Have You Ever Seen the Rain

John Fogerty, Alan Jackson

About Have You Ever Seen the Rain

"Have You Ever Seen the Rain" is a song written by John Fogerty and released as a single in 1971 from the album Pendulum (1970) by roots rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival. The song charted highest in Canada, reaching number one on the RPM 100 national singles chart in March 1971. In the U. S., in the same year it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart (where it was listed as "Have You Ever Seen the Rain / Hey Tonight", together with the B-side). On Cash Box pop chart, it peaked at number three. In the UK, it reached number 36. It was the group's eighth gold-selling single. Some have speculated that the song's lyrics are referencing the Vietnam War, with the "rain" being a metaphor for bombs falling from the sky. In his review of the song for Allmusic website, Mark Deming suggests that the song is about the idealism of the 1960s and about it fading in the wake of events such as the Altamont Free Concert and the Kent State shootings and that Fogerty is saying that the same issues of the 1960s still existed in the 1970s but that people were no longer fighting for them. However, Fogerty himself has said in interviews and prior to playing the song in concert that the song is about rising tension within CCR and the imminent departure of his brother Tom from the band. In an interview, Fogerty stated that the song was written about the fact that they were on the top of the charts, and had surpassed all of their wildest expectations of fame and fortune. They were rich and famous, but somehow all of the members of the band at the time were depressed and unhappy; thus the line "Have you ever seen the rain, coming down on a sunny day?". The band split in October the following year after the release of the album Mardi Gras. 


Year:
2013
3:16
2,615 
#16

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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 reign a sunny day
I know, shinin' down like water

I wanna know have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know that 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 life

'Til forever, on it goes
Through the circle, fast and slow
I know, it can't stop, I wonder

I wanna know that have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day? Yeah

I wanna know that have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know that have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?

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John Fogerty

John Cameron Fogerty (born May 28, 1945) is an American musician, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for his time with the swamp rock/roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and as a solo recording artist. Fogerty has a rare distinction of being named on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists at #40 and the list of 100 Greatest Singers at #72. The songs "Proud Mary" and "Born on the Bayou" also rank amongst the Greatest Pop songs ("Proud Mary," #41) and Guitar songs ("Born on the Bayou," #53). more »

3 fans

Written by: John Fogerty

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origins & Meaning
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" was written by John Fogerty, the lead singer, and songwriter of the popular rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival. According to Fogerty, the song was written about the impending disintegration of his band, symbolizing the "rain" that was going to fall on their sunny days.
Release Year
The song was released as a single in 1971 from the band's album "Pendulum". It soon climbed the charts and has since become a classic rock staple.
Chart Performance
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" was a commercial success. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart in the U.S.
Music Style
This song is categorized under genres like roots rock, swamp rock, and country rock. The band's music was categorized as ‘swamp rock’ because of its blend of rock with other genres such as blues, country, and R&B, reflecting music from the Mississippi swamps.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists across diverse genres, including Rod Stewart, Bonnie Tyler, and Joan Jett. Each artist added their unique twist, showcasing the song's enduring appeal and adaptability.
In Popular Culture
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" has been used in many films, commercials, and television series, including "The Longest Yard", "Stargate SG-1", and "My Name is Earl". It was also featured in an episode of "The Simpsons".
Accolades
Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song No. 188 on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, a testament to the song's enduring popularity and influence.
Misinterpretations
Although Fogerty has clarified its true meaning, some still incorrectly interpret "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" as a protest song against the Vietnam War, given the band's history of political commentary and the social context of the time when the song was written.
Live Performances
After Creedence Clearwater Revival disbanded, John Fogerty had a successful solo career and often performed ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’ during his concerts, keeping the legacy of this classic song alive.
Public Reception
The song remains popular today, more than 50 years after its release. It has been streamed millions of times on Spotify, further proving its timeless resonance with audiences across generations.

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