Songs About Rain: Top 10 Playlist
Rain has inspired musicians for decades. It’s a symbol, a mood, or just a part of everyday life that finds its way into music.
When we dig into songs about rain, we get to see how artists channel weather into melodies and lyrics that hit us right in the feels—or at least remind us of something familiar.
Whether it’s the gentle tap of a drizzle or a full-on downpour, rain-themed songs come in all styles and moods.
Exploring these tracks, we can spot the creativity and meaning artists pour into such a universal experience.
1. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
- Title: November Rain
- Release date: February 24, 1992
- Album name: Use Your Illusion I
- Artist name: Guns N’ Roses
Why we included this song in the list
“November Rain” lands on this list because it’s just iconic—a rock ballad that uses rain as both a literal and symbolic force. It’s all about love, loss, and emotional struggle, with rain standing in for those tough, transitional moments.
The orchestration is dramatic, and the lyrics are pretty evocative. The music video? It throws rain into the mix at just the right moments, really nailing the song’s vibe.
Critical reception
Critics loved “November Rain” when it dropped. They called out its ambitious arrangement, Axl Rose’s vocals, and, of course, those unforgettable guitar solos.
It climbed charts around the world and basically became a signature song for Guns N’ Roses. Even now, it’s still a fan favorite.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A couple of lines that stick with you:
“Cause nothing lasts forever, and we both know hearts can change.”
“When I look into your eyes, I can see a love restrained.”
There’s just something about that sense of melancholy.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
At nearly nine minutes, “November Rain” is one of the longest songs to ever crack the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. The official music video is one of the most-watched from the ’90s, and it tells a pretty elaborate story.
Axl Rose started writing parts of this song back in the 1980s, years before it officially came out. In 2022, they even released a new orchestral version—proof the song still has a hold on people.
2. Purple Rain – Prince
- Title: Purple Rain
- Release Date: June 25, 1984
- Album Name: Purple Rain
- Artist Name: Prince and The Revolution
Why we included this song in the list
We had to include “Purple Rain”—it’s just one of the most recognized rain songs out there. Its impact on pop and rock is undeniable, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to separate this song from Prince’s legacy.
Critical reception
Back in 1984, critics raved about “Purple Rain.” They loved the blend of rock, pop, and soul, and it became a defining track for Prince. The album shot to multi-platinum status, thanks in large part to this song.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A classic line that pretty much everyone knows:
“I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain.”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Prince played “Purple Rain” at the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show—while it was actually raining. Originally, the song ran for over eleven minutes before they trimmed it for radio. And yeah, it’s the title track for both the album and the film.
3. Rain – The Beatles
- Title: Rain
- Release Date: May 30, 1966
- Album Name: Released as the B-side to the “Paperback Writer” single
- Artist Name: The Beatles
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Rain” because it’s a classic rock staple that dives right into the theme of weather. The lyrics really focus on how rain shapes people’s moods and actions. It’s a great example of how legendary bands use natural elements as metaphors.
Critical reception
People still talk about “Rain” for its creative studio tricks and arrangement. Ringo Starr’s drumming especially gets a lot of love, and the song pushed boundaries for what pop music could sound like in the ‘60s. Some fans even call it a hidden gem.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A line that stands out:
“If the rain comes, they run and hide their heads.”
It’s a simple observation, but it nails how people react to rain.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The Beatles recorded “Rain” during the same sessions as “Paperback Writer.” They played the backing track fast and then slowed it down—pretty wild for the time. John Lennon’s vocals even show up in reverse, which was a new trick back then.
4. Set Fire to the Rain – Adele
- Title: Set Fire to the Rain
- Release date: 2011
- Album name: 21
- Artist name: Adele
Why we included this song in the list
We couldn’t leave out “Set Fire to the Rain.” The rain isn’t just a backdrop here—it’s a huge metaphor for the emotional chaos running through the song. The way Adele delivers it? Unforgettable.
Critical reception
Critics jumped on board right away, praising Adele’s powerhouse vocals and the song’s dramatic vibe. It stood out on her album “21” and shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
One chorus line that really hits:
“I set fire to the rain, and I threw us into the flames.”
It’s intense and sums up the stormy feelings in the track.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Adele didn’t perform “Set Fire to the Rain” live during her original tour because the production was just too complex. Still, it became one of her signature songs anyway. Its success helped cement Adele as one of the decade’s top artists.
5. No Rain – Blind Melon
- Song title: No Rain
- Release date: 1993
- Album name: Blind Melon
- Artist name: Blind Melon
Why we included this song in the list
“No Rain” makes the cut because it’s one of the most recognizable rain songs from the ‘90s alternative scene. The lyrics and mood wander through longing, isolation, and hope—rain (or the lack of it) stands in for all of that.
Critical reception
When “No Rain” came out in 1993, critics gave it a thumbs up. It pushed Blind Melon into the spotlight, and people praised the catchy melody and honest lyrics. It’s still their best-known track.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Probably the most quoted line:
“All I can say is that my life is pretty plain, I like watchin’ the puddles gather rain.”
That chorus just sticks in your head.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The music video stars the “Bee Girl,” who’s become a pop culture icon in her own right. “No Rain” keeps showing up on ‘90s playlists, and it was Blind Melon’s biggest hit from their debut album.
6. Here Comes the Rain Again – Eurythmics
- Song title: “Here Comes the Rain Again”
- Release date: 1983
- Album name: Touch
- Artist name: Eurythmics
Why we included this song in the list
“Here Comes the Rain Again” had to be here—it’s a pop classic about rain. Eurythmics use rain as a metaphor for emotions, and that synth-driven sound just gives it a moody, unforgettable vibe.
Critical reception
Critics loved the song’s atmosphere and Annie Lennox’s vocals when it came out. It became a chart hit and is still considered a highlight from the Touch album. Over time, it’s only grown in popularity.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
One line that really paints a picture:
“Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory.”
Weather and emotion, all wrapped up together.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart wrote this one, and its release came right as synthpop was taking off. The British Philharmonic Orchestra played the haunting strings, which just adds another layer to the track.
7. Kiss The Rain – Norah Jones
- Title: Kiss The Rain
- Release Date: Not released by Norah Jones
- Album Name: Not available
- Artist Name: Billie Myers (original artist), not Norah Jones
Why we included this song in the list
We noticed “Kiss The Rain” gets credited to Norah Jones a lot, even though Billie Myers wrote and performed it first. That mix-up keeps the song in the conversation, and people still hunt for a Norah Jones version—which says a lot about its staying power.
Critical reception
Billie Myers’ original version got solid reviews when it came out in 1997. It charted internationally and people praised its heartfelt lyrics and melody. Norah Jones hasn’t officially covered it, so reviews for her version don’t exist.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A line that really sums up the longing in the song:
“If your lips feel hungry and tempted, kiss the rain.”
It’s got that reflective, yearning vibe so many rain songs carry.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Despite what you might see online, Norah Jones never released a version of “Kiss The Rain.” Billie Myers’ track was the radio hit back in the late ‘90s. The confusion just keeps going, with people still searching for covers that don’t exist.
8. Singing in the Rain – Gene Kelly
- Title: Singing in the Rain
- Release Date: 1952
- Album Name: Singin’ in the Rain (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Artist Name: Gene Kelly
Why we included this song in the list
We put “Singing in the Rain” on this list because, honestly, it’s impossible to think of songs about rain and not have this one come to mind. Gene Kelly’s legendary performance in the film turned what could’ve been a gloomy downpour into a burst of pure joy.
Critical reception
Critics have raved about Gene Kelly’s vocals and the choreography—people still talk about it decades later. The American Film Institute even ranked it third among top songs in American cinema, and that’s no small feat.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A few lines just stick with you:
“I’m singin’ in the rain / Just singin’ in the rain / What a glorious feelin’, I’m happy again.”
You’ve probably heard these quoted somewhere, even if you haven’t seen the movie.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Gene Kelly danced through real rain for the iconic scene, but the crew mixed in milk to make the raindrops show up better on camera. He actually did all that while running a fever—now that’s dedication. The song itself dates back to 1929, but it was Kelly’s 1952 version that made it a worldwide sensation.
9. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Title: Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
- Release Date: October 1969
- Album Name: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (soundtrack)
- Artist Name: B.J. Thomas
Why we included this song in the list
We couldn’t leave this one out—it’s just one of those rain songs everyone seems to know. The melody feels light and breezy, and the lyrics have this way of making you feel hopeful, even when things aren’t going your way.
Critical reception
When B.J. Thomas released “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” critics loved it. The song shot up the charts and took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song. People praised its easygoing style and the way it just sticks in your head.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Here’s a line that just sums it all up:
“Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head, and just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed, nothing seems to fit.”
It’s a quirky image, but it really captures the song’s spirit.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote the song specifically for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
B.J. Thomas knocked out the recording in just a few tries—even though he had laryngitis at the time.
The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks, which is pretty wild.
Over the years, a bunch of artists have covered it, so it’s still popping up in movies and TV.
10. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Song title: Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
- Release date: January 1971
- Album name: Pendulum
- Artist name: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Why we included this song in the list
We had to add this one—classic rock just wouldn’t be the same without it. Rain in the lyrics turns into a metaphor, giving the song a thoughtful, almost bittersweet feel.
Critical reception
People really connected with the melody and the emotion in “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” Critics picked up on its bittersweet vibe and praised how CCR could make simple lyrics mean so much. The song’s become one of the band’s most recognizable hits.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
“Someone told me long ago / There’s a calm before the storm, I know.”
“Have you ever seen the rain / Coming down on a sunny day?”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The band wrote and recorded the song while dealing with a lot of tension among themselves. Fans and critics often say the “rain” stands for tough times that show up out of nowhere. Even now, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” gets covered by new artists all the time—people just keep coming back to it.
Symbolism of Rain in Music
Rain pops up in so many songs, and it always seems to mean something a little different each time. Artists use it to stir up emotion or to reflect on cultural ideas, and it really shapes how we hear a song.
Emotional Interpretations
In music, rain usually stands in for feelings like loneliness, heartbreak, or just being down. Pop and rock musicians often use rain to talk about struggles or losses—The Beatles’ “Rain” comes to mind, with its take on melancholy as just part of life.
But rain isn’t always sad. Sometimes it’s about hope, or starting over, or just washing things clean. That’s kind of the magic of it: rain can mean sadness or renewal, depending on the song.
It’s common to see rain paired with sunshine or fire to draw emotional contrasts. Sunshine might mean happiness, while rain hints at the tough stuff. That push and pull makes a song’s mood more interesting.
Cultural Significance
Rain carries different meanings in different cultures and musical traditions. In Western music, it might stand for new beginnings, cleansing, or how life keeps cycling around. Water’s essential, after all, so rain often gets tied to ideas of abundance.
Key cultural uses of rain in music:
| Symbolism | Example Use |
|---|---|
| Renewal | Songs about redemption |
| Sadness | Ballads of heartbreak |
| Life | References to fertility |
| Cleansing | Spiritual or gospel music |
How we hear rain in songs really depends on where we’re coming from. Some cultures see it as a blessing, others link it to hard times. That variety adds a lot of depth whenever rain shows up in lyrics.
Influence of Weather Imagery on Songwriting
Weather shapes songwriting in all sorts of ways—mood, imagery, even the story itself. Rain especially helps artists dig into emotions and bring listeners into the moment.
Mood and Atmosphere Creation
When you think about songs that mention rain, you can tell the weather imagery isn’t just tossed in by accident. Rain tends to stir up feelings—sadness, longing, that kind of introspection, or sometimes even a weird sense of comfort. Musicians tap into that, letting the sound and lyrics hit a little deeper.
Take Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.” She leans on rain as a way to turn up the drama and heartbreak. Sometimes artists use actual rain sounds, or just mention it, and instantly you feel the mood shift. Here’s a quick look:
| Song | Mood | How Rain is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Adele – Set Fire… | Turmoil, release | Metaphor for emotion |
| Billie Eilish – WTPO | Sadness, closure | Imagery in lyrics |
| “Rainy Night…” | Melancholy, calm | Background ambiance |
Blending rain with melody or lyrics makes the whole thing feel more real—almost like you’re standing in the middle of it. There’s just something about tying weather to emotion that seems to work every time.
