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

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.