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. Why Does it Always Rain on Me?
TravisWhy Does it Always Rain on Me?
2000
Sony
Some people seem to walk through life with a dark cloud over their heads. This song asks “Why does it always rain on me?/Even when the sun is shining/I can't avoid the lightning.” Interviews with the songwriter indicate that this song was written about a vacation that was washed out by rain.
2. Island in the Sun
WeezerIsland in the Sun
2001
Interscope Records
Who wouldn’t like to escape to a sunny tropical island? This sunny song speaks of a lazy lifestyle enjoying laid-back island living.
3. Soak up the Sun
Sheryl CrowSoak up the Sun
2002
Interscope Records
On the surface, this summery song sounds like it’s paying homage to sunny weather. However, with lyrics like “I'm gonna soak up the sun/While it's still free/I'm gonna soak up the sun/Before it goes out on me,” there seems to be a commentary on capitalism and materialism.
4. Electrical Storm
U2Electrical Storm
2002
Interscope Records
Likening an approaching thunderstorm to the buildup of tension within a relationship, this song also offers hope of a release after the storm with the line “And if the sky can crack, there must be some way back/To love and only love”.
5. Through the Rain
Mariah CareyThrough the Rain
2003
Island
As in many other songs, the rain in this song is used to represent hardships and personal challenges. This song was released after Mariah Carey’s much publicized personal emotional struggles, proving that she was able to “make it through the rain” with faith and hope.
6. Rain on Me
AshantiRain on Me
2003
Def Jam
The rain keeps falling on the woman in this song, who is at the end of her rope dealing with an abusive relationship. She begs to be rid of the pain and suffering saying “I'm so tired of the rain/In my life.”
7. Come Clean
Hilary DuffCome Clean
2003
Buena Vista
Although no weather condition appears in this title, the repeated refrain of “Let the rain fall down/I'm coming clean” qualifies this song as a recent “weather-themed” hit. The rain is used here to represent a regenerative energy; revealing the basic truths of life after the rainfall.
8. Sunrise
Norah JonesSunrise
2004
Blue Note Records
This laid back song begins with a sunrise that cannot coax two lovers out of bed. Before they know it the “afternoon's already come and gone” and it is night again.
9. When the Sun Goes Down
Kenny ChesneyWhen the Sun Goes Down
2004
Bna Entertainment
Contrary to traditional weather patters, “everything gets hotter when the sun goes down” in this country hit. But when days are spent recovering from the night before, there must be some truth to Chesney’s assertion!
10. Rain
Breaking BenjaminRain
2005
Hollywood Records
The rain in this song symbolizes depression and doubt. The chorus echoes the familiar children’s rhyme with “Rain rain go away/Come again another day/All the world is waiting for the sun”.
