About the song
“Rainy Days and Mondays,” a melancholic yet soulful ballad by The Carpenters, embodies the essence of introspection and emotional resonance that defined the duo’s musical legacy. Released as part of their third album, the song was crafted by the renowned songwriting duo Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, celebrated for their ability to weave heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies.
The genesis of “Rainy Days and Mondays” began with a demo that immediately struck a chord with Richard Carpenter. Recognizing its potential to highlight Karen Carpenter’s exceptional vocal range and emotive delivery, he orchestrated a recording that emphasized simplicity and elegance. With Richard on piano and Wurlitzer electric piano, and accompanied by the skilled musicianship of the Wrecking Crew—Joe Osborn on bass, Hal Blaine on drums, Tommy Morgan on harmonica, and Bob Messenger on tenor saxophone—the song achieved a poignant musicality that resonated deeply with audiences.
Upon its release, “Rainy Days and Mondays” ascended to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, underscoring its broad appeal and the emotional connection it forged with listeners. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart, marking it as The Carpenters’ fourth number 1 single in that category. Despite its success in the United States, the song initially failed to chart in the United Kingdom until a reissue in 1993.
The lyrical themes of loneliness and melancholy, encapsulated in lines like “Talking to myself and feeling old,” resonate universally, capturing the sentiment of finding solace in music during somber moments. Karen Carpenter’s vocals, simultaneously tender and powerful, imbue the song with a raw emotional honesty that continues to captivate listeners decades later.
Beyond its commercial success, “Rainy Days and Mondays” has endured as a quintessential piece of The Carpenters’ repertoire, celebrated in compilations and cherished by fans worldwide. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless quality of its composition and the enduring legacy of Karen and Richard Carpenter’s musical collaboration.
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