbulence of a failed relationship, specifically her affair with Fleetwood Mac’s drummer Mick Fleetwood. Tusk was Fleetwood Mac’s follow-up to the massively successful Rumours and was a double album produced under considerable pressure. Released on October 12, 1979, Tusk was recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, with the band experimenting more with production and arrangements. While Tusk peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status in multiple countries, “Storms” was never released as a single and therefore did not chart individually.
The song, like much of Tusk, took on a more experimental approach compared to the pop leanings of Rumours. While not a chart-topping hit, the song’s placement on both the US 2002 and UK 2009 editions of The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac reflects its significance in the band’s catalog. “Storms” showcases Nicks’ ability to intertwine personal turmoil with rich, poetic imagery, creating a deep emotional connection with listeners.
The song’s opening lines, “Every night that goes between / I feel a little less / As you slowly go away from me / This is only another test,” convey a gradual distancing in the relationship. Nicks seems to be coming to terms with the fading connection, but the storm—both literal and emotional—continues to loom. The recurring refrain of her being “a storm” contrasts with her desire to leave something warm and comforting behind, which emphasizes the duality of her character. As she reflects, “I have always been a storm,” the song’s metaphor becomes clear: the storm is not an external force but Nicks herself, admitting her own role in the emotional upheaval.
The line “Never have I been a blue calm sea / I have always been a storm” is central to understanding the metaphor in “Storms.” Nicks describes herself as the source of the chaos, as opposed to the soothing, peaceful “calm sea” that others might have wanted her to be. By accepting this truth, Nicks reveals her inner conflict: despite wanting to be a source of peace, her emotions have always been tumultuous. In comparison to other songs in this article, such as Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind,” which uses the wind as a metaphor for external pressures and struggles, “Storms” is more introspective. Here, the storm represents the singer’s own emotional intensity and inability to provide stability. This lyrical depth adds to the song’s haunting beauty, making it one of Fleetwood Mac’s most emotionally charged tracks.
In comparison to other songs in this list of weather-themed tracks, such as Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind,” which represents the challenge of external forces, “Storms” explores inner emotional storms. Nicks’ repeated refrain, “I have always been a storm,” is a raw admission of her own nature, a central theme of the song. It stands as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most powerful ballads, showcasing the profound emotional intensity and vulnerability that Nicks brings to the band’s catalog.
# 4 – Emotional Weather Report – Tom Waits
“Emotional Weather Report” by Tom Waits, from his 1975 album Nighthawks at the Diner, is a unique track that uses weather as a metaphor for emotional turmoil. The song was recorded live over several sessions in front of a small audience at Record Plant Studio in Los Angeles, with the intention of capturing a jazz club atmosphere. Produced by Bones Howe, Nighthawks at the Diner blends jazz, blues, and beat poetry, a perfect setting for Waits’ gravelly voice and narrative-driven lyricism. The album peaked at number 164 on the Billboard 200 and, despite modest chart success at the time, has been highly praised for its atmospheric storytelling and mood-setting. It later earned a silver certification from the BPI in 2010, reflecting its continued influence and popularity.
In “Emotional Weather Report,” Waits skillfully uses weather as a metaphor to describe his mental and emotional state. The song reads like a traditional weather forecast, but instead of predicting actual weather patterns, it details the storm brewing in his heart and mind. The lyrics describe conditions like “gusty winds” and “tornado watches” inside his apartment, equating emotional instability to an approaching storm. The use of imagery like “thunderstorms developing in the early morning ahead of a slow-moving cold front” highlights how his emotions are on the verge of breaking, driven by feelings of loneliness and loss. As he reflects on a failed relationship, the metaphorical cold front extends to his “mental health” and “ability to deal rationally.”
Musically, “Emotional Weather Report” follows the jazzy, laid-back style of Nighthawks at the Diner, featuring Waits’ signature piano playing alongside upright bass and light percussion. This provides the perfect backdrop for Waits’ spoken-word performance, filled with irony and dark humor. While the song might not have charted on its own, its strength lies in its creativity and the vividness of its imagery, earning its place as one of the standout tracks from the album. In comparison to other songs on this list, like “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics, which uses rain as a metaphor for heartbreak, Waits’ approach is more abstract and poetic, focusing on the unpredictable nature of human emotions and their parallels to weather systems.
The line “flash flood watches covered the southern portion of my disposition” demonstrates how deeply Waits intertwines weather phenomena with his emotional landscape. The song stands as a lyrical tour de force in which Waits captures the essence of inner turmoil through the lens of meteorological chaos. Like a weather report gone awry, “Emotional Weather Report” takes listeners on a journey through the unpredictable highs and lows of the heart, cementing Tom Waits’ place as a master storyteller and poet of emotional fragility.
Read More: The Heroines In Tom Waits Songs
# 3 – Beautiful Day – U2
Read More: Complete List Of U2 Albums And Discography
# 2 – You Love the Thunder – Jackson Browne
“You Love the Thunder” by Jackson Browne, from his 1977 Running on Empty album, is a track that skillfully blends literal and metaphorical references to weather with the emotional complexities of relationships. The song, recorded live at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, on September 6, 1977, explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the turbulent nature of human connection. Released as a single in early 1978, it reached #109 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, though it found more success on Album-Oriented Rock radio stations. Produced by Jackson Browne, the song aligns with the overarching theme of the Running on Empty album, which deals with life on the road and the struggles of a musician’s lifestyle.
The lyrics in “You Love the Thunder” use stormy weather as a metaphor for the emotional intensity of a relationship. The chorus emphasizes this, with lines like “You love the thunder, and you love the rain” suggesting that the woman in the song is drawn to the unpredictable, stormy side of her partner. Much like a storm, the relationship is fraught with moments of turbulence, yet it is these very moments that reveal deeper truths about both individuals. The metaphor of weather continues with references to lightning and surrender, symbolizing the fleeting moments of clarity that arise amid emotional storms. Browne’s lyrics also touch on the idea of confronting the “dark side of the man” before the storm passes, offering a moment of reflection and understanding.
Musically, “You Love the Thunder” is a blend of rock with soft, introspective elements. The live recording gives the track an immediacy and rawness, further amplifying its themes of vulnerability and intensity. The song’s composition, featuring Browne’s emotive vocals and the band’s supportive instrumentation, reflects the emotional push and pull of the lyrics. The piano and guitar work, staples of Browne’s sound, complement the stormy imagery, providing both the soft patter of rain and the crash of thunder through dynamic shifts in volume and intensity. The track follows a similar mood as other weather-related songs in this article, like Fleetwood Mac’s “Storms,” where the metaphorical weather represents inner emotional turmoil rather than literal weather patterns.
“You Love the Thunder” may not have charted as highly as other singles from Running on Empty, but it stands out for its lyrical depth and the powerful imagery of weather as a metaphor for love’s challenges. It captures the essence of the emotional journey, much like the weather, where intense moments come and go, leaving behind a sense of reflection and growth. This song, with its mix of literal and metaphorical storms, adds an important layer to any discussion about rock songs that explore the emotional landscape through the lens of nature’s forces.
Read More: Top 10 Jackson Browne Songs
# 1 – A Beautiful Morning – The Young Rascals
As the closing song on this list of 10 Best Rock Songs About the Weather, “A Beautiful Morning” by the Rascals brings a sense of hope and positivity, fittingly capturing the carefree optimism that accompanies a beautiful day. Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and released in early 1968, this song exemplifies the sunny, upbeat vibe that became a signature sound for the Rascals following their previous hit, “Groovin’.” Recorded in Honolulu, Hawaii, during a performance invitation, the song expresses the joy of a perfect morning with fresh air and sunlight—a literal interpretation of weather shaping mood and experience. The song’s themes of freedom and starting anew align with its bright, breezy composition.
Musically, “A Beautiful Morning” is a smooth blend of rock and soul, with the group’s harmonies and Cavaliere’s signature vocals creating an uplifting atmosphere. The track stands out not only for its joyful lyrics but also for being one of the earliest singles to be released in stereo, a technical leap that, along with songs like the Doors’ “Hello, I Love You,” helped shift the industry standard from mono to stereo recordings. The song was a major success in the U.S., reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and crossing over onto the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart, peaking at number 36. Certified as a Million Seller by the RIAA, “A Beautiful Morning” became one of the band’s defining tracks and was later featured on their Time Peace: The Rascals’ Greatest Hits album.
Lyrically, “A Beautiful Morning” paints a vivid picture of a world renewed with nature, as the protagonist relishes the sunshine, birds, and blooming flowers. The line “Ain’t no sense in stayin’ inside” encourages the listener to embrace the outdoors and find joy in the simple beauty of the day. The song metaphorically embodies the idea that life’s challenges can be forgotten—at least for a moment—when you step outside to soak in the beauty that surrounds you. The comparison to other songs on this list, like “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics, shows the contrasting ways weather is used to symbolize emotion—where “Here Comes the Rain Again” evokes emotional introspection, “A Beautiful Morning” offers hope and new beginnings.
As the final entry in this list, “A Beautiful Morning” serves as a fitting conclusion, leaving listeners with a sense of optimism and renewal. Its literal interpretation of weather as a source of joy and freedom contrasts with the metaphorical use of storms, floods, and rain found in other songs on the list, reinforcing that while weather can be turbulent, it can also signal a fresh start.
Read More: Top 10 Young Rascals Songs