About the song
Released in 1974, Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain” is a song that has stood the test of time. This heartfelt ballad, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, quickly became a worldwide sensation. It marked a significant comeback for Sedaka, who had enjoyed immense popularity in the early 1960s.
The song’s title, “Laughter in the Rain,” is a paradox that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love. It suggests that even in the midst of life’s storms, there can be moments of joy and happiness. Sedaka’s smooth vocals, combined with the soulful saxophone solo by Jim Horn, create a rich and evocative soundscape that transports listeners to a different time and place.
The lyrics, penned by Phil Cody, explore themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The song tells the story of a relationship that has ended, but the narrator is able to find solace and hope in the memories they shared. The lines, “I’ll remember you always, as long as I live, and each time it rains, I’ll think of you, and I’ll give a little smile,” are particularly poignant and have resonated with countless listeners over the years.
“Laughter in the Rain” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1975. The song’s popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its relatable theme, catchy melody, and Sedaka’s heartfelt performance. It has since become a classic of the pop genre and is often cited as one of the best songs of the 1970s.
Why does this song continue to resonate with listeners today? Perhaps it’s the universal themes of love, loss, and hope that are explored in the lyrics. Or maybe it’s the nostalgia that the song evokes for those who grew up listening to it in the 1970s. Whatever the reason, “Laughter in the Rain” remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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