“Kentucky Rain”- Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Kentucky Rain” is a soulful country ballad recorded by Elvis Presley in 1970. Co-written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard, this emotional track tells the story of a man searching for his lost love amidst the pouring rain in Kentucky. With its evocative lyrics, haunting melody, and Presley’s emotive vocals, “Kentucky Rain” has become one of the most beloved songs in Presley’s repertoire, showcasing his versatility as a performer and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.

Did You Know:

• “Kentucky Rain” was originally released as a single in 1970 and later included on Elvis Presley’s album “That’s the Way It Is.” The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Presley’s status as one of the most influential artists in popular music.
• The inspiration for “Kentucky Rain” reportedly came from Eddie Rabbitt’s own experiences of being stuck in traffic during a rainstorm in Nashville, Tennessee. Rabbitt and Heard collaborated on the song’s lyrics, crafting a poignant narrative that captures the sense of longing and desperation felt by the song’s protagonist.
• Elvis Presley’s recording of “Kentucky Rain” is notable for its lush orchestration and Presley’s impassioned vocal performance. His soulful delivery brings depth and authenticity to the song’s lyrics, evoking empathy from listeners and drawing them into the narrative.
• Over the years, “Kentucky Rain” has been covered by various artists across different genres, including country, pop, and rock. Each interpretation pays homage to the song’s enduring appeal and showcases its universal themes of love, loss, and longing.
• In 2020, “Kentucky Rain” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its cultural significance and enduring popularity. The song’s evocative imagery and timeless melody continue to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its place as a classic in the annals of popular music.

Video

Lyrics

Seven lonely days and a dozen towns ago
I reached out one night and you were gone
Don’t know why you’d run, what you’re running to or from
All I know is I want to bring you home

So I’m walking in the rain, thumbing for a ride
On this lonely Kentucky back road
I’ve loved you much too long, my love’s too strong
To let you go, never knowing what went wrong

Kentucky rain keeps pouring down
And up ahead’s another town that I’ll go walking through
With the rain in my shoes (rain in my shoes)
Searching for you
In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain

Showed your photograph to some old gray-bearded men
Sitting on a bench outside a general store
They said, “Yes, she’s been here”
But their memory wasn’t clear
Was it yesterday?
No, wait, the day before

Finally got a ride with a preacher man who asked
“Where you bound on such a cold dark afternoon?”
As we drove on through the rain, as he listened, I explained
And he left me with a prayer that I’d find you

Kentucky rain keeps pouring down
And up ahead’s another town that I’ll go walking through
With the rain in my shoes (rain in my shoes)
Searching for you
In the cold Kentucky rain

In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain
In the cold Kentucky rain