About the song
**”Have You Ever Seen the Rain”: A Timeless Anthem by Creedence Clearwater Revival**
Released in 1971 as a single from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s album *Pendulum*, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” stands as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs. Written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist John Fogerty, the track exemplifies the band’s signature blend of rock, folk, and blues, capturing a poignant and reflective moment in their storied career.
The song quickly made an impact on the charts, reaching number one on Canada’s RPM 100 national singles chart in March 1971. In the United States, it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved a commendable third place on the Cash Box pop chart. In the UK, the song reached number 36, adding to its international appeal. As a testament to its lasting popularity, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” surpassed one billion streams on Spotify by March 2023, underscoring its timeless resonance with audiences across generations.
Described by Cash Box as “as close to a ballad as anything from CCR,” the song’s evocative lyrics and melancholic melody reflect deeper themes beyond a simple sunshower. While some interpretations suggest the song reflects the political disillusionment of the 1960s, John Fogerty himself has noted that it pertains more to the internal strife within the band and the impending departure of his brother Tom Fogerty. The imagery of “rain on a sunny day” serves as a metaphor for the band’s feelings of unease amid their peak success, encapsulating a sense of melancholy and transition.
The song’s enduring appeal has seen it covered by various artists, with Rod Stewart including it on his 2006 album *Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time*. A live version by John Fogerty featured on his *The Long Road Home – In Concert* DVD from 2005 further showcases the song’s lasting impact.
In celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary, a music video for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was released in December 2018. Directed by Laurence Jacobs, the video features a coming-of-age narrative set in Montana, capturing the essence of youthful camaraderie and transition, with rising actors like Jack Quaid and Erin Moriarty. This visual representation complements the song’s introspective themes, adding a contemporary layer to its classic appeal.
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” remains a defining moment in Creedence Clearwater Revival’s legacy, reflecting both personal and universal themes through its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody. Its continued relevance and widespread acclaim affirm its place as a timeless rock anthem.
Video
Lyrics
Someone told me long ago
There’s a calm before the storm
I know
It’s been comin’ for some time
When it’s over, so they say
It’ll rain a sunny day
I know
Shinin’ down like water
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days before
Sun is cold and rain is hard
I know
Been that way for all my time
‘Til forever, on it goes
Through the circle, fast and slow
I know
It can’t stop, I wonder
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?
Yeah
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?