About the song
In the pantheon of country music, few songs have captured the essence of heartache and resilience as poignantly as Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.” Released in January 1989 as the fifth and final single from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes, this haunting ballad would go on to become a defining anthem of Whitley’s career, peaking at number-one in both the United States and Canada. Written by the talented duo of Sonny Curtis and Ron Hellard, “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a narrative of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
With its soaring melody and Whitley’s emotive vocals, the song has become an iconic staple of country music, resonating the hearts of listeners for generations. Even after Whitley’s untimely passing in 1989, the song continued to resonate with fans, earning a posthumous tribute from fellow country artist Joe Diffie on Whitley’s 1995 tribute album. In 2024, Rolling Stone would go on to rank “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” at #139 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, a testament to the song’s enduring impact on the genre.
But “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” is more than just a critically acclaimed song – it’s a window into the life and legacy of Keith Whitley, a country music icon whose talent and charisma continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and significance of this beloved song, exploring its creation, critical reception, and lasting impact on country music.
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Lyrics
I’m no stranger to the rain
I’m a friend of thunder
Friend, is it any wonder lightning strikes me?
I’ve fought with the devil
Got down on his level
But I never gave in, so he gave up on me
I’m no stranger to the rain
I can spot bad weather
And I’m good at finding shelter in a downpour
I’ve been sacrificed by brothers
Crucified by lovers
But through it all, I withstood the pain
I’m no stranger to the rain
When I get that foggy feeling
The one I’m feeling now
If I don’t keep my head up, I may drown
But it’s hard to keep believing
I’ll even come out even
While the rain beats a hole in the ground
And tonight, it’s really coming down
I’m no stranger to the rain
But there’ll always be tomorrow
And I’ll beg, steal, or borrow a little sunshine
And I’ll put this cloud behind me
That’s how the man designed me
To ride the wind and dance in a hurricane
I’m no stranger to the rain
Oh, no, I’m no stranger to the rain
I’m no stranger to the rain
I’m a friend of thunder
Friend, is it any wonder lightning strikes me?
But I’ll put this cloud behind me
That’s how the man designed me
To ride the wind and dance in a hurricane
I’m no stranger to the rain
Oh, no, I’m no stranger to the rain