10 Great Rock Songs That Use Weather As A Metaphor

# 10 – Here Comes The Rain Again – Eurythmics

“Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics is a masterful blend of emotional turmoil and atmospheric music, using rain as both a literal and metaphorical representation of heartbreak and longing. Released on January 13, 1984, as the third single from their third studio album Touch, the track showcases the songwriting talents of Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, who also produced the song. Here Comes the Rain Again became an international hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and number eight on the UK Singles Chart, marking Eurythmics’ second top 10 U.S. hit. The song’s fusion of electronic beats, sweeping orchestral arrangements, and Lennox’s powerful vocals contributed to its chart success and cemented its place as one of the band’s most iconic songs.

The song was recorded in 1983 at The Church Studios in London. Lennox’s emotive vocal performance is layered over a lush arrangement of synthesizers and strings, the latter arranged by renowned composer Michael Kamen. The orchestral elements in the song, combined with Stewart’s electronic production, create an ethereal atmosphere that mirrors the emotional intensity of the lyrics. In lines such as “Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory” and “I want to dive into your ocean, is it raining with you?” Lennox poetically conveys the sensation of being overwhelmed by emotion, drawing a parallel between the persistent rain and unshakable sadness. The song brilliantly explores the feeling of yearning for connection, as depicted in the repeated plea, “Talk to me, like lovers do,” which contrasts with the sense of emotional isolation the protagonist faces.

Read More: Top 10 Eurythmics Songs

# 9 – Here Comes the Flood – Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “Here Comes the Flood,” from his debut solo album Peter Gabriel (often referred to as Car due to the album cover) released in 1977, is a powerful and evocative track that mixes literal and metaphorical depictions of a flood. Written shortly after Gabriel’s departure from Genesis in 1975, the song touches on themes of human consciousness, collective telepathy, and societal collapse, all tied together with the potent imagery of a great flood. Recorded with producer Bob Ezrin, who was impressed with the song upon hearing its demo, Gabriel worked alongside musicians such as Tony Levin (bass), Larry Fast (synthesizer), and Robert Fripp (guitar), giving the song a lush, orchestral arrangement that would later be reinterpreted in more stripped-down versions during his live performances.

The lyrics of “Here Comes the Flood” blend vivid apocalyptic imagery with reflections on the human condition. The lines “Lord, here comes the flood / We’ll say goodbye to flesh and blood” invoke a powerful vision of destruction and renewal, using the flood metaphor as both a literal event and as a metaphor for overwhelming psychic and emotional forces.

Read More: Top 10 Peter Gabriel Songs

# 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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

# 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.

Read More: The Heroines In Tom Waits Songs

# 3 – Beautiful Day – U2

“Beautiful Day” by U2, released as the lead single from their 2000 album All That You Can’t Leave Behind, is a song that uses metaphorical references to weather and nature to convey themes of hope, renewal, and optimism despite adversity. Recorded at Hanover Quay Studios in Dublin and released on October 9, 2000, the song marked a return to a more classic U2 sound after the experimental albums Zooropa and Pop. Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, “Beautiful Day” became one of U2’s most iconic hits, reaching number one in several countries, including the UK, Ireland, and Australia, and peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The song helped propel All That You Can’t Leave Behind to multi-platinum success and reestablished U2 as one of the most influential rock bands in the world.

# 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.

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.

Read More: Top 10 Young Rascals Songs