About the song
“Laughter in the Rain” stands as a timeless anthem of love and nostalgia, immortalized by Neil Sedaka’s soulful rendition and the lyrical prowess of Phil Cody. Released in 1974, the song quickly ascended to the pinnacle of music charts, securing the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1975, marking a triumphant return for Sedaka after more than a decade since his last number one hit.
Crafted under the Rocket label in the United States and distributed internationally by Polydor, “Laughter in the Rain” was born from an unexpected inspiration. Sedaka, driven by the urgency to release his version following an unforeseen radio play of a competitor’s cover, sought the aid of MCA Records to expedite its launch, ensuring his rendition would captivate audiences without delay.
The song’s magnetic appeal owes much to its distinctive musical elements. The opening chord of the chorus, famously termed the “drop-dead chord,” borrowed a poignant resonance from Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” seamlessly merging with a pentatonic melody inspired by the classical elegance of Aaron Copland. Such musical finesse underpinned Sedaka’s ability to evoke both sentiment and whimsy in equal measure, resonating deeply with listeners across diverse musical tastes.
Phil Cody’s journey in crafting the lyrics adds a fascinating layer to the song’s narrative. Initially besieged by writer’s block, Cody found himself rejuvenated after a brief outdoor nap aided by a moment of creative clarity, potentially influenced by a hint of serenity from a substance. This creative epiphany enabled him to swiftly pen the lyrics, capturing the essence of a Gene Kelly-esque romantic daydream amid sunny skies and boundless inspiration.
The chart-topping success of “Laughter in the Rain” extended beyond the United States, making waves in Canada where it climbed to #2 on the pop singles chart and secured the #1 spot on the adult contemporary chart. Its journey in the United Kingdom was equally notable, where it maintained a steady presence on the Singles Chart for nine weeks, peaking at #15 in June 1974.
Ultimately, “Laughter in the Rain” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and space, offering listeners a poignant glimpse into the heartfelt expressions of love and longing that resonate universally. Neil Sedaka’s melodic charm, coupled with Phil Cody’s lyrical finesse, continues to weave a tapestry of emotions, reminding us all of the beauty found amidst life’s most tender moments.
Video
Lyrics
Strolling along country roads with my baby
It starts to rain, it begins to pour
Without an umbrella we’re soaked to the skin
I feel a shiver run up my spine
I feel the warmth of her hand in mine
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside
After a while we run under a tree (after a while)
I turn to her and she kisses me
There with the beat of the rain on the leaves (there with the beat)
Softly she breathes and I close my eyes
Sharing our love under stormy skies
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside
I feel the warmth of her hand in mine
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside