When Music Mirrors the Skies: A Journey Through Weather-Themed Songs

The elements have long inspired artists of every medium, and songwriters are no exception. The weather, with its dynamic and emotional nature, serves as the perfect backdrop for storytelling in music. 

Let’s take a stroll through the clouds, sun, and stormy skies with some of the most iconic weather-themed songs ever written. Each track, with its unique melody and lyrics, captures the essence of the weather it describes, reflecting the depth of human emotions accompanying the changing skies.

“Here Comes The Sun” By The Beatles

One of the most uplifting songs ever to grace our ears is The Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun.” Written by George Harrison, the song is a gentle reminder of the healing power of the sun after a long, cold, lonely winter. Harrison was actually inspired to write the song at the house of his friend Eric Clapton while taking a break from the band’s business meetings.

“Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo, here comes the sun

And I say it’s all right“

The repetitive doo-doo-doo-doo mimics the gentle, almost playful rays peeking through after a gloom. Harrison described the song’s creation as a relief, akin to the relief one feels when winter finally gives way to spring. The simple assertion that “it’s all right” speaks volumes – it’s not just the weather improving but also the mood, the outlook, and the future.

“It’s Raining Men” By The Weather Girls

Then we switch to an entirely different weather pattern with The Weather Girls’ hit “It’s Raining Men.” This song is less about meteorological rain and more about celebrating a downpour of ideal men. Written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer, “It’s Raining Men” is a high-energy anthem of female empowerment and fun.

“It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah! – It’s Raining Men! Amen!

I’m gonna go out to run and let myself get

Absolutely soaking wet!“

The lyrics are an unabashed embrace of abundance and joy. It’s about letting go, having fun, and not being afraid to get “soaking wet” in the process.

The metaphorical “rain” represents an overflow of good fortune, and the song remains an emblematic dance number that’s sure to get people on their feet, welcoming the metaphorical storm.

“November Rain” By Guns N’ Roses

As autumn leaves give way to a chill in the air, Guns N’ Roses’ epic ballad “November Rain” aptly captures the emotional atmosphere of a grey and introspective late-fall day. The song, featuring one of the most famous guitar solos by Slash, is a tale of love, loss, and the passing of seasons.

“And it’s hard to hold a candle

In the cold November rain“

These lyrics touch on the difficulty of keeping a flame – representing love or hope – alive amidst the dreariness and isolation that can come with the onset of winter. The story of “November Rain” is akin to a short film, with a dramatic narrative arc that mirrors the changing and unpredictable nature of early winter weather.

“Walking On Sunshine” By Katrina And The Waves

Moving from the somber to the sunny, “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina And The Waves captures the carefree, jubilant feeling that comes with a beautiful sunny day. The song’s infectious energy and upbeat tempo have made it an enduring feel-good classic.

“I’m walking on sunshine, wooah

I’m walking on sunshine, wooah

And don’t it feel good!“

The chorus is the sonic equivalent of a bright day – it’s practically impossible not to feel uplifted while listening. The lyrics reflect a positive transformation, where the protagonist feels so elated it’s as if they’re literally walking on rays of sunshine. It’s an anthem for good moods and good times, with weather as a metaphor for inner joy.

“Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” By Burt Bacharach

Sometimes, weather is not just a backdrop but a central character in a story. This is true for “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” written by Burt Bacharach and famously sung by B.J. Thomas. The song became an integral part of the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, capturing the essence of relentless optimism in the face of adversity.

“Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head

But that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turnin’ red“

These words are a lesson in resilience. Even as the raindrops fall, symbolizing challenges and setbacks, the singer refuses to let sorrow win. The cheerful tempo belies the stoic message of the song, which is about keeping one’s spirits high, regardless of the “weather” life throws at you.

“Singing In The Rain” By Gene Kelly

Speaking of resilience, Gene Kelly’s iconic “Singing in the Rain” is virtually the epitome of finding joy in less-than-perfect conditions. From the film of the same name, this song represents the ability to dance and sing through life’s storms, quite literally.

“I’m singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feelin’

I’m happy again“

These lines are about liberation through joy. Kelly’s character is so in love that even a torrential downpour can’t dampen his spirits. It’s a celebration of love’s ability to cast a warm glow on even the wettest, dreariest day.

“Riders On The Storm” By The Doors

In stark contrast to Kelly’s jubilation is The Doors’ “Riders On The Storm.” This song is a haunting ode to the dangers and uncertainties of life. The sound of rain and thunder at the beginning sets a moody atmosphere, which carries throughout the piece.

“Riders on the storm

Into this house we’re born

Into this world we’re thrown“

These lyrics delve deep into the human condition, suggesting that we’re all just trying to navigate the “storm” of life. It’s philosophical and a bit eerie, echoing the sense of foreboding that can come with a gathering storm.

“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions

If storms are often a metaphor for life’s challenges, then Scorpions’ “Rock You Like A Hurricane” is about the raw energy and power within us to face those challenges head-on. This hard rock anthem is brimming with confidence and a wild call to action.

“Here I am

Rock you like a hurricane“

The simplicity of these words is deceiving; the song is a rallying cry, a declaration of presence and force. It’s the musical equivalent of a storm surging to life, a reminder of the intensity and passion we all possess.

“Like A Hurricane” by Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Like A Hurricane” offers a different take on the whirlwind metaphor, describing an overpowering love. The song’s guitar riffs swirl around the listener as Young’s lyrics convey a sense of being consumed by emotion.

“I am just a dreamer

But you are just a dream

You could have been anyone to me“

These lines express the ephemeral and overwhelming nature of the feeling he’s describing, much like a hurricane that can’t be controlled or understood but only experienced.

“The Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song” is a masterpiece that explores the entire spectrum of seasons and emotions that accompany them. It’s a complex piece, shifting from soft, drizzling verses to powerful, stormy crescendos, much like an actual rainstorm.

“Upon us all a little rain must fall

It’s just a little rain“

The metaphorical ‘little rain’ speaks to the inevitability of hardships in life. The song’s structure and dynamics take the listener through the various stages of a storm, representing the ebbs and flows of our emotional lives.

“It Will Rain” by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain” is a soulful ballad that taps into the heartache of impending loss. The weather imagery here depicts the intensity of feeling that comes with a threatened love.

“If you ever leave me, baby,

Leave some morphine at my door“

Mars’ plea is as gut-wrenching as a cold, relentless downpour. The song reflects the desperation one feels when facing a future without their loved one, akin to an endless rainy season without hope for sunshine.

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Rod Stewart

Originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival and covered by Rod Stewart, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” touches on change and the cyclic nature of life’s troubles and triumphs.

“I want to know, have you ever seen the rain

Comin’ down on a sunny day?“

These lines question the paradox of rain on a sunny day, a natural phenomenon that can seem as confusing as the unexpected twists. The song is a classic with a timeless message about the unpredictable nature of our existence.

“Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band

Lastly, “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band strikes a chord with its tale of love that can’t quite stay put due to the restless spirit of the protagonist.

“And this highway’s like a woman

Soft and sweet, curved and dangerous“

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man caught between the warmth of love and the allure of the road – a weathered traveler at heart. The colder weather is a metaphor for the loneliness and the chill of the unknown that awaits him as he leaves behind the warmth of staying in one place with one person.

Understanding Ourselves through Weather-Inspired Anthems

Weather-themed songs do more than just offer commentary on the climate; they serve as profound metaphors for the human experience. Each track, like a weather pattern, reflects the changing nature of our emotions, relationships, and life occurrences. 

From the hopeful rays of “Here Comes The Sun” to the stormy heartache of “November Rain,” these songs articulate our deepest feelings in a language that resonates universally. Anthems like “Walking On Sunshine” and “Singing In The Rain” encourage us to find joy and positivity even when circumstances seem bleak. 

On the other hand, “Riders On The Storm” and “It Will Rain” remind us of the introspective and sometimes dark moments that are inevitable. Whether it’s the celebration of love’s power in “Like A Hurricane,” the inevitability of life’s challenges in “The Rain Song,” or the confusion of change in “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” these weather-centric songs allow us to see the human heart through the prism of the skies. 

They encourage us to dance through storms, bask in the sunlight, and always remember that, like the weather, our troubles and joys are transient, leading to new days and new tunes to which we can all sing along.