Rainy Days and Mondays
Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, and recorded by American sibling duo The Carpenters, “Rainy Days and Mondays” is a popular and enduring song that has resonated with listeners for generations.
Background and composition
Rainy Days and Mondays” was written in 1971. It was originally intended for a different artist, but when Richard Carpenter heard it, he knew it was perfect for his sister Karen to sing.
The song’s lyrics are simple, yet evocative, painting a picture of a gloomy day that is brightened by the love and companionship of a special someone. The melody is catchy and memorable, and Karen Carpenter’s vocals are warm and expressive, perfectly capturing the song’s sentiment.
Recording and production
“Rainy Days and Mondays” was recorded in 1971 at the A&M Studios in Los Angeles. The song was produced by Jack Daugherty.
The recording features Karen Carpenter on lead vocals, with Richard Carpenter providing backing vocals and piano accompaniment. The song’s instrumentation is simple, yet effective, with a gentle guitar strum, light percussion, and a string arrangement that adds a touch of elegance.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols.
- It was released as a single in 1971.
- It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Elton John, and k.d. lang.
- It has also been featured in several films and television shows.