I Wish It Would Rain is a classic soul song by The Temptations, released in 1967. It was written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Roger Penzabene. The song features lead vocals by David Ruffin.

The lyrics tell the story of heartbreak and longing for rain to mask the singer’s tears and inner pain caused by a breakup. The melancholic melody and emotive vocals convey the depth of sorrow and despair experienced by the protagonist. Despite the sadness expressed in the song, it became a major hit for The Temptations and remains a beloved soul classic.

The Temptations – I Wish It Would Rain Lyrics

Hmm-mm-hmm (oh)

Sunshine, blue skies, please go away
My girl has found another, and gone away
With her went my future, my life is filled with gloom
So day after day, I stay locked up in my room

I know to you it might sound strange
But I wish it would rain
(Oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah

‘Cause so badly I wanna go outside
(Such a lovely day)
But everyone knows that a man ain’t supposed to cry
Listen, I got to cry, ’cause crying
Eases the pain, oh yeah

People, this hurt I feel inside
Words, they, could never explain
I just wish it would rain
(Oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Oh let it rain, rain, rain, rain
(Oh, how I wish that it would rain)
Oo, baby

Let it rain (rain, rain)
Oh yeah, let it rain

Day in day out, my tear-stained face
Pressed against the window pane
My eyes search the skies, desperately for rain
‘Cause rain drops will hide my teardrops
And no one will ever know
That I’m crying (crying) crying (crying)
When I go outside

To the world outside
My tears I refuse to explain
Oo, I wish it would rain
(How I wish that it would rain)
Oo, baby

Let it rain, let it rain
I need rain to disguise
The tears in my eyes

Oh, let it rain
Oh, yeah, yeah, listen
I’m a man and I’ve got my pride
‘Til it rains I’m gonna stay inside
Let it rain