About the song
Released in 1962, “Rhythm of the Rain” by The Cascades has stood the test of time, captivating audiences across generations with its hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics. Written by John Claude Gummoe, a member of the band, this song has become an iconic classic, resonating with listeners of all ages.
The song’s success was swift and widespread. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1963 and spent two weeks at the top of the Easy Listening chart. Billboard later ranked it as the number 4 song of 1963, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, with top 5 hits in the United Kingdom, number 1 singles in Ireland, and a number 2 spot in Australia.
In Canada, “Rhythm of the Rain” spent 12 weeks on the CHUM Chart, reaching number 1 in February 1963. Its impact was further solidified when BMI listed it as the 9th most performed song on radio/TV in the 20th century in 1999.
The song’s arrangement is notable for its use of a celesta, played by arranger Perry Botkin Jr., which adds a touch of elegance to the melody. The sound of rain and thunder at the beginning and end of the song creates a sense of atmosphere, drawing listeners into the emotional world of the lyrics.
The lyrics themselves are a poignant expression of heartache and longing. Sung from the perspective of a man whose lover has left him, the song’s narrator is reminded of his foolishness by the falling rain. He turns to the rain, asking for answers, but ultimately wishes it would go away, allowing him to cry alone.
The song’s inclusion in the soundtrack of the 1979 film Quadrophenia, as well as its appearance on the soundtrack album, has introduced it to new generations of music lovers. “Rhythm of the Rain” is a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and connect us across time and space.
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)