10 Remarkable Songs With The Word 'Rain' In The Title

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This article explores ten remarkable songs with the word “rain” in their titles, each demonstrating how this universal phenomenon can evoke vastly different emotions and themes. As we examine these tracks, we uncover not just the stories behind them but also their enduring place in the lexicon of rock and roll.

Bob Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain” is a poetic exploration of love and loss, using the ceaseless flow of rain to mirror the unpredictable nature of human relationships. Bruce Springsteen channels the imagery of rain into themes of war and despair in “Rainmaker,” a modern anthem steeped in social and political commentary. Amanda Marshall’s “Let It Rain” transforms the downpour into a symbol of resilience and emotional catharsis, pairing her powerful vocals with poignant lyrics.

Lone Justice’s “If You Don’t Like Rain” combines country-rock sensibilities with an introspective message of perseverance. Boz Scaggs offers a soulful rendition of “Rainy Night in Georgia,” painting a haunting picture of isolation under stormy skies. Jethro Tull’s “Stuck in the August Rain” delves into melancholy introspection, capturing the bittersweet nature of memory. The Velvet Underground’s “Hey Mr. Rain” exemplifies their avant-garde style, using rain as a metaphor for existential longing. Ozzy Osbourne’s “Black Rain” delivers a scathing critique of war and destruction, its ominous tone magnified by heavy guitar riffs and haunting lyrics.

# 10 – Oh The Rain – The Black Crowes

“Oh The Rain” by The Black Crowes is an evocative track that finds its roots in the band’s live performances, encapsulating their mastery of Southern rock infused with gospel undertones. The song was included on the 2013 live album Wiser for the Time, recorded during a series of intimate acoustic and electric shows in 2010. The album showcases the band’s dynamic musicianship, with Chris Robinson’s soulful vocals leading the charge, supported by Rich Robinson’s intricate guitar work and the steady rhythm provided by Steve Gorman on drums and Sven Pipien on bass. Luther Dickinson’s contributions on guitar add a bluesy, spiritual layer to the soundscape, perfectly complementing the song’s heartfelt lyrics.

# 9 – It Never Rains in Southern California – Albert Hammond

Released in 1972 as the lead single from It Never Rains in Southern California, Albert Hammond’s iconic track serves as a bittersweet anthem for the disillusioned dreamer. Written by Hammond and lyricist Mike Hazlewood, the song was recorded at CBS Studios in London and produced by Hammond and Don Altfeld. Its soaring melody and introspective lyrics struck a chord with audiences, helping the single reach No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as a soft rock classic.

# 8 – Buckets of Rain – Bob Dylan

Closing Blood on the Tracks with understated grace, “Buckets of Rain” is a masterful distillation of Bob Dylan’s ability to marry emotional rawness with lyrical simplicity. Recorded in September 1974 at A&R Recording Studios in New York, the song features Dylan on guitar and vocals, alongside the spare yet evocative instrumentation that permeates the entire album. Produced by Dylan himself under the pseudonym “Jack Frost,” Blood on the Tracks is widely regarded as one of his most poignant works, and “Buckets of Rain” offers a bittersweet conclusion to an album steeped in themes of love and loss.

# 7 – Rainmaker – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen’s “Rainmaker,” from his critically lauded Letter to You album, captures a storm of desperation and hope, fitting seamlessly within this exploration of rain-themed songs. Recorded live with the E Street Band at Springsteen’s home studio in Colts Neck, New Jersey, in 2019, the song reflects Springsteen’s trademark ability to weave storytelling and social commentary into evocative melodies. The album, produced by Ron Aniello with Springsteen, marked a return to the communal recording methods that define much of his best work, bringing a raw, organic energy to every track.

# 6 – If You Don’t Like Rain – Lone Justice

Lone Justice’s rare B-side “If You Don’t Like Rain” reveals the band’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with an infectious sense of rhythm, offering an understated gem for this list of rain-themed tracks. Recorded during sessions for their Shelter album, released in 1986, the song showcases the powerful vocals of Maria McKee, whose emotive delivery remains a focal point of the band’s sound. Produced by the legendary Jimmy Iovine, Shelter represented a shift toward a more polished, mainstream rock aesthetic, yet this B-side retains the raw spirit of Lone Justice’s roots in Americana and country rock.

# 5 – Rainy Night In Georgia – Boz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs’ rendition of “Rainy Night in Georgia” infuses the soul classic with his signature blend of bluesy vocals and understated instrumentation, capturing the poignant melancholy of the original while adding his unique touch. Released on his 2013 album Memphis, the song serves as a tribute to the timeless composition written by Tony Joe White and famously recorded by Brook Benton in 1970. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, with producer Steve Jordan at the helm, Scaggs’ version benefits from the rich sonic heritage of the location, which has hosted legends like Al Green and Ann Peebles.

# 4 – Let It Rain – Amanda Marshall

Amanda Marshall’s “Let It Rain” stands as a soaring anthem of emotional liberation and self-discovery. Released in 1995 as the debut single from her self-titled album, Amanda Marshall, the song was produced by David Tyson, who also co-wrote the track with Marshall. Recorded at a time when Marshall was establishing her identity as a compelling voice in pop-rock, the song’s raw vulnerability and powerful vocals resonate deeply with listeners. Its success helped launch her career, reaching the Top 10 on the Canadian charts and earning critical acclaim for its soulful intensity.

Read More: Top 10 Amanda Marshall Songs

# 3 – Stuck In The August Rain – Jethro Tull

“Stuck in the August Rain,” a melancholic gem from Jethro Tull’s 1995 album Roots to Branches, weaves an atmospheric tale of introspection and isolation. Recorded at Ian Anderson’s home studio in Buckinghamshire, England, the track exemplifies the album’s blending of Western rock traditions with Eastern influences. Produced by Anderson himself, the song features his distinctive vocals and flute alongside contributions from Martin Barre on guitar, Andy Giddings on keyboards, Doane Perry on drums, and Dave Pegg on bass. The result is a rich, textured soundscape that underscores the song’s meditative mood.

# 2 – Black Rain – Ozzy Osbourne

“Black Rain” by Ozzy Osbourne is a foreboding and hard-hitting commentary on the devastating impact of war and the human condition. Released in 2007 as the title track of his album Black Rain, the song was recorded in Los Angeles under the production expertise of Kevin Churko and Ozzy himself. With Zakk Wylde delivering searing guitar work, Mike Bordin on drums, and Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, the track captures an ominous, industrial edge that perfectly complements its lyrical themes of destruction and despair. This was Osbourne’s first album to feature entirely original material since 2001, and its dark tone resonated with critics and fans alike.

# 1 – Hey Mr. Rain – The Velvet Underground

“Hey Mr. Rain,” an enigmatic and atmospheric track by The Velvet Underground, embodies the band’s experimental edge and avant-garde sensibilities. Recorded in 1968 during sessions for their third studio album but not officially released until much later, the song demonstrates The Velvet Underground’s mastery of minimalism and texture. Featuring Lou Reed’s hauntingly understated vocals, John Cale’s eerie viola work, Sterling Morrison’s delicate guitar, and Maureen Tucker’s sparse percussion, the track creates a hypnotic soundscape that perfectly complements its lyrical mystique. Its eventual release on archival compilations like VU highlights its role as a hidden gem in the band’s catalog.

Read More: Top 10 Velvet Underground Songs

Updated May 27, 2025

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2 Comments

John Tabacco January 5, 2025

No “Rain” by The Beatles? Too Obvious?

- Brian Kachejian January 5, 2025
  
  Yeah, I was trying to stay away from obvious choices like that one, Zep’s Rain Song etc… Just trying to make it more interesting and not do the same thing everyone else does. To many websites give no thought at all to these articles. I’m trying to seperate from all the other copycat sites that have robots writing articles or people who know nothing about rock that have sprung up in the past two years all copying from each other. Me and you have lived rock, we know it.