If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?)

Album: Purple (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Purple was the first album the band released after a horrific 2012 tour bus accident that mangled the band physically and emotionally. Lead singer John Baizley got the worst of it, nearly losing his left arm, which would have put an end to his guitar playing. In the midst of his long recovery, two of his bandmates who were also injured in the crash - bass player Matt Maggioni and drummer Allen Blickle - left the band.

    "If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?)" finds him coming to terms with the tragedy and returning to music. He explained in Entertainment Weekly: "It's about that moment directly after the crash. I was broken and twisted and covered in gasoline, and then there's a torrential downpour. The only thing that kept me going were those people and my family and their love and support. I have no better way of thanking people than through that song."

Comments: 1

  • Chris from Asheville, North Carolina, UsaThe lyrics to this song seem so powerful and moving, but I wish I knew what they were about! Someone please chime in, if you know.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.