In light of the recent storms that hit Austin, Texas this weekend and last, it seems most appropriate to talk about a few country hits that are on the “must listen to while it’s raining” list. If there is one thing that a country artist likes to sing about, it is feelings. And especially feeling those feelings when it’s dreary outside. Even if the song doesn’t deal directly with rain, it will probably make you nostalgic for spending time with you favorite people on a day that calls for multiple movie marathons, popcorn, board games, and warm, home-cooked food. Some may argue that these song choices are better suited for after a break up, but if you think about it, a break up is just a rainy day for your emotions (and maybe your eye balls).
- Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band
Hitting number one in 2011 on the Billboard of Hot Country Music, this song is easily a go to. Singing about “colder weather” and leaving the people you love is just plain depressing. The slow melody is entrancing; making you want to be around the people you love. The song only adds to the sentimental feelings and longing that come along with a rainy day.
- Diamonds and Gasoline by Turnpike Troubadours
Another slow and steady paced song, Diamonds and Gasoline is easy to follow and has a strong sense of honestly and truth to it. Just like the lull of rain on a windowpane or the street, the rhythm puts you in a calm and peaceful mindset. In the midst of rain or a thunderstorm, the need for serenity is high. Though the song didn’t get much recognition by chart topping, those who follow the Turnpike Troubadours can attest to its emotional appeal.
- I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
The second number one of the Billboard of Hot Country Music on the list, topped the charts in 2000. Lee Ann Womack uplifts her listeners throughout the song to “feel strong when you stand beside the ocean” and not to sell out. On a rainy day, a little empowerment goes a long way, and is by all means necessary so as not to get bogged down by all of the gloom.
- When It Rains by Eli Young Band
Sometimes there are those days where your motivation has left, you can’t help but feel alone, and you feel like you’ve been set back into equilibrium when it starts to rain. Somehow the rain makes you feel a little less lonely. This song sings directly to that, saying, “Yeah the sun may brighten your day but if I had my way I would take the rain.” Winning Song of the Year in 2011, it is clear that more than a few people can relate to feeling their best on a rainy day.
- 19 You + Me by Dan and Shay
A feel good song is crucial in completing the playlist for a rainy day. Although the rain may bring you down, its always reassuring to hear that you are loved. It’s that song you dance around in the kitchen to while making a nice dinner in because the weather outside is unfavorable. A more recent song, it topped the charts for US Billboard top 100 in 2013-2014. No better way to finish out the list than a little revitalization.
But why listen to certain country songs when it’s raining? Because the genre really supplies the listeners with a plethora of songs that talk all about rain all of the feelings that come with it: love, loneliness, companionship, and tranquility. There are many other songs that fall into these categories, but these are a few that I think fit best. And no matter what, any country is easily the right choice for some rainy day jams.
Aw! Such a good idea for an article. I love this list but I hope I don’t need to listen to it anytime soon (I don’t like the rain!) I like the humor you incorporated (“a breakup is just a rainy day for your emotions…”) and your voice is really clear throughout the whole piece. I do have a rainy day playlist on Spotify but it doesn’t have any country music on it…I usually use country music to make myself feel happy and not enhance my gloom–but I’ll have to think about adding some of these songs and giving it a try. I like how you added the Dan and Shay song at the end because it added a nice contrast to the rest of the list while still serving a purpose. Thanks for sharing!
Alyssa, I loved this article! What a creative idea and so well-spoken. Rainy days are by far my favorite kind of day and I love listening to music that relates to whatever is happening so rainy day songs are always a go to. Honestly, some of my favorite songs are rainy day songs — “When It Rains” one of my all-time faves. I love to be able to either feel really sad and curl up in a ball on my bed ad listen to heart-wrenching music while it pours outside or I like to feel upbeat and happy while stuck inside watching the rainfall and you definitely hit both sides of that spectrum with these songs. Another rain song I like is Luke Bryan’s “Rain Is A Good Thing” — super upbeat, super catchy. If you haven’t heard it you should definitely give it a listen. Thanks for sharing this list! Here’s hoping it rains like it’s supposed to this weekend so I’ll be able to put this to use!
I think this is such a cute and clever idea for a blog post. I personally love listening to country music when it’s raining or storming because it adds drama to the whole process. “When it rains” by Eli Young Band especially gets me in my feels because just the lyrics “when it rains, I don’t mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky” get me every time. Even if I’m in the happiest mood, the weather can always change that. It makes me sit and really think about life or what else is going on in the universe. It’s crazy weather can have that effect!
Alyssa,
I really enjoyed this article because of the cozy feeling it gave me as I snuggled under my blanket and read it. Your posts also keep a consistent theme of emotions (referencing your previous post about nostalgia) and I also enjoy the tone and aesthetic they each portray. Country music tends to evoke so many emotions through merely the melodies and instruments. For me, I really enjoy listening to low key music that is quiet and not focused on the lyrics when it is rainy outside. I really like that you mentioned Zac Brown Band as well because that song in particular I find very relaxing!