About the song
Tanya Tucker, a renowned American country music artist, recorded the song “Lizzie and the Rainman” in 1975, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. The song, a quintessential narrative piece, epitomizes the storytelling style that characterized the early phase of Tucker’s musical journey. This particular track was produced by Snuff Garrett during a recording session on March 19, 1975, in Los Angeles. Unlike her previous recordings, which featured live sessions with musicians, Tucker found this experience rather impersonal as she sang to pre-recorded tracks. Reflecting on this, she once remarked, “the recording was so impersonal. I was used to recording live with all the musicians in the studio, and I just sang to the tracks on this one.”
“Lizzie and the Rainman” was released as the lead single from the album “Tanya Tucker,” marking her debut with MCA Records. The song swiftly climbed the charts, securing Tucker’s fourth #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it also marked her first entry into the Pop Top 40, reaching #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1975. Additionally, the song attained the #7 position on the Adult Contemporary (A/C) chart.
Despite Tucker’s later efforts to tailor her music towards the Pop market, “Lizzie and the Rainman” remains her only Top 40 hit. Her subsequent single, “Here’s Some Love,” peaked at #82 on the Hot 100 chart. This track not only highlights Tucker’s versatility as an artist but also underscores her unique ability to blend country storytelling with broader musical appeal. “Lizzie and the Rainman” stands as a testament to Tucker’s enduring talent and her pivotal role in shaping the landscape of country music in the 1970s.
Video
Lyrics
He came riding in on a sunrise, on a got west Texas day
A fancy man in a painted wagon with fancy things to say
Looks like you folks need some water, well water is my game
And for the small price of 100 dollars
I bet you I could make it rain
Step back non-believers or the rain will never come
Someone start that fire burning, somebody beat the drum
He said, “Some may think I’m crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before this day is over
You folks, you gonna to see some rain” (rain)
They are just stood the a starting
Trying to believe
But there was one named Lizzy Cooper who said he was a lying cheat
She said, “You call yourself a rain-man
Well, you oughta be ashamed
Starting all these people dreaming thinking you can make it rain”
Step back non-believers or the rain will never come
Someone keep that fire burning, somebody beat the drum
He said, “some may think I’m crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before this day is over
You folks, you gonna see some rain”
Hey Lizzy, well, a mans got to have a dream
And if you can’t walk in the inside with me, I’ll meet you in between
Oh, come with me Lizzy
And the stars will write your name
And if you still think I’m lying to you
Look a yonder, there a-comes some rain
Step back non-believers or the rain will never come
Someone keep that fire burning, somebody beat the drum
He said, “Some may think I’m crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before this day is over
You folks, you gonna see some rain”
Oh, Step back non-believers or the rain will never come
Someone keep that fire burning, somebody beat a drum