About The Song
“Kentucky Rain” is a song by Elvis Presley, released in 1970. It’s a country ballad that tells the story of a man searching for his lost love in the pouring rain in Kentucky. Here are some details about the song:
Title: Kentucky Rain
Artist: Elvis Presley
Release Date: January 29, 1970
Album: That’s the Way It Is
Label: RCA Records
Writers: Eddie Rabbitt, Dick Heard
Genre: Country, Pop
Background: “Kentucky Rain” was written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard. The song’s narrative revolves around a man desperately searching for his lost love in the midst of a Kentucky rainstorm. Elvis Presley’s emotive delivery adds depth to the lyrics, capturing the yearning and emotion of the story.
Musical Style: The song is a blend of country and pop, showcasing Elvis’s versatility as an artist. The arrangement features a prominent piano and a soulful vocal performance by Presley. The use of the pedal steel guitar adds a touch of country flavor to the track.
Chart Performance: “Kentucky Rain” performed well on the charts, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a top 10 hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song’s success further demonstrated Elvis Presley’s ability to cross genres and appeal to a broad audience.
Legacy: “Kentucky Rain” is regarded as one of Elvis Presley’s later career gems and is often cited as a poignant example of his balladry. The song’s emotional depth and storytelling have contributed to its lasting appeal.
Cultural Impact: The song has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in films, TV shows, and documentaries. Its inclusion in popular media underscores its enduring impact and resonance.
Awards: While “Kentucky Rain” did not receive major music awards, its chart success and critical acclaim have solidified its place as a notable entry in Elvis Presley’s discography.
“Kentucky Rain” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to convey emotion through his music. The combination of a compelling narrative, Presley’s powerful vocals, and the evocative musical arrangement has made the song a cherished classic in the country and pop genres.
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 backroad
I’ve loved you much too long
And 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 thru
With the rain in my shoes,
Searchin for you
In the cold Kentucky rain,
In the cold Kentucky rain
Showed your photograph
To some old gray bearded man
Sitting on a bench
Outside a gen’ral store
They said “Yes, she’s been here”
But their memory wasn’t clear
Was it yesterday,
No, wait the day before
So I fin’ly got a ride
With a preacher man who asked
“Where you bound on such a cold dark afternoon?”
As we drove on thru the rain
As he listened I explained
And he left me with a prayer
That I’d find you