Rainy Day People

Album: Cold on the Shoulder (1975)
Charted: 26
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • You gotta watch out for those rainy day people - they'll swoop in to take your girl when things get rough. Gordon Lightfoot said the song is about "the person waiting in the wings for a relationship to subside so he can more in."
  • Released as a single from Lightfoot's 10th album, Cold On The Shoulder, "Rainy Day People" was the follow-up to his hits "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway." All three songs went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
  • Asked in a Reddit AMA who his rainy day people are, Lightfoot replied: "That one is so easy, it's the family. It's the extended family. They are the rainy day people."

Comments: 2

  • Minimom from VirginiaPlease explain this line: “Rainy day people don’t love any others; that would not be kind.”
  • Crystalx from Nj Usabeautiful heartwarming encouraging song lets ppl know they are not alone
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.