About the song
“Rainy Days and Mondays” by the Carpenters is more than just a song; it’s a timeless piece of music that has resonated with listeners for generations. Released in 1971 as part of their self-titled third album, this ballad showcases the duo’s impeccable harmonies and Richard Carpenter’s masterful production.
The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics, penned by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, perfectly capture the feeling of blue Mondays and the bittersweet nature of life. Williams and Nichols had previously collaborated with the Carpenters on their breakthrough hit, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and their ability to write songs that resonated deeply with audiences was evident once again.
Richard Carpenter’s demo of the song convinced him and his sister Karen that they had found a truly special piece of music. The sparse arrangement, featuring delicate piano chords and subtle percussion, allowed Karen’s ethereal vocals to shine. Her voice, both fragile and powerful, conveyed the emotional depth of the lyrics with remarkable sensitivity. It’s worth noting that the song was recorded just weeks before Karen’s 21st birthday, a testament to her talent and maturity as a performer.
The recording of “Rainy Days and Mondays” also benefited from the contributions of the Wrecking Crew, a group of highly skilled studio musicians who played on countless hit records during the 1960s and 1970s. Their expertise helped to create a rich and textured sound that complemented the Carpenters’ vocal harmonies.
Upon its release, “Rainy Days and Mondays” quickly became a commercial success. The song climbed to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, held back from the top spot only by Carole King’s double-sided hit, “It’s Too Late”/”I Feel the Earth Move.” Despite this near-miss, the song enjoyed a lengthy stay on the charts and became the duo’s fourth number 1 single on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Interestingly, the song’s popularity was not immediate in the United Kingdom, where it failed to chart until a reissue in 1993. However, its enduring appeal has made it a beloved classic around the world. The song’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its relatable lyrics, memorable melody, and the Carpenters’ impeccable performance.
“Rainy Days and Mondays” is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the timeless appeal of the human voice. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, proving that some melodies and lyrics are simply too beautiful to fade away.
Video
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