Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain

Album: Rockin' With The Rhythm (1986)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title track of The Judds' Rockin' with the Rhythm album, this was released as its third single. The song became The Judds' seventh Country #1.
  • The song was penned by The Judds' producer Brent Maher with Nashville songwriter Don Schlitz (Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler", Keith Whitley's "When You Say Nothing At All").

    "'Rockin' With The Rhythm' was the first song I sat down and wrote with Don Schlitz," Maher recalled to Songwriter Universe. "I started playing a shuffle rhythm on my guitar, and Don said, 'I like that groove.' Then we started writing, and we got on a roll."

    "Within 45 minutes, the song was finished," he continued. "Don's grasp of lyric and the English language is just enormous. He's a very quick and prolific writer. And from that, Don and I wrote many songs together and we became dear friends."
  • The single debuted on the Country chart the same week that Gary Morris' "100% Chance Of Rain" dropped off the tally. Schlitz knew that rain-themed songs always hit the airwaves when the clouds opened up. "I've been very fortunate to write a couple rain songs," he told The Billboard Book Of #1 Country Hits.

    "The first song Brent Maher and I ever wrote together was 'Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain.' And Donny Lowery and I wrote a song for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, called 'Stand A Little Rain,' and if you see a couple of clouds in the sky, you can almost flip through your radio dial and hear one of those songs. I always pray for rain - it helps the airplay."
  • The song idea was based on a real-life scenario Maher often witnessed when he visited The Judds at their home in Franklin, Tennessee. He often pulled up to find them rocking on their front porch swing as the rain pattered on their tin awning.
  • Rockin' With The Rhythm is The Judds' second #1 album on the Country Albums chart. It sold 1 million copies in the US.

Comments: 1

  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaI like this song, the only problem I have is understanding some of the words. Love the guitar on it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?