About the song
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a classic song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, written by John Fogerty and first released as a single in 1971 from their album *Pendulum*. This track became one of the band’s signature songs, reaching significant heights on the charts. In Canada, it topped the RPM 100 national singles chart in March 1971, and in the U.S., it achieved a peak position of number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It also climbed to number three on the Cash Box pop chart and reached number 36 in the UK, solidifying its international appeal. Remarkably, by March 2023, the song had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, a testament to its enduring popularity.
The song’s lyrics and mood are often described as reflective and introspective. In a review for Cash Box, the song was noted as “as close to a ballad as anything from CCR,” highlighting its emotional depth. John Fogerty, the band’s frontman and songwriter, has indicated that the song’s lyrics are about the internal tensions within Creedence Clearwater Revival, particularly surrounding the departure of his brother, Tom Fogerty, from the band. Contrary to some interpretations suggesting that the song reflects the decline of 1960s countercultural idealism during the Nixon era, Fogerty has explained that the song expresses the band’s feelings of unease and melancholy during their peak years of fame.
In a literal sense, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” depicts a sunshower, a meteorological phenomenon common in the Deep South, which is characterized by rain falling while the sun is shining. This imagery underscores the song’s theme of juxtaposed emotions and the contradictory nature of life’s experiences.
The song has been revisited and celebrated in various ways over the years. Notably, John Fogerty released a live version of the song on his *The Long Road Home – In Concert* DVD in 2005, capturing the timeless appeal of the track. Additionally, in 2018, a music video was released to mark the band’s 50th anniversary. Directed by Laurence Jacobs, the video features a narrative that explores themes of friendship and coming of age in Montana, starring actors Jack Quaid, Sasha Frolova, and Erin Moriarty. This visually evocative video enhances the song’s legacy by connecting it with a new generation of fans and adding a fresh layer of storytelling to its classic melody.
Overall, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” remains a quintessential piece of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s legacy, resonating with listeners through its poignant lyrics, memorable melody, and the emotional authenticity that defines John Fogerty’s songwriting.
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?