I Wish It Would Rain
“I Wish It Would Rain” is a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Motown label in 1967. It was originally recorded by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label and produced by Norman Whitfield. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart in 1968.
Background and composition
“I Wish It Would Rain” was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Whitfield was inspired to write the song after seeing a homeless man on the street. He was struck by the man’s pride and dignity, even in his circumstances. Whitfield wanted to write a song that would celebrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who has lost everything and is now living on the streets. The song is full of vivid imagery and detail, and it paints a powerful picture of the challenges and hardships of life on the streets.
Recording and production
“I Wish It Would Rain” was recorded at the Motown Recording Studio in Detroit, Michigan. The song was produced by Norman Whitfield.
The recording features David Ruffin on lead vocals. Ruffin’s vocals are powerful and soulful, and they perfectly convey the emotion of the song. The song’s instrumentation is simple, yet effective, with a driving beat and a catchy melody.
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“I Wish It Would Rain” is a beautiful and moving song that will be cherished for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was originally recorded by The Temptations in 1967.
- The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who has lost everything and is now living on the streets.
- The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- “I Wish It Would Rain” has been covered by many artists, including Marvin Gaye, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen.