About the song
“Crying in the Rain,” originally penned by Carole King with lyrics by Howard Greenfield, is a timeless piece of musical history that has resonated through decades and across multiple renditions. Initially recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1962, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieving significant success internationally.
The collaboration between King and Greenfield was a serendipitous one, occurring when they swapped partners for a day amidst their work at Aldon Music. Despite this fruitful partnership, “Crying in the Rain” stood as their sole co-written piece, showcasing their ability to craft emotive lyrics against a backdrop of melancholic melody.
In 1981, American country music legend Tammy Wynette covered the song, injecting her distinctive style into its poignant narrative. Produced by Chips Moman, Wynette’s rendition soared to number 18 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking another chapter in the song’s enduring legacy.
Norwegian band A-ha breathed new life into “Crying in the Rain” with their 1989 cover, setting it as the lead single for their album “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” (1990). This rendition not only paid homage to the Everly Brothers but also solidified A-ha’s connection to the timeless themes of heartbreak and reflection embedded in the song. Their version achieved notable success, particularly in Norway where it topped the charts and garnered attention across Europe.
The music video for A-ha’s cover, directed by Steve Barron, added a visual narrative to the song’s emotive lyrics. Filmed in Big Timber, Montana, it featured Academy Award-nominated actor John Hawkes in a supporting role, enriching the storytelling with its cinematic quality.
Through these interpretations spanning genres and eras, “Crying in the Rain” has transcended its origins as a simple love song. It has become a canvas upon which different artists have painted their own emotional landscapes, each rendition capturing the essence of heartache and longing in its own unique way. From its humble beginnings with the Everly Brothers to the soulful interpretations of Tammy Wynette and A-ha, this song continues to evoke deep emotions and connect with audiences worldwide, proving its timeless appeal and enduring relevance in the realm of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
I’ll never let you see
The way my broken heart is hurting me
I’ve got my pride and I know how to hide
All my sorrow and pain
I’ll do my crying in the rain
If I wait for cloudy skies
You won’t know the rain from the tears in my eyes
You’ll never know that I still love you so
Though the heartaches remain
I’ll do my crying in the rain
Raindrop falling from heaven
Could never wash away my misery
But since we’re not together
I look for stormy weather
To hide these tears I hope you’ll never see
Someday when my crying’s done
I’m gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun
I may be a fool but till then darling
You’ll never see me complain
I’ll do my crying in the rain
I’ll do my crying in the rain
I’ll do my crying in the rain