Rain

Album: Love (1985)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Ian Astbury has said that this song is purely about sex. The lyrics are certainly full of innuendo: "Hot sticky scenes you know what I mean, like a desert sun that burns my skin. I've been waiting for her so long, open the sky and let her come down."
  • The Cult released their breakthrough single, "She Sells Sanctuary," in May 1985 before they started recording the Love album. When that song took off, their producer, Steve Brown, gave them a directive: Write a very similar song.

    That song was "Rain," which like "Sanctuary" is driven by Ian Astbury's sexually charged lyrics and Billy Duffy's infamous D drone melody. As they hoped, the song gave them another hit in their native UK and became a concert staple, been played on almost every Cult tour since its release.
  • In November 1989, during a concert at Wembley Arena in London, Astbury said after the band finished this song: "So you like that one?" After the audience cheered, Astbury responded: "Personally, I don't."
  • This features on the album, Live Cult, which was recorded live at the Marquee Club, London on November 27, 1991.
  • A remix, "(Here Comes The) Rain," is available on the out-of-print Love Mixes and the limited edition box set Rare Cult. Said remix also features in the 1986 Italian horror film, Dèmoni 2.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.