About the song
When It Rains It Pours: A Country Ballad by Merle Haggard
In the realm of country music, Merle Haggard stands as a towering figure, an artist whose voice and songwriting have resonated with generations of listeners. His music, infused with a blend of traditional and progressive elements, has captured the essence of the American experience, chronicling the joys and sorrows, triumphs and tribulations of everyday people. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “When It Rains It Pours” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the complexities of life and the human condition.
Released in 1990 as part of Haggard’s album Blue Jungle, “When It Rains It Pours” is a classic country tune that bears the hallmarks of Haggard’s masterful songwriting. The song opens with a melancholic guitar melody, setting the stage for Haggard’s heartfelt vocals. His voice, weathered yet rich with emotion, weaves a tale of hardship and resilience, painting vivid images of struggle and perseverance.
The lyrics of “When It Rains It Pours” are a masterclass in storytelling. Haggard deftly employs metaphors and imagery to convey the universal experience of misfortune, capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The song’s title, a common proverb, serves as the central theme, underscoring the notion that when things are bad, they often seem to get even worse.
Throughout the song, Haggard explores the various facets of adversity, from financial struggles to personal loss. He sings of the “poor man’s plight” and the “heavy load” that life can place upon one’s shoulders. Yet, amidst the despair, there is a glimmer of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will.
The chorus of “When It Rains It Pours” is a poignant refrain that encapsulates the song’s message: “Sometimes it seems like I’m walkin’ in a flood / When it rains it pours.**” These simple yet powerful words echo the sentiment of those who have faced seemingly insurmountable odds, yet have emerged with their spirit unbroken.
In the bridge, Haggard acknowledges the transient nature of life’s trials, offering a glimmer of solace: “Before it’s over it will wash away all I had / The poor is over and it’s washed away.” This verse suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
“When It Rains It Pours” concludes with a sense of acceptance and determination. Haggard sings, “I’ll just keep on goin’ ’til the skies clear up / When it rains it pours.” These final lines serve as a beacon of hope, reminding listeners that even amidst the storms of life, there is always the promise of brighter days ahead.
Merle Haggard’s “When It Rains It Pours” is a timeless country ballad that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery capture the essence of human struggle and resilience, offering solace and inspiration to those facing life’s challenges. Haggard’s masterful songwriting and captivating vocals make this song a true gem of the country music genre, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with the human spirit.
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Lyrics
“When It Rains It Pours”
I’m all alone and I’m feeling blue
Wishing you were here with me
So I could say to you
Honey, I Love youIt’s 2 a.m. and I can not sleep
Cause you are so very,very far from me
And It hurts me
To be aloneYou are the kind that loves to here
Sweet love words whispered in your ear
But I’m a silent man
I don’t know the lingoThe rain is sprinkling outside my door
And wondering when it will begin to pour
Like my life, when it rains it poursWhen it rains it pours
Lightning and thunder
It all makes me wonder
When will it endWhen it rains it pours
It all seems so sad
Before it’s over
It will wash away all i hadWhen it rains it pours
Lightning and thunder
It all makes me wonder
When will it end
When it rains it pours
It all seems so sad
Before it’s over
It will wash away all i hadNow the pour is over
And it’s washed away all i hadYeah, the pour is over
And it’s washed away all i had