About the song
In the realm of pop music, few songs have captured the essence of melancholy as poignantly as “Rainy Days and Mondays” by the Carpenters. Released in 1971, this timeless ballad, with its haunting melody and Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocals, has resonated with audiences for decades.
Penned by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the song’s lyrics delve into the universal experience of feeling downcast and longing for brighter days. The opening lines, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down,” immediately set the tone for a reflective and introspective piece. The song explores themes of loneliness, disappointment, and the bittersweet nature of life.
Karen Carpenter’s vocal performance is a standout feature of “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Her voice, both delicate and powerful, conveys a depth of emotion that draws listeners in. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Carpenter’s vocals to take center stage. The instrumental backing, provided by the legendary Wrecking Crew, complements her performance beautifully.
The song’s success was undeniable. It reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent seven weeks in the Top 10. While it was prevented from reaching the top spot by Carole King’s “It’s Too Late”/”I Feel the Earth Move,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” solidified the Carpenters’ status as one of the most popular duos of the era.
Despite its enduring popularity, the song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success. It has become a beloved standard, often covered by other artists and featured in films and television shows. “Rainy Days and Mondays” continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for better days to come.
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Lyrics
Talkin’ to myself and feelin’ old
Sometimes I’d like to quit
Nothin’ ever seems to fit
Hangin’ around
Nothin’ to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
What I’ve got they used to call the blues
Nothin’ is really wrong
Feelin’ like I don’t belong
Walkin’ around
Some kind of lonely clown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Funny, but it seems I always wind up here with you
Nice to know somebody loves me
Funny, but it seems that it’s the only thing to do
Run and find the one who loves me (the one who loves me)
What I feel has come and gone before
No need to talk it out (talk it out)
We know what it’s all about
Hangin’ around (hangin’ around)
Nothin’ to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Funny, but it seems that it’s the only thing to do (only thing to do)
Run and find the one who loves me (ooh)
What I feel has come and gone before
No need to talk it out (to talk it out)
We know what it’s all about
Hangin’ around (hangin’ around)
Nothin’ to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Hangin’ around (hangin’ around)
Nothin’ to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get
Me down