Only Happy When It Rains

Album: Garbage (1995)
Charted: 29 55
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Songfacts®:

  • This song is about enjoying being depressed, that strange sensation of feeling so good to feel so sad. And yes, it's rather tongue-in-cheek, which you can suss when lead singer Shirley Manson pleads, "Pour your misery down on me!"

    When the members of Garbage met for the first time, they found that they shared a love for dark music. It seems counterintuitive, but some people - Garbage included - can be uplifted by depressing songs.
  • In a 1995 interview with Addicted to Noise, Steve Marker, the band's guitarist, said, "It's really just us poking fun of ourselves... We're poking fun at the alternate rock angst, wearing your heart on your sleeve thing and at ourselves for writing such dark songs."

    This is a similar sentiment to the sarcasm behind The Smiths' 1984 single "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now."
  • Shirley Manson is from Scotland, where it rains frequently. She thinks of the song as an example of the Scots' self-deprecating humor.
  • The song was written somewhat spur-of-the-moment when the band was sitting around playing acoustic guitars. It started with the line, "I'm only happy when it rains," and was built around the opening lyric.
  • Garbage drummer Butch Vig sees this song as "an homage to The Jesus And Mary Chain."
  • Samuel Bayer directed the music videos for this song and "Stupid Girl." He started off as a painter, bringing a very unconventional approach to videos.
  • This song was used in the 2019 movie Captain Marvel in a scene set in 1995 where Captain Marvel steals a motorcycle.
  • Garbage released a song called "Vow" as their first single, but "Only Happy When It Rains" was their breakout hit. Both songs are from their 1995 self-titled debut album.
  • "Only Happy When It Rains" is the theme song to the 2026 TV series Elle, a prequel to Legally Blonde that picks up the story in 1995 (the year the song was released) when Elle Woods is 16 and enduring a move from sunny Los Angeles to cloudy Seattle. The song signifies her defiant optimism as she's determined to succeed no matter the weather. Use in the series renewed interest in the song and gave it a big streaming bump.

Comments: 9

  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnCool song, Shirley looks absolutely stunning in the video.
  • Tori from Houston, Txdude i really didnt like garbage when i waz younger but now i like LOVE THEM they are so cool it sucks like hardly nybody i know knows who they r exept my bffl. my fav song by garbage iz Not My Idea i luv that song but this 1 rox my sox off 2!!
  • Leon from Waterbury, CtI have severe depression and it can get very, very bad. This is one song that describes depression SO well.
  • Alex from Madrid, Spain"Pour your misery down on me...". Obvious sexual reference!
  • Matthew from LeedsThis song describes this time in my life! Never before has a song got my emotions so true, i am happy im depressed, and i am riding high upon a deep depression. Well done Garbage! Excellent song!
  • Lyzette from Moorpark, Cai hate this song. it is so annoying repetitive. and not even in a cutesy sing-along way. i love the band and Shirley Manson is very pretty and has a kickass voice and everything.....i just don't think this is one of their best songs, so to speak.
  • Elly from Columbus, OhI love this song & i love the dark lyrics
  • Tania from Auckland, New ZealandGarbage is one of my favourite bands and this has to be one of their best songs. Its a great song to identify with.
  • Heidi from Rohnert Park, CaMy absolute favorite Garbage song! I saw them perform in San Francisco a couple of years ago, and this tune brought down the house!
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