The Rain Song
They say that the pen is mightier than the sword. And I agree, with all that I am.
Words have survived the millennia of our race. They’ve survived natural disaster, war and conflict, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the suppression of the most powerful. They continue to stand…long after their bound pages have burned. Long after the bricks of the walls that try to house them.
In our more recent past, words have been combined with the art of song to help express and influence societal unjust like slavery and oppression and war. “We Shall Overcome”, “War (what is it good for?)”, “No Woman, No Cry”. Popular anthems that you’ve probably heard.
But there’s another song of protest that I’d like you to consider.
“The Rain Song”
And for those who may confuse it with the 1973 Led Zeppelin release, it also goes by another title:
“Rain, Rain, Go Away”
For those unfamiliar, or without a small child from whom to seek lyrical counsel…here is the full version:
“Rain, Rain, Go Away
Come again another day.”
It is short and sweet, like so many of its young choristers, yet carries a power felt to this day. Especially, on days like…today.
Similar rhymes can be traced to Ancient Rome, and an English version can be found in the 17th century writings of noted clergyman and author, James Howell.
It just might be the oldest protest song that we have. And despite being small of stanza, its impact could be argued to be… giant.
Because when I think of its origins, I think of courageous people long before the wonders of the natural world were known, raising their fist to the unknown forces of wind and rain and fire from the sky.
Shaking and afraid, they’d chant: “Rain, Rain… GO AWAY! Come back ANOTHER DAY!”
Perhaps saying, “Do not wreak your havoc upon us this day. I will stand with my brothers, unified in song, so that you will hear our protest.”
It is the same courage and strength that I see growing in the children who preserve this rhyme. And it gives me hope that all is not lost on generations of entitled sensitivity.
I know what you’re thinking by now… Is this really an entire article dedicated to the dramatization of a nursery rhyme?
Indulge me, I haven’t written for this blog in a while. We’re almost there…promise.
When I over-think, as over-thinkers do, the Rain Song DOES remind me of a small protest, by small people. People that represent so much of the good in this world. Perhaps all of it.
Children sing this simple song, smiling and dancing through the rain they’re unknowingly at odds with. Their immediate innocence focuses on the melody and rhyme, consciously. While their future humanity wires the mind of a strong adult, unconsciously.
They don’t yet understand (and perhaps they never will) the lessons they teach us, if we’re willing to listen.
How many of us can learn from our children: The rain does not have the power to bring me down, to tread upon my spirit or sour my attitude. That power resides only in me.
Instead of allowing this dreary day to bridle my passion, I can choose to smile and laugh and sing:
Rain, Rain…Go Away. Just come on back, another day.
Because I’ve got things to do. I’ve got things to accomplish. I’ve got a difference to make.
And if you’ll allow me just one more indulgence…I’d like to take this one step further.
My niece has developed her own Rain Song. But this song isn’t one of protest. It isn’t one that unwittingly forges her strength and conviction. Instead, it’s a song that takes a different tact.
It’s a song that teaches perseverance, by seeing the positive in this world. You might say it turns lemons, into lemonade.
Here’s Lsa’s (pronounced ‘el-sa’) Rain Song:
“Rain, Rain, come today…
Stay forever, I love the rain.”
It’s innocent and it’s pure. And it turns a cold, damp and dreary day…into one of hope and anticipation. And giggles. It’s perfect.
A wonderful lesson, if you care to overthink it a bit.
And if you’re still reading this, I know two things:
1. You have indeed over-thought it.
2. This new and improved rain song is stuck in your head. Hopefully, forever.
