About the song
“Who’ll Stop the Rain,” a classic song penned by John Fogerty and famously performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival, remains a poignant reflection of its time. Released as part of their 1970 album *Cosmo’s Factory*, the song achieved significant success, becoming one of three double-sided singles from the album to secure a spot in the top five on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. It notably climbed to the No. 2 position, alongside the hit “Lookin’ Out My Back Door”/”Long As I Can See the Light.” The song’s enduring appeal was solidified when Rolling Stone ranked it No. 188 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2004.
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” is characterized by its deeply reflective lyrics and distinctive acoustic folk-rock sound. The song’s lyrics are structured in three verses, each exploring different temporal dimensions: historical, recent past, and present. These verses weave a narrative of persistent disillusionment and societal malaise, evoking themes of discontent that have resonated through various eras, from the “good men through the ages” to the “Five Year Plans and New Deals” and the Woodstock generation.
Musically, the song diverges from the 1950s rock-inspired sound of “Travelin’ Band” and adopts a more acoustic, folk-rock feel. It opens with a resonant acoustic guitar riff, establishing a tone that complements the song’s reflective lyrics. The roots rock backing further enhances its distinctiveness within the folk-rock genre.
John Fogerty, when discussing the song’s origins, has hinted at its broader commentary on political and social issues, particularly reflecting a subtle protest against the Vietnam War. He also recounted that the inspiration came after attending Woodstock, where the chaotic and muddy conditions served as a backdrop to his reflections. Despite its apparent protest nature, Fogerty’s explanation also reveals a more personal anecdote about his son’s innocent reaction to the song.
Reception of the song was highly favorable. Billboard described it as a “blockbuster side” with a compelling beat, while Cash Box highlighted Creedence’s unique “river-rock style.” Record World celebrated it as a “two-sided smash,” and Ultimate Classic Rock critic Bryan Wawzenek praised the lyrics for their clever allegory, reflecting on the futility of efforts to address widespread issues.
Over the years, “Who’ll Stop the Rain” has been covered by a diverse array of artists, from Bruce Springsteen to Dwight Yoakam. Its adaptability across various interpretations underscores its timeless quality and continued relevance. Whether through live performances or studio recordings, the song remains a significant piece of musical history, embodying the spirit of its era and continuing to captivate audiences with its introspective and evocative themes.
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Lyrics
Long as I remember the rain been comin’ down
Clouds of mystery pourin’ confusion on the ground
Good men through the ages tryin’ to find the sun
And I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain?
I went down Virginia, seekin’ shelter from the storm
Caught up in the fable, I watched the tower grow
Five Year Plans and New Deals, wrapped in golden chains
And I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain?
Heard the singers playin’, how we cheered for more
The crowd had rushed together, tryin’ to keep warm
Still the rain kept pourin’, fallin’ on my ears
And I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain?