When The Rain Begins To Fall

Album: Voyage Of The Rock Aliens soundtrack (1984)
Charted: 68 54
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Pia Zadora sang on this with Jackson. The song was written for a weird science fiction action movie called Voyage Of The Rock Aliens, which stars Zadora. The song is one of many to use weather conditions as a symbol of strength and resilience in a relationship: when the rain falls, he'll be her sunshine. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • The song fared better in Europe, where it hit #1 in several countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
  • This peaked at #22 on the US Dance Club Songs chart.
  • "When The Rain Begins To Fall" was written by Peggy March, known for her 1963 hit "I Will Follow Him," along with Michael Bradley of Paul Revere & the Raiders and songwriter Steve Wittmack. At the time, the trio formed the California band BMW. March also recorded the song as a duet with German singer Andreas Zaron.
  • In Voyage Of The Rock Aliens, Zadora performs this with co-star Craig Sheffer (whose singing voice is dubbed by Jackson). Jackson also appears in the film as the character Rain.
  • K-pop superstar Psy put his spin on the song for his 2022 album Psy 9th. His version, titled "Now," is based on a 1987 version by a Korean band named Seoul Family. Psy is accompanied on his track by Hwa Sa of MAMAMOO.

    PSY wouldn't have released his reinterpretation of "When the Rain Begins to Fall" if Hwa Sa hadn't joined him. "I hadn't met her in person," he explained to Billboard. "But I just approached her saying, 'I have a track and I want to make a remake of this classic song between male vocal and female vocals. But the female has got to be powerful, so, I think it's you. I'll send you the track, but what do you think?' And she says, 'I'm going to do it.' Without listening! So I was like, 'Wow, I'm a huge fan of Hwa Sa, and she's responding, on the spot, without listening.'"
  • PSY shot a performance video for "Now," which features both singers performing the song's choreography. They pull off their dance moves accompanied by youthful backup dancers in a white void, save for two telephone booths.

Comments: 2

  • Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumAlthough it wasn't a big hit I remember the song very well. Pia Zadora and Jermaine Jackson, a very good duo. I like it very much.
  • Linc from Beaumont, TxThis song is actually pretty good...but Jermaine's image it is oddly Michael Jackson-esque even down to the red soldier's jacket.
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.