Classic Western songs perfect for a cloudy day

Please Don’t Stop The RainJames Morrison

James Morrison – Please Don’t Stop The Rain

This song by James Morrison uses rainy weather as a metaphor for the ups and downs of love.

Songs that picture love through rain are often pessimistic and emphasize sadness.

In that context, while this track follows the common pattern of equating romantic highs and lows with the weather, it feels relatively matter-of-fact because it frames the rain with a forward-looking, predictive mindset—thinking ahead.

Love involves many events and isn’t always happy and sweet.

Just as rain inevitably falls, sad things happen when you’re in love.

In a sense, it’s a sage-like, enlightened metaphor, which makes the song feel refreshingly straightforward to listen to.

I Can See Clearly NowJimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now (Video Version)

Included on the soundtrack of the 1993 album “Cool Runnings.” Theme song for the film “Cool Runnings.” A cover of the single released in 1972 by American singer Johnny Nash.

Born in 1948.

A musician from Jamaica.

It’s characterized by a very bright and cheerful melody—a number that suits the shining sun perfectly.

Bring On The RainJo Dee Messina

Bring On The Rain

This is a song by American country musician Jo Dee Messina.

It’s included on her 2001 album Burn.

The song says that although today has brought some bad events, tomorrow will be different, and she’s moving forward with hope.

Some of you probably don’t like gloomy, rainy skies.

If you listen to this, it might make you think of sunny days and fill you with excitement.

By the way, the chorus vocals are performed by singer Tim McGraw.

SunshineJonathan Edwards

Sunshine – Jonathan Edwards original song and lyrics

Included on the 1971 album “Jonathan Edwards.” Born in 1946, a singer from Michigan.

The upbeat, steadily building rhythm and the refreshing tone of the folk guitar make for an ear-pleasing pop melody.

The vocals, delivered lightly and with ease, along with everything else, are harmonized and come together nicely.

When It RainsKid Rock

Kid Rock – When It Rains

The acoustic guitar tone resonates pleasantly.

It’s a song by Kid Rock, a singer-songwriter from the state of Detroit in America.

It’s included on the 2010 album “Born Free.” The lyrics sing about what you gain and what you lose once you become an adult; despite its catchy style and melody, it leaves you with a bittersweet feeling.

If you’re dealing with something unpleasant or weighed down by worries, it may hit especially hard.

It’s a song that stays close to you when you’re feeling gloomy on a rainy day.

Everyday Is Like SundayMorrissey

Morrissey – Everyday Is Like Sunday

Included on the 1988 album Viva Hate.

Born in 1959.

A British singer-songwriter and former vocalist of The Smiths.

Set to a mid-tempo rhythm and an irresistibly pleasant melody, Morrissey’s signature, almost yodel-like vocals burst forth.

A number brimming with an exceptional pop sensibility.

Feel Like RainMotion City Soundtrack

Motion City Soundtrack – Feel Like Rain

This song has the feel of bright, upbeat rock, like the Manic Street Preachers.

They sing “like rain” many times throughout the track.

It seems to belong to the category of fairly positive songs, but the lyrics are quite complex.

It’s the kind of lyric that could tip into darkness with a single misstep; at first listen it sounds bright, but the words being sung aren’t actually cheerful.