About the song
“I Wish It Would Rain” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the music world. Recorded in 1967 by the legendary Motown group, the Temptations, this mournful ballad has become an iconic representation of heartbreak and longing. The song’s poignant lyrics, penned by Motown staff writer Roger Penzabene, are a reflection of his own personal pain and sorrow, which he poured into the song just days after learning that his wife was cheating on him.
Tragically, Penzabene’s emotional turmoil ultimately led to his untimely death, barely a week after the single’s release. Despite this devastating loss, “I Wish It Would Rain” went on to become a massive hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and reaching the top spot on the Billboard R&B singles chart.
The song’s success can be attributed to the masterful production of Norman Whitfield, who brought together the Temptations’ signature harmonies and the Funk Brothers’ instrumentation to create a soulful, blues-rock sound that resonated with audiences. The song’s easy beat and soaring strings, combined with David Ruffin’s powerful lead vocals, make it a standout track in the Temptations’ discography.
Over the years, “I Wish It Would Rain” has been covered by numerous artists, including Gladys Knight & the Pips, Jon Stevens, and Bruce Springsteen. Despite these interpretations, the Temptations’ original version remains the most iconic and enduring, a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the group’s enduring legacy in the world of music.
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Lyrics
Ooh, ooh (whoa)
Sunshine, blue skies, please go away
My girl has found another, and gone away
With her went my future, my life is filled with gloom
So day after day, I stay locked up in my room
I know to you, it might sound strange
But I wish it would rain
(Oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah
‘Cause so badly, I wanna go outside (such a lovely day)
But everyone knows that a man ain’t supposed to cry
Listen, I got to cry, ’cause crying eases the pain, oh yeah
People, this hurt I feel inside, words could never explain
I just wish it would rain (oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Oh, let it rain, rain, rain, rain (oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Ooh, baby, let it rain (rain, rain)
Oh yeah, let it rain
Day in, day out, my tear-stained face
Pressed against my windowpane
My eyes search the skies desperately for rain
‘Cause rain drops will hide my teardrops
And no one will ever know that I’m crying (crying) crying (crying)
When I go outside
To the world outside, my tears, I refuse to explain
Ooh, I wish it would rain (how I wish that it would rain)
Ooh, baby, let it rain, let it rain (let it rain)
I need rain to disguise the tears in my eyes (rain, rain, rain, rain)
Oh, let it rain
Oh, yeah, yeah, listen, let it rain (let it rain)
I’m a man, and I’ve got my pride (let it rain)
‘Til it rains, I’m gonna stay inside