About The Song
“Kentucky Rain” is a country-tinged ballad written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard, and famously recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969. Released as a single in January 1970, it became one of Presley’s first hits of the decade, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s melancholic lyrics and Presley’s heartfelt delivery paint a vivid picture of a lonely traveler searching for his lost love amidst the pouring rain of Kentucky.
The song’s origins can be traced back to a writing session between Rabbitt and Heard in the late 1960s. Inspired by the imagery of a rainy night and a sense of longing, they crafted the song’s lyrics, capturing the essence of heartache and resilience. Rabbitt initially intended to record the song himself, but upon hearing Presley’s rendition, he knew it belonged to the King of Rock and Roll.
Presley’s recording of “Kentucky Rain” showcased his versatility as an artist, expanding his repertoire beyond his rock and roll roots. His soulful vocals and the song’s country-influenced melody resonated with audiences, making it a standout track in his later years. The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its place as a classic of country and pop music.
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Lyric
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 homeSo 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 wrongKentucky 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 rainShowed 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 beforeSo 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