About the song
Just Walkin’ in the Rain” is a classic song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its poignant lyrics and soulful melody capture the universal experience of longing and solitude. The song’s origins are as intriguing as its enduring popularity.
Written in 1952 by Johnny Bragg and Robert Riley, two prisoners at Tennessee State Prison, the song’s inspiration came from a simple observation. As Bragg and Riley strolled through the prison courtyard on a rainy day, Bragg remarked, “Here we are just walking in the rain, and wondering what the girls are doing.” Riley, recognizing the potential for a song, suggested they write something based on the idea. Within minutes, Bragg had composed two verses, showcasing his natural songwriting talent.
Despite his inability to read or write, Bragg collaborated with Riley to bring the song to life. Riley wrote down the lyrics, and in exchange, Bragg was credited as one of the song’s writers. The song was subsequently recorded by Bragg and his band, the Prisonaires, and released on Sun Records. While the original version gained some popularity, it was Johnnie Ray’s iconic rendition in 1956 that truly catapulted the song to stardom.
Ray’s version, featuring the backing vocals of the Ray Conniff Singers and a distinctive whistler, became a massive hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lonely individual walking through the rain, lost in thought and yearning for companionship.
“Just Walkin’ in the Rain” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music to connect with listeners on a profound level. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal themes and the evocative nature of its melody.
Video
Lyrics
Just walkin’ in the rain
Getting soaking wet
Torturing my heart
By trying to forget
Just walkin’ in the rain
So alone and blue
All because my heart
Still remembers you
People come to windows (walkin’, walkin’)
They always stare at me (walkin’, walkin’)
Shake their heads in sorrow (walkin’, walkin’)
Saying, “Who can that fool be?” (Oh, oh-oh)
Just walking in the rain
Thinking how we met
Knowing things could change
Somehow I can’t forget
Just walkin’ in the rain
Walkin’ in the rain
Walkin’ in the rain
Just walkin’ in the rain
All day, I
People come to their windows (walkin’, walkin’)
They always stare at me (walkin’, walkin’)
They’re shaking their heads in sorrow (walkin’, walkin’)
Saying, “Who can that fool be?”
(Now who can he be?)
Just walkin’ in the rain (walkin’ in the rain)
Thinking how we met (walkin’ in the rain)
Knowing things have changed (walkin’ in the rain)
Somehow I can’t forget (walkin’ in the rain)