: “I See The Rain”: A Psychedelic Anthem of Hope and Existential Awakening.
For those who lived through the transformative, often kaleidoscopic, era of the late 1960s, certain songs became more than just a soundtrack; they were vivid snapshots of a cultural moment, capturing a spirit of introspection, idealism, and the dawning of a new consciousness. The Marmalade’s “I See The Rain,” a brilliant piece of British psychedelic pop released in August 1967, is one such track. It’s a song that, while not a mainstream chart smash in its home country at the time, has since evolved into a revered cult classic, a shimmering gem from the “Summer of Love” that holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its unique blend of melodic pop and subtle psychedelia. For older readers, it’s a direct ticket back to a time of experimentation and youthful optimism, a song that feels like a quiet promise of a brighter tomorrow, even in the midst of a storm.
Upon its release as a single in the UK on August 25, 1967, “I See The Rain” surprisingly failed to chart. This was a particular disappointment for the band, who had hoped for a big UK hit. However, the song’s brilliance was not lost on everyone. It found an unexpected and monumental champion in the form of Jimi Hendrix, who famously praised it as the “best cut of 1967.” This endorsement from one of rock’s greatest icons gave the song an immediate and lasting credibility, even without chart success in the UK. On the European continent, the song found a much more receptive audience, becoming a chart-topper in the Netherlands, where it reached number 1. This disparity highlights how ahead of its time the song was, its subtle psychedelic flourishes and intricate harmonies perhaps not yet fully embraced by the mainstream British market. Its eventual inclusion on the band’s 1969 album, There’s a Lot of It About, and its later rediscovery and admiration by artists like Susanna Hoffs and Noel Gallagher, only solidifies its status as a masterpiece that simply took time to find its audience.
The story behind “I See The Rain” is a testament to the songwriting talent burgeoning within The Marmalade. The track was a self-penned effort, written by lead guitarist Junior Campbell and vocalist Dean Ford. It emerged during a fertile period of creativity for the Scottish band, who, after moving to London, were fully immersed in the vibrant, experimental atmosphere of “Swinging London.” The song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with both songwriters bringing their unique perspectives to the table. The legendary Graham Nash of The Hollies also contributed to the session, a sign of the respect the band was earning from their contemporaries. The title itself, as Junior Campbell has shared, was inspired by a rainy day and the simple observation of the weather, but the song’s meaning delves far deeper than the meteorological.
The meaning of “I See The Rain” is an introspective journey that uses the simple image of a rainstorm as a metaphor for life’s challenges, sadness, and the tumultuous state of the world. The song begins with a quiet, almost melancholic tone: “Beautiful day, I’d like to lie on the green lawn / But I see the rain.” This opening line sets up a central conflict between a desire for simple happiness and the unavoidable presence of difficulty. However, the song doesn’t wallow in despair. Instead, it transitions into a powerful, almost spiritual awakening. The lyrics become a call for change, a belief that even in the midst of life’s “rain,” there is an opportunity for personal and collective transformation. The lines “We’ve got to change the world” and “I feel myself like I’m growing to the sun” suggest a move from passive observation to active hope, a resolution to find light and growth amidst the gloom. For older readers, this message resonates deeply, recalling a time when many felt a collective urgency to change the world, to move beyond cynicism and embrace a brighter, more compassionate future. It’s a reminder of a time when the simple act of seeing the rain could inspire a song about seeing the sun. “I See The Rain” stands as a beautiful, enduring piece of psychedelic pop, a quiet but powerful anthem that celebrates both the introspection of a rainy day and the defiant optimism of a soul reaching for the light.