Rain Dogs

Album: Rain Dogs (1985)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The phrase "rain dogs" in this song refers to a habit dogs have of leaving home, then getting lost when it rains, because the rain has washed away the markers they have left to guide them. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    James - Lexington, KY
  • According to 1985 interviews, Tom saw the phrase "Rain Dogs" as metaphor for lost human beings, people in pain with no sense of direction. People who sleep in doorways, people who don't have a social or physical place to belong.
  • "The Rose of Tralee" mentioned in the lyric refers to an 19th century Irish ballad about a girl named "Mary, the Rose of Tralee."
  • This song is referenced in the lyrics of the Bush song Everything Zen.

Comments: 2

  • Unclesmedley from Westerly, RiThis video is like Cabaret on meth.
  • Vinny from Boston, MaThis song refers to homeless people.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.