Rainy days often stir deep emotions. Many songwriters have used rain as a metaphor. It can express sadness, hope, nostalgia, or peace. From pop to jazz, rainy day songs touch our hearts. This article lists 26 memorable songs about rainy days. Each track tells a story. These songs come from different eras and styles. They remind us how weather and music connect.
26 Songs About Rainy Days to Play on Gloomy Afternoons
Classic Rainy Day Songs
1. Singin’ in the Rain – Gene Kelly (1952)
This is one of the most iconic rain-themed songs. Gene Kelly sang and danced through a storm. The song comes from the musical film of the same name. It symbolizes joy, even in dark times. The upbeat tune and performance remain legendary.
2. Have You Ever Seen the Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1971)
This rock song reflects political and personal change. The lyrics use rain as a metaphor. It speaks of confusion during peaceful times. John Fogerty wrote it during tensions in the band. It’s one of CCR’s most known tracks.
3. Rainy Days and Mondays – The Carpenters (1971)
This mellow ballad blends melancholy and gentle instrumentation. Karen Carpenter’s voice gives the song emotional depth. It captures the feeling of loneliness and rainy Mondays. It’s a signature track of the Carpenters’ soft pop sound.
4. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head – B.J. Thomas (1969)
This cheerful tune appeared in the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” It contrasts light-hearted music with rainy imagery. The song won an Academy Award. It remains a feel-good rainy day anthem.
5. I Can’t Stand the Rain – Ann Peebles (1973)
This soul classic tells a story of heartbreak. Rain becomes a symbol of pain and lost love. The minimalistic arrangement highlights Peebles’ powerful voice. It has been covered and sampled by many artists.
Pop Songs About Rain
6. Set Fire to the Rain – Adele (2011)
This dramatic ballad combines rain with fiery imagery. Adele’s emotional delivery stands out. The song became a global hit. It showcases strength through pain and confusion.
7. Rain on Me – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande (2020)
This pop-dance track blends vulnerability and empowerment. Rain symbolizes struggle and survival. The upbeat rhythm contrasts with emotional lyrics. It won a Grammy and topped charts worldwide.
8. It Will Rain – Bruno Mars (2011)
This song explores heartbreak and loss. Rain suggests endless emotional pain. Bruno Mars’ voice adds depth to the sorrowful theme. It featured in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.”
9. Come In from the Rain – Melissa Manchester (1975)
This ballad invites a loved one to return. Rain represents distance and regret. The song blends pop and soft rock. Manchester’s voice adds warmth to the tender lyrics.
10. Only Happy When It Rains – Garbage (1995)
This alternative rock track embraces sadness. The band uses rain to highlight emotional darkness. Shirley Manson’s vocals mix irony and truth. It’s a 90s anthem for those who relate to moody weather.
Rock and Indie Rain-Themed Songs
11. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses (1991)
This epic rock ballad runs over 8 minutes. It explores love, pain, and distance. The orchestration and guitar solo are iconic. The title implies cold, emotional storms.
12. Rain King – Counting Crows (1993)
This song uses rain as a metaphor for power and inspiration. It blends alternative rock with poetic lyrics. Adam Duritz’s voice conveys longing and restlessness. It’s a fan favorite from the band’s debut album.
13. Rain – The Beatles (1966)
This track reflects the band’s psychedelic phase. The lyrics explore perception and inner peace. The rain becomes a symbol of clarity. The backward tape effect made the production unique.
14. Why Does It Always Rain on Me? – Travis (1999)
This Britpop song speaks of disappointment and isolation. Rain reflects bad luck and emotional fog. It became a hit after a live Glastonbury performance — ironically, during a rainstorm.
15. She’s in the Rain – The Rose (2018)
This Korean indie band uses rain to express loneliness. The song talks about empathy and emotional survival. The arrangement is soft and moving. It resonated with many young listeners.
R&B and Soul Songs with Rain Imagery
16. Can You Stand the Rain – New Edition (1988)
This R&B ballad asks if love can endure hard times. Rain symbolizes trials and emotional storms. The harmonies and smooth vocals made it a chart success.
17. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers (1971)
Though rain isn’t in the title, the mood matches stormy weather. The song expresses grief over absence. Its minimalist style amplifies sorrow. It remains one of Withers’ most recognized works.
18. Rain – SWV (1997)
This slow jam compares love to gentle rain. The metaphor is sensual and emotional. SWV’s harmonies give it a smooth, late-90s R&B vibe. It samples Jaco Pastorius’ “Portrait of Tracy.”
19. After the Rain – Nelson (1990)
This soft rock song offers hope. It promises better times after emotional storms. The twin brothers blend harmonies with encouraging lyrics. It reflects optimism and resilience.
Hip-Hop and Rap Songs Featuring Rain
20. Rain – Fat Joe feat. R. Kelly (2003)
This track combines rap verses with R&B choruses. Rain represents emotional struggle and longing. The lyrics are personal and reflective. It showcases a softer side of hip-hop.
21. Rain Man – Eminem (2004)
This song is more abstract. Eminem uses wordplay around the rain theme. It’s known for humor and surreal references. The track shows his lyrical creativity.
Country and Folk Rainy Day Songs
22. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain – Willie Nelson (1975)
This country classic talks about loss and memory. The rain symbolizes both love and goodbye. Willie Nelson’s voice adds warmth and sorrow. It remains a timeless folk ballad.
23. Smoky Mountain Rain – Ronnie Milsap (1980)
This song mixes narrative and melody. It tells the story of a man searching in the rain. The Smoky Mountains add a regional flavor. It’s one of Milsap’s signature songs.
24. Fire and Rain – James Taylor (1970)
This folk-rock song explores depression and tragedy. Rain symbolizes grief and time passing. Taylor’s voice and lyrics are sincere. It’s a powerful personal story.
Electronic and Experimental Tracks
25. After the Rain – John Coltrane (1963)
This jazz piece is instrumental. It paints a mood of peace and reflection. The saxophone flows like water. It’s often used in rainy-day playlists for meditation.
26. Here Comes the Rain Again – Eurythmics (1984)
This synth-pop track uses rain as a metaphor for emotional renewal. Annie Lennox’s voice carries melancholy. The electronic arrangement adds atmosphere. It’s a staple of 80s music.
SEE ALSO: 20 Songs About Reunited Love That Celebrate Love’s Return
Conclusion
Rain inspires all genres of music. It can reflect sadness, joy, pain, or peace. These 26 songs show how weather influences emotion and creativity. Whether through classic ballads or modern beats, rain remains a timeless theme. Music helps us feel and heal on cloudy days. These tracks provide a rich soundscape for stormy moods and thoughtful moments.
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