Mandolin Rain

Bruce Hornsby & the Range, Bruce Hornsby

About Mandolin Rain

"Mandolin Rain" is the third track from The Way It Is, the debut album for Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The song, released in late 1986, was a #4 Billboard Hot 100 hit single for the band in March 1987, following on the success of their previous single, the #1 hit and title track of their debut album, "The Way It Is". It also reached #1 on the adult contemporary chart for three weeks, and #2 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for two weeks, also in early 1987. The song reached the Top 40 on the Country chart, hitting #38. The song was co-written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John, and featured Range member David Mansfield on the title instrument. It appears to be partly inspired by the song "You Don't Miss Your Water" by William Bell due to it employing the same hook (heard at the beginning of both songs), and by a similar swing feel (albeit with different chords). 


Year:
2004
43 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

The song came and went
Like the times that we spent
Hiding out from the rain under the carnival tent
I laughed and she'd smile
It would last for awhile
You don't know what you got till you lose it all again

Listen to the mandolin rain
Listen to the music on the lake
Listen to my heart break every time she runs away
Listen to the banjo wind
A sad song drifting low
Listen to the tears roll
Down my face as she turns to go

A cool evening dance
Listening to the bluegrass band takes the chill
From the air till they play the last song
I'll do my time
Keeping you off my mind but there's moments
That I find, I'm not feeling so strong

Listen to the mandolin rain
Listen to the music on the lake
Listen to my heart break every time she runs away
Listen to the banjo wind
A sad song drifting low
Listen to the tears roll
Down my face as she turns to go

Running down by the lake shore
She did love the sound of a summer storm
It played on the lake like a mandolin
Now it's washing her away again

Listen to the mandolin rain
Listen to the music on the lake
Listen to my heart break every time she runs away
Listen to the banjo wind
A sad song drifting low
Listen to the tears roll
Down my face as she turns to go

The boat's steaming in
I watch the side wheel spin and I
Think about her when I hear that whistle blow
I can't change my mind
I knew all the time that she'd go
But that's a choice I made long ago

Listen to the mandolin rain
Listen to the music on the lake
Listen to my heart break every time she runs away
Listen to the banjo wind
A sad song drifting low
Listen to the tears roll
Down my face as she turns to go

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Bruce Hornsby

Bruce Randall Hornsby (born November 23, 1954) is an American singer, pianist, accordion player, and songwriter. Known for the spontaneity and creativity of his live performances, Hornsby draws frequently from classical, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Motown, rock, blues, and jam band musical traditions with his songwriting and the seamless improvisations contained within. more »

2 fans

Written by: Bruce Hornsby, John Hornsby

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Release
"Mandolin Rain" was released in 1986 as part of the album "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
Chart Position
It achieved significant success, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Co-Writer
The song was co-written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby.
Musical Style
The song showcases Hornsby's considerable skills on the piano and has a bluegrass influence, reflecting his Virginian roots.
Live Performances
It has become something of a staple at Hornsby's live shows where it often features an extended piano solo.
Song Theme
The song is often interpreted as a sad love song, reflecting on a romantic relationship that has ended.
Song Cover
Well-known American singer-songwriter Ricky Skaggs, who is known for his work in bluegrass music, covered the song in 2007.
Recognition
Following the success of "Mandolin Rain", Bruce Hornsby and the Range won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987.
Other Versions
Hornsby has been known to play alternative versions of the song at concerts, often intermixed with other songs or performed in a different style.
Prominent Instrument
Despite its title, the song does not feature a mandolin as a prominent instrument; instead, Hornsby's piano takes center stage.
Commercial Success
Alongside "The Way It Is" and "Every Little Kiss", "Mandolin Rain" is one of Hornsby's most commercially successful songs.
Music Video
The music video for "Mandolin Rain" matched the introspective tone of the song, featuring Bruce Hornsby alone with his piano.

Discuss the Mandolin Rain Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Mandolin Rain Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7282012/Bruce+Hornsby/Mandolin+Rain>.

    Missing lyrics by Bruce Hornsby?

    Know any other songs by Bruce Hornsby? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Mandolin Rain

    16.3M
    74,449     3,761

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #4


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Whose first hit was Wuthering Heights?
    A Fiona Apple
    B Björk
    C Kate Bush
    D Tori Amos

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Bruce Hornsby tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Mandolin Rain

    »