About the song
“Walking in the Rain,” penned by Barry Mann, Phil Spector, and Cynthia Weil, stands as a quintessential example of 1960s pop brilliance. Originally recorded by the iconic girl group the Ronettes in 1964 under the masterful production of Phil Spector, the song quickly ascended the charts, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the R&B Singles Chart the following year. The Ronettes’ rendition of “Walking in the Rain” is noted for its innovative use of sound effects, including thunder and lightning, skillfully engineered by Larry Levine, which earned him a Grammy nomination.
Phil Spector’s meticulous production and the hauntingly beautiful vocals of lead singer Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) combined to create a mesmerizing atmosphere that captured the essence of young love and longing. The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, where it ranked at No. 266 in 2004 and slightly adjusted to No. 269 in the 2010 update, highlighting its lasting impact on music history.
Following the Ronettes’ success, “Walking in the Rain” has been covered by various artists over the years, including a notable rendition by Jay and the Americans in 1969, which also achieved chart success. The song’s emotive lyrics, evocative melody, and Spector’s distinctive production style have ensured its place in the pantheon of classic pop songs.
The Ronettes’ version of “Walking in the Rain” remains a touchstone of 1960s pop music, cherished for its atmospheric quality and timeless appeal. It continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a testament to the creative genius of its writers and producers, and the enduring talent of Ronnie Spector, whose voice brought the song to life with unparalleled depth and emotion.
Video
Lyrics
I want him, and I need him,
And someday someway woo I’ll meet him
He’ll be kind of shy, and real good lookin’ too
And I’ll be certain he’s my guy by the things he’ll like to do
Like walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
When he’s near me, I’ll kiss him,
And when he leaves me woo I’ll miss him
Though sometimes we’ll fight, I won’t really care
And I’ll know it’s gonna be alright ’cause we’ve got so much we share
Like walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
no no he’ll never do
(Bobby) no it isn’t him too
They would never no they’d never never ever ever love
Walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
Oh oh oh where can he be oh oh