Doyle Bramhall II (born 24 December 1968) is a guitarist and vocalist in hi… Read Full Bio ↴Doyle Bramhall II (born 24 December 1968) is a guitarist and vocalist in his band Smokestack and was also the second guitarist in Eric Clapton's band from 2004 to 2009. He is the son of singer, songwriter and drummer Doyle Bramhall, who was raised with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan.

At age 16, Doyle Bramhall II toured with Jimmie Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as second guitarist. In 1992 Doyle formed Arc Angels with Charlie Sexton and Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton (also known as Double Trouble). Doyle became Eric Clapton's second guitarist in 2004 after Andy Fairweather-Low backed out of the tour. He left Clapton's band in 2009 to reform Arc Angels.

"Doyle Bramhall II was raised in a home filled with the blues and rock and roll sounds that are indigenous to his birthplace - Austin, Texas. His father, Doyle Bramhall Senior, was the drummer for blues legend Lightning Hopkins and a regular collaborator with Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
When Doyle was 16 years old, he toured as second guitarist with Jimmy Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Shortly thereafter he and fellow Texan, Charlie Sexton, co-founded the rock band Arc Angels. Doyle and Charlie enlisted the rhythm section from Stevie Ray Vaughan's backing band, Double Trouble, to complete the lineup. The group enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success.
Following the release of "Jellycream," Doyle's 1999 RCA debut recording, he received phone calls from both Roger Waters and Eric Clapton. Doyle ended up joining Roger Waters for a summer tour while Clapton, along with fellow blues great B.B. King, chose two of Doyle's songs - "Marry You" and "I Wanna Be" - for their collaborative recording entitled "Riding With The King." Upon completion of the "Riding..." project, Doyle, his wife - Susannah Melvoin, and Clapton co-wrote and performed "Superman Inside" for Clapton's album, "Reptile." Doyle's playing is also heavily featured on the album.
The latest offering from Doyle Bramhall II, entitled - "Welcome" - is the purest sampling of Doyle's talents to date. Doyle entered the studio with Smokestack, the band he put together a couple of years ago, and co-producers Benmont Tench and Jim Scott to record the 12 - song set. Joining Doyle in Smokestack is J.J. Johnson on drums and bassist Chris Bruce. Susannah Melvoin contributed background vocals, Benmont Tench pulled keyboard duty and Craig Ross played second guitar.
The album, "Welcome" showcases the diversity of Bramhall's talent; from his songwriting to his intense, soulful vocals and virtuoso guitar playing. Doyle's gravity explosion can be readily heard on such tracks as the driving "Green Light Girl" and the uptempo "Soul Shaker." His dedication to the blues can be felt on tracks like "Life," "So You Want It To Rain" and "Send Some Love."
Doyle and his band are set to open for Eric Clapton on the first leg of a worldwide tour this year".
Official Site

So You Want It To Rain
Doyle Bramhall II Lyrics

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So you want it to rain
Just sit here with me
And watch the clouds come in
Wash away our pain

Need a place to go
A place to call our own
Just you and me and the rain

Your skin is so sweet and warm
And damp as the air and the clouds outside
Everything has a story, a story to tell

Need a place to go
A place to call our own
Just you and me and the rain

It's a beautiful day for the rain
It's a beautiful day that we came
Nowhere to run, everything is plain to see
It's such a beautiful day for the rain

Gonna leave it all behind
Never look back, throw it all away
On this overcast day, this overcast day

We got a place to go
A place to call our own
Just you and me and the rain

It's a beautiful day for the rain
It's a beautiful day that we came
Nowhere to run, everything is plain to see
It's such a beautiful day for the rain

It's a beautiful day for the rain
It's a beautiful day that we came
Nowhere to run, everything is plain to see
It's such a beautiful day for the rain

Rain, rain
So you want it to rain

Overall Meaning

"So You Want It To Rain" is a song by Doyle Bramhall II & Smokestack that tells the story of two lovers who are seeking solace and a place to call their own. The lyrics describe a beautiful day to appreciate the rain and find shelter in each other. The song starts with an invitation to enjoy the rain with the person they love. The rain is presented as a way to wash away their pain and find comfort in each other's company. The lyrics are infused with imagery of rain and nature, emphasizing the cleansing and refreshing nature of the rain.

As the song progresses, the lyrics become more introspective, focusing on the characters' desire for a place to call their own. This sentiment is accentuated by the refrain, "Need a place to go, a place to call our own, just you and me and the rain." The lyrics suggest the need for a sanctuary, a place where the two characters can be alone and free from the outside world. As the lyrics shift, the song becomes more meditative, inviting listeners to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

Overall, "So You Want It To Rain" is a poignant song about finding solace in nature and in each other. The lyrics explore themes of love, refuge, and the beauty of the natural world.

Line by Line Meaning

So you want it to rain
You desire for rain to arrive

Just sit here with me
Stay with me and enjoy this moment

And watch the clouds come in
Observe the clouds as they move in

Wash away our pain
Allow the rain to cleanse our sorrows

Need a place to go
Crave a destination

A place to call our own
A special location for just us

Just you and me and the rain
Only the two of us with the falling water

Your skin is so sweet and warm
Your flesh feels pleasing and comforting to me

And damp as the air and the clouds outside
Your skin feels moist and humid like the atmosphere around us

Everything has a story, a story to tell
Every aspect has a tale worth sharing

It's a beautiful day for the rain
Today is a perfect moment for rain