Top 10 Songs About Rain
Rain is a common metaphor in country songs. Whether it's representative of pain, love, sorrow, or, well, just rain, it pops up more often than you may realize. Rain is a powerful visual to give a listener when trying to communicate a feeling or a scene in just three minutes. We all understand what it feels like to be caught in the pouring rain or to watch it come down from the the comfort of our dry porch. It can be soothing or unnerving, depending on the situation.
Artists across the spectrum of country music — young, old, male, female, you name it — utilize the concept of rain in their songs, but these are the Top 10 Songs About Rain!
- 10
"Georgia Rain"
Trisha YearwoodA nostalgic ballad reminiscent of Trisha Yearwood's country upbringing in the peach state, "Georgia Rain" recalls a story of teenage love interrupted by a thunderstorm. Rain plays a prominent role as the lyrics paint a clear scene, first in the back of a pickup truck, then running for cover in an old shed to get out of the rain, all intertwined with the air of romance. The song ends with a reflection as Yearwood steps back into her hometown years later. "Georgia Rain," released in 2005, reached No. 15 on the Billboard charts and is proof that rain can sometimes have a bit of magic to it.
- 9
"When It Rains"
Eli Young BandMost folks aren't a fan of the rain — at least not when compared to the sunshine. But Eli Young Band take a different perspective in this song. "When It Rains" explains that the rain is actually a relief, because when everyone else is down in the dumps because of the weather, the narrator doesn’t have to pretend to be happy. He can blend in with the crowd, because he feels the same way. Okay, so even though it’s a bit of a downer, "When It Rains" is a catchy mid-tempo tune, not to mention a feeling many people can identify with. The song was the lead-off single from EYB’s third album, Jet Black & Jealous, and put the band on a steady climb to country stardom.
- 8
"Bring on the Rain"
Jo Dee MessinaSometimes when the going gets tough, you’ve got to get tough right back. Jo Dee Messina knows well enough that bad times are only temporary and tomorrow is another day, as she sings in her hit "Bring on the Rain," released in 2001. The song is a soft ballad of quiet strength, showing the resolve to move forward even when things are hard. The inspirational song — complemented by background vocals courtesy of Tim McGraw — resonated with fans enough to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart, as well as No. 6 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
- 7
David Nail
"Let It Rain"David Nail’s "Let It Rain" is a guilt-ridden lament of a night gone wrong. Though not autobiographical, this song on our Top 10 Songs About Rain list tells the story of a man who cheated on his wife and is enduring the consequences he deserves. Nail's character encourages the rain to pour down on him as punishment for what he’s done, while he stands on the street with a pile of his belongings his wife threw out the window. The emotional song is not exactly uplifting, but it leaves an impression on the listener with its well-written melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song was Nail's first single from his second studio album, The Sound of a Million Dreams. It was also his first No. 1 hit.
- 6
"Storm Warning"
Hunter HayesSome people burst into your life like a hurricane. Whether good or bad, one thing’s for certain — their high speed winds and rain leave quite an impression behind. Hunter Hayes sings about this type of lady in his hit "Storm Warning," which describes a woman about whom he could’ve used a heads up. Released in 2011, the upbeat, country-pop tune was Hayes’ first single off his debut album and hit No. 14 on the Billboard country chart, starting his career off with a bang. It's a must-have among other country rain songs.
- 5
"Songs About Rain"
Gary AllanIn a somewhat ironic take on the concept, Gary Allan takes a step back and sings about songs with a rainy theme in this tune. "Songs About Rain" has a hint of dark humor to it, as it takes place in an already sorrowful situation that is only exacerbated by the sad, rain-themed songs on the radio as he drives along. Allan sings that there are plenty of happy relationship songs in existence, but the deejay only seems to want to play the ones about rain, which does not help his current state. "Songs About Rain" was featured on Allan’s fifth studio album, See If I Care, and was a Top 15 hit.
- 4
"Rain Is a Good Thing"
Luke BryanRain can be a metaphor for so many things, but it’s almost always negative. The always-smiling Luke Bryan sees life a little differently. "Rain Is a Good Thing" is an upbeat tune about the more positive side of wet weather. To Bryan, rain makes corn grow, which is used to make whiskey, which along with many other effects, makes his girl “get a little frisky.” A farmer’s son himself, Bryan co-wrote the song and sings it with optimistic conviction. "Rain Is a Good Thing" was a No. 1 hit for the artist and said a lot about who the Bryan is as a performer and a person.
- 3
"Steady as the Rain"
Dolly PartonThe upbeat feel of Dolly Parton's "Steady as the Rain" is deceiving in light of its melancholy lyrics, but Parton delivers them with honesty and truth. Her tears fall as steady as the rain, she says, speaking of a broken relationship and the pain that comes along with it. Parton’s metaphors beautifully describe these feelings almost anyone can identify with. The song was originally written by Parton for her younger sister, Stella, who had a hit with the song in 1979. It was featured on Parton’s 1999 album The Grass is Blue, which won a Grammy in 2001 for Best Bluegrass Album.
- 2
"She's My Kind of Rain"
Tim McGrawTim McGraw’s ballad "She’s My Kind of Rain" is an abstract portrait of a beautiful woman. Though the exact meaning of the metaphors used to describe her are a little fuzzy, they do create an air of mystery and adventure around the object of his affection. Whatever her particular qualities, it’s clear McGraw is smitten and has no qualms with being completely immersed in them. "She’s My Kind of Rain" hit No. 1 on the country charts and won a Grammy award for Best Country Song in 2004.
- 1
"Raining on Sunday"
Keith UrbanIn this particular instance, rain doesn’t have to be so bad. Keith Urban knows that rain can mean staying inside and curling up under the covers with the one you love. "Raining on Sunday" is a sexy ballad originally written and recorded by Rodney Foster in 1999, but covered by Urban on 2003 album Golden Road. For Urban, the song reached No. 3 on the Billboard country chart and kept him well within the upper echelon of country’s leading men. There's no question why it's No. 1 on this Top 10 Songs About Rain list.