The Fortunes’ Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again: A Melancholy Pop Gem
In 1971, British pop band The Fortunes released Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, a wistful and melodious track that perfectly captures the bittersweet essence of longing. Written by Tony Macaulay, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway—some of the most prolific songwriters of the era—the single became one of the band’s signature hits, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as a staple of early ’70s soft rock.
From its opening bars, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again envelops the listener in a lush, melancholic soundscape. The song’s gentle instrumentation, featuring shimmering strings, steady percussion, and warm harmonies, creates an air of reflective beauty. Lead vocalist Rod Allen delivers the lyrics with a smooth, heartfelt touch, imbuing the song’s tale of lost love and wistful memories with an emotional depth that resonates universally.
The lyrics convey the ache of longing through vivid imagery. Lines like “Here comes that rainy day feeling again / And soon my tears will be falling like rain” liken heartache to the inevitability of bad weather, a relatable metaphor that underscores the song’s timeless appeal. The melody, buoyed by the harmony-rich chorus, strikes a delicate balance between sorrow and sweetness, ensuring the track feels contemplative rather than heavy.
Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again stood out during a time when pop music was embracing introspection. While many contemporaneous hits leaned into grand, dramatic expressions of emotion, The Fortunes kept their approach understated and relatable. This subtlety, paired with the impeccable craftsmanship of its arrangement, allowed the song to transcend fleeting trends and find enduring popularity.
The Fortunes, known for their earlier hits like You’ve Got Your Troubles and Here It Comes Again, were no strangers to chart success, but Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again marked a shift towards a softer, more reflective sound. It resonated particularly well in the U.S., where its gentle, radio-friendly style fit neatly into the adult contemporary charts and playlists.
Decades later, the song remains a beloved classic, its gentle melancholy continuing to touch listeners. Whether evoking nostalgia for love lost or offering comfort in its recognition of shared human emotions, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again endures as a tender reminder of the beauty in vulnerability. It’s a song that, much like a rainy day itself, invites quiet reflection and a moment of pause—a timeless balm for hearts in need.