About the song
“Rhythm of the Rain,” performed by The Cascades, stands as a timeless emblem of 1960s pop music, released in November 1962. Penned by band member John Claude Gummoe, the song swiftly ascended the charts, leaving an indelible mark on the era.
Upon its release, “Rhythm of the Rain” quickly climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1963 and held the top position on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart for two weeks. Billboard ranked it as the 4th biggest hit of 1963, underscoring its widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
Internationally, the song’s success mirrored its US triumphs. In the UK, it became a chart-topping hit in March 1963, while in Ireland, it claimed the No. 1 spot in May of the same year. In Canada, it spent an impressive 12 weeks on the CHUM Chart, reaching No. 1 in March 1963.
Beyond its chart success, “Rhythm of the Rain” has been recognized for its cultural impact. BMI listed it as the 9th most performed song on radio and television in the 20th century, highlighting its enduring popularity and ubiquitous presence in popular culture.
The distinctive arrangement of the song, featuring the use of a celesta, adds to its unique charm. This instrument, known for its ethereal and bell-like tones, complements the song’s wistful lyrics and evokes the gentle patter of raindrops, enhancing its emotional depth and atmospheric quality.
Moreover, “Rhythm of the Rain” found a cinematic home in the 1979 film “Quadrophenia,” where The Cascades’ recording was prominently featured on the soundtrack album, further cementing its place in the annals of music history.
With its evocative imagery of rain and thunder at the beginning and end of the song, “Rhythm of the Rain” continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a timeless reminder of love lost and the enduring power of classic pop melodies.
In essence, “Rhythm of the Rain” remains a cherished classic, celebrated for its melodic beauty, emotive lyrics, and lasting influence on popular music, making it a quintessential piece of the 1960s musical landscape.
Video
Lyrics
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain (ahh)
Telling me just what a fool I’ve been (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain (ahh)
And let me be alone again (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
The only girl I care about has gone away (ahh)
Looking for a brand new start (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
But little does she know that when she left that day (ahh)
Along with her she took my heart (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
Rain please tell me now does that seem fair
For her to steal my heart away when she don’t care?
I can’t love another when my hearts somewhere far away (ooh)
The only girl I care about has gone away (ahh)
Looking for a brand new start (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
But little does she know that when she left that day (ahh)
Along with her she took my heart (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
Rain won’t you tell her that I love her so
Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow
Rain in her heart and let the love we knew start to grow (ooh)
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain (ahh)
Telling me just what a fool I’ve been (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain (ahh)
And let me be alone again (pitter patter, rap-tap-tap)
Oh, listen to the falling rain (ahh)
Pitter patter, pitter patter (ahh)
Ooh listen, listen to the falling rain (ahh)
Pitter patter, pitter patter, ohh (ahh)
Ooh listen, listen to the falling rain (ahh)