Phil Collins

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You know I never meant to see you again
But I only passed by as a friend, yeah
All this time I stayed out of sight
I started wonderin' why

[Chorus]
Now I... ooh, now I wish it would rain down... down on me
Ooh, yes I wish it would rain... rain down on me now
Ooh, yes, I wish it would rain down... down on me
Ooh, yes, I wish it would rain on me

[Verse 2]
You said you didn't need me in your life
Oh, I guess you were right, yeah
Ooh, I never meant to cause you no pain
But it looks like I did it again, yeah

[Chorus]
Now I... now I know I wish it would rain down... down on me
Ooh, yes, I wish it would rain... rain down on me now
Ooh, but I wish it would rain down... down on me
Ooh, yes, I wish it would rain on me

[Bridge]
Though your hurt is gone
Mine's hangin' on inside
And I know... it's eating me through... it's eating me through every night and day
I'm just waitin' on your sign
'Cause I know, I know... I never meant to cause you no pain
And I realize I let you down, oh, yeah
But I know in my heart of hearts
I know I'm never gonna hold you again, no no
[Chorus]
Now I... well, now I know I wish it would rain down... down on me
Oh, you know I wish it would rain... rain down on me now
Ooh, yes, I wish it would rain down... down on me
Yes, you know I wish it would rain down... rain down over me

[Outro]
Just rain down over me
Just let it rain down, let it rain down
Let it rain down, oh, yeah
Let it rain down, rain down over me
Just let it rain down, just let it rain down
Let it rain down
Just let it rain

Phil Collins is without a doubt one of the most well-known British musicians in history. He has had a remarkable career, with hit songs spanning over several decades. Among some of his most dramatic and vocally demanding ballads is “I Wish It Would Rain Down.” The song showcases Collins' exceptional vocal range as he sings from E♭3 to C5. Eric Clapton adds to the song's understated intensity with his skilled lead guitar, while a large gospel choir elevates the track further.

About I Wish It Would Rain Down

Released in 1990, “I Wish It Would Rain Down” soon became an iconic hit. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in the U.S. and went on to claim the top spot on Canada's RPM Top 100. Collins wrote the song based on his emotions after getting his second divorce. It explores feelings of loss, heartbreak, and anxiety, with a mix of soulful R&B and gospel roots.

The song's distinctive introduction starts with heavy drum beats from Collins in 6/8 time. The song quickly shifts to a gentler melody as Collins sings the first verse. The lyrics throw emotional punches with lines like "Although your heart is breaking / it's only yours that's aching," echoing the sorrow of a person who has been left alone.

As Collins enters the chorus, the gospel choir comes in powerfully, with the lyrics, "I wish it would rain down, down on me," highlighting the emotion of wanting to start over and begin again. The harmonies created by the choir elevate the song to a whole new level, their soulful voices braiding together in a poignant and moving way.

Collins' incredible voice is showcased in the second verse, as the drums return to their heavy sound, and the electric guitar reaches a crescendo. Collins delivers the lyrics with a mix of anger, melancholy, and passion. As he sings about his inability to escape the memories of the past, the listener is swept up in the raw emotion of the song.

The chorus comes around again, and this time, the gospel choir builds into a cathartic frenzy, their voices reaching for the heavens, with the lyrics "Let these tears I cry / come down, come down." The song finishes with a powerful guitar solo by Clapton, bringing it to a close with a soft and understated melody.

“I Wish It Would Rain Down” is a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the pain of heartbreak. Over time, it has become one of the most loved Collins' classics, famous for its intense vocals, beautiful harmonies, and evocative lyrics.

Conclusion

In the end, “I Wish It Would Rain Down” is a masterful demonstration of Phil Collins' immense talent. With its powerful gospel choir, heartbreaking lyrics, and powerful instrumentation, the song has become an iconic piece of music history. It is a must-add to any playlist, and one can listen to it on repeat, getting lost in the beautiful melody and explosive emotion. The song isn't just a beautiful tune; it's a piece of Collins' history, and it'll continue to resonate with people’s emotions for years to come.

• Release Date: January 15, 1990
• Artist: Phil Collins