About the song
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a timeless track by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, released as a single in 1971 from their album *Pendulum*. Penned by the band’s lead singer and guitarist, John Fogerty, this song is a profound reflection of the band’s internal strife and broader social changes of the era. Upon its release, the song achieved remarkable success, reaching number one on the RPM 100 national singles chart in Canada and peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also made an impressive appearance on the Cash Box pop chart, where it climbed to number three. Although it only reached number 36 in the UK, it remains one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most celebrated hits, securing its place as the group’s eighth gold-selling single.
The song’s lyrics, rich with metaphor and introspection, evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection. While some critics, such as Mark Deming of AllMusic, interpret the song as a commentary on the decline of 1960s countercultural idealism during the Nixon administration, John Fogerty himself has suggested that it is more personal. Fogerty has explained that the song reflects the internal tensions within the band, particularly relating to his brother Tom Fogerty’s impending departure from Creedence Clearwater Revival. The evocative lyric, “Have you ever seen the rain, coming down on a sunny day?” symbolizes the disillusionment and emotional turbulence the band experienced at the height of their success.
Adding to its legacy, in March 2023, the song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, highlighting its enduring popularity. The song’s imagery of a sunshower—rain falling on a sunny day—serves as a metaphor for unexpected events and emotional contrasts, a theme that resonates deeply with listeners.
The band’s 50th anniversary in 2018 saw the release of a music video for the song, featuring rising actors such as Jack Quaid, Sasha Frolova, and Erin Moriarty. Directed by Laurence Jacobs and shot in Montana, the video presents a poignant coming-of-age story, capturing the essence of friendship and growth. The video’s narrative, involving three friends navigating life changes, beautifully complements the song’s themes of transition and reflection.
John Fogerty also revisited the song in 2013 with a new recording featuring Alan Jackson on the album *Wrote a Song for Everyone*. This version, alongside the 2005 live rendition recorded at the Wiltern Theatre, demonstrates the song’s lasting impact and its ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Someone told me long ago
There’s a calm before the storm
I know
It’s been comin’ for some time
When it’s over, so they say
It’ll rain a sunny day
I know
Shinin’ down like water
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days before
Sun is cold and rain is hard
I know
Been that way for all my time
‘Til forever, on it goes
Through the circle, fast and slow
I know
It can’t stop, I wonder
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?
Yeah
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?