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!
by Associate Writer Fred Cabral
1. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head
B.J. ThomasRaindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head
1970
Varese Sarabande
Despite the rainfall, this song’s optimistic message reminds us that a positive attitude can weather any storm. This top ten hit was featured in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”.
2. Fire and Rain
James TaylorFire and Rain
1970
Rhino
This song uses weather to represent the highs and lows of the singer’s life. Through fire, rain and “sunny days that I thought would never end”, the singer reminisces about a lost friend.
3. Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Creedence Clearwater RevivalHave You Ever Seen the Rain?
1971
Fantasy
This song asks “Have you ever seen the rain, Comin' down on a sunny day?” But no rainbow appears in this song, reportedly written about a band member’s bitter departure at the height of commercial success.
4. Rainy Days and Mondays
The CarpentersRainy Days and Mondays
1971
Interscope Records
Rain has often been used to symbolize sadness and despair in music. This song associates rain with that most stressful of days, Monday, for a double helping of gloom and brooding.
5. Ain't No Sunshine
Bill WithersAin't No Sunshine
1971
Sony
As rain frequently symbolizes sadness, sunshine typically represents happiness and contentment in music. The young woman in this song means so much to the singer that her every absence feels like the sun and all of its warmth has disappeared.
6. Summer Breeze
Seals & CroftsSummer Breeze
1972
Warner Bros.
Soothing harmonies, a gentle melody, and lyrics like “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, Blowing through the jasmine in my mind” made this sensual tune a big hit for the Texas duo.
7. You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Stevie WonderYou Are the Sunshine of My Life
1973
Motown
This soulful hit from a living legend speaks of a love that is as essential as the sun. This song certainly kept the sun shining on Stevie Wonder, garnering him his third number one hit and a Grammy award.
8. Sunshine On My Shoulders
John DenverSunshine On My Shoulders
1974
RCA
Stemming from John Denver’s deep love of the natural world, this song communicates a sincere emotional connection to nature and the elements. The sunshine in this song brings happiness and tears, illustrating the changeable demeanor of the weather.
9. Seasons in the Sun
Terry JacksSeasons in the Sun
1974
Bell Records
This elegiac song is about a dying man fondly recalling the “seasons in the sun” of his spent life. This song enjoyed its own “season in the sun,” reaching number one on the U.S. and U.K. charts in 1974.
10. Cold as Ice
ForeignerCold as Ice
1977
Atlantic Records
A song about a coldhearted lover willing to sacrifice true love for material pursuits. Maybe selling four million records in 1977 warmed Foreigner’s hearts?