Over the years, musicians have written and performed songs about pretty much any subject you can imagine. Elvis sang about a prized pair of shoes, The Beatles had a flashy submarine, and Prince praised a woman’s fruit-colored headwear.
Time after time, artists have turned to the weather for inspiration. This list recognizes some of the biggest weather-themed songs of the 1960's. Check out which of your favorites appear (or are left out)!
If you know of a song that should be included on this list, join the weather message boards and share your song! I would love to add to this list!
1. Crying in the Rain
Everly BrothersCrying in the Rain
1962
Rhino
The Everly Brothers are left crying in the rain for a lost love in this Howard Greenfield and Carole King penned ballad. Let's hope this duo sees clear skies in the future!
2. Rhythm of the Rain
CascadesRhythm of the Rain
1963
Taragon Records
In this mournful ballad, reportedly written on a Navy vessel stationed off of Alaska, a rhythmic rainfall reminds a brokenhearted man of his lost love. “Rhythm of the Rain” scored the Cascades their biggest and most enduring hit.
3. Blowin’ in the Wind
Peter, Paul, and MaryBlowin’ in the Wind
1963
Rhino
Written by a then-unknown Bob Dylan, this song became a huge hit for Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1963. It went on to become one of the best-known protest songs of the 60’s, in which the answers to the world’s social problems are found blowin’ in the wind.
4. Heat Wave
Martha and the VandellasHeat Wave
1963
Motown
This upbeat Motown dance number burned up the charts in ’63 and helped scorch a path for a multitude of girl groups.
5. Get Off of My Cloud
The Rolling StonesGet Off of My Cloud
1965
Virgin Records
Apparently “two’s a crowd” on the Stones’ cloud! Despite the antisocial theme, this song went on to be a solid follow up to “Satisfaction.”
6. Lightning Strikes
Lou ChristieLightning Strikes
1966
Rhino
Likening the irresistible power of love to a lightning strike, this song originally struck out with Lou Christie’s record label, but went on to electrify listeners, becoming one of Christie biggest hits.
7. The Rain, the Park, and Other Things
The CowsillsThe Rain, the Park, and Other Things
1967
Polydor
It may be raining in the park, but the showers in this breezy song about love at first sight brought us the “flower girl.” It also scored the Cowsills a chart topping single.
8. Windy
AssociationWindy
1967
Warner Bros.
This late 60’s hit from the folk-rock group the Association introduced music fans to Windy, a free-spirited girl who “has stormy eyes that flash at the sound of lies.”
9. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Fifth DimensionAquarius/Let the Sunshine In
1969
Arista
This psychedelic New Age anthem was written for the rock opera Hair. The song scored big with its sunny lyrics and catchy chorus.
10. Here Comes the Sun
The BeatlesHere Comes the Sun
1969
Capitol
This George Harrison penned hit was apparently inspired by the long English winters that seem to last forever. This song proclaims the joyful return of the sun and “the smiles returning to the faces.”
