About the song
“I Wish It Would Rain” stands as a poignant testament to both personal tragedy and musical prowess within the Temptations’ extensive catalog. Released in 1967 under Motown’s Gordy imprint and produced by Norman Whitfield, the song was crafted from the heartfelt lyrics of Roger Penzabene, a Motown staff writer. Penzabene, driven by personal anguish after discovering his wife’s infidelity, channeled his sorrow into this soulful ballad and its follow-up, “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You).” Sadly, Penzabene’s emotional turmoil culminated in tragedy when he took his own life just a week after the single’s release, forever intertwining his personal pain with the song’s melancholic lyrics.
Upon its release, “I Wish It Would Rain” resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a standout track on the Temptations’ 1968 album “The Temptations Wish It Would Rain.” Paired with the Melvin Franklin-led “I Truly, Truly Believe” as its B-side, the song achieved significant chart success. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and claimed the top position on the Billboard R&B singles chart for three consecutive weeks in February and March 1968.
Critically acclaimed, the song was noted by Billboard as an “easy beat blues rocker” with a soulful delivery that resonated effortlessly. Cash Box praised its blend of “Bacarachian style” touches, highlighting the song’s unique musical composition characterized by hard percussion and coasting strings that complemented the Temptations’ soulful vocal harmonies.
“I Wish It Would Rain” not only showcased the Temptations’ vocal prowess but also cemented their reputation for delivering emotionally resonant performances. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to capture universal themes of heartbreak and longing, resonating with listeners across generations. Its impact transcends its chart success, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of music to convey raw emotion and connect deeply with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Hmm hmm
Sunshine, blue skies, please go away
A girl has found another and gone away
With her went my future, my life is filled with gloom
So day after day I stay locked up in my room
I know to you, it might sound strange
But I wish it would rain, oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
‘Cause so badly I wanna go outside (such a lovely day)
But everyone knows that a man ain’t supposed to cry
Listen, I gotta cry ’cause crying eases the pain, oh yeah
People this hurt I feel inside
Words could never explain,
I just wish it would rain, oh let it rain, rain, rain, rain, ooo baby
Let it rain, oh yeah, let it rain
Day in day out my tear-stained face
Pressed against the window pane
My eyes search the skies desperately for rain
‘Cause rain drops will hide my tear drops
And no one will ever know that I’m crying
Crying when I go outside
To the world outside my tears
I refuse to explain, ooo I wish it would rain, ooh, baby
Let it rain, let it rain
I need rain to disguise the tears in my eyes
Oh, let it rain
Oh yeah, yeah, listen
I’m a man and I got my pride
‘Til it rains I’m gonna stay inside, let it rain