I Think It's Gonna Rain Today
Francoise Hardy Lyrics


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Broken windows and empty hallways
Pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey
Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
With frozen smiles to chase love away
Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely tin can at my feet
Think I'll kick it down the street, that's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me
"Help the needy and show them the way"
Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely tin can at my feet
Think I'll kick it down the street, that's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me




"Help the needy and show them the way"
Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today.

Overall Meaning

The song "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" by Francoise Hardy is a poignant and melancholic piece that speaks of the hardships and struggles of life. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but many see it as a reflection on the challenges of human existence, the fragility of life, and the power of human kindness to provide comfort and support.


The opening lyrics set a somber tone with the imagery of broken windows and empty hallways and a pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey. This imagery symbolizes loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. However, the song takes a turn when the singer speaks of human kindness overflowing. This suggests that despite the hardships and struggles, there is still hope in the world, and kind acts can make a real difference in the lives of individuals.


The lyrics also have a hint of cynicism towards the idea of love with the reference to scarecrows dressed in the latest styles with frozen smiles to chase love away. This suggests that love is bound to be fleeting and short-lived. The mention of a lonely tin can at the singer's feet further reinforces her feelings of loneliness and isolation.


Overall, "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" is a powerful and moving reflection on the human condition, reminding us that despite the struggles and difficulties we face, there is still hope and kindness in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Broken windows and empty hallways
Empty rooms and shattered glass, a feeling of loneliness and despair.


Pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey
The moon's colorless, lifeless appearance mirrors the bleakness of the sky.


Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today
The abundance of generosity and compassion, but also a sense of premonition that something bad is about to happen.


Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
People who fake their persona or conform to societal norms despite being empty inside, like lifeless straw figures.


With frozen smiles to chase love away
Forcing a smile to hide one's true feelings and prevent oneself from giving into love and vulnerability.


Lonely, lonely tin can at my feet
Symbolic of the singer's own loneliness and feelings of emptiness and despair.


Think I'll kick it down the street, that's the way to treat a friend
The singer contemplates taking out her anger and frustration on an inanimate object, a coping mechanism for her own pain and hurt.


Bright before me the signs implore me
Advertisements and messages urging people to be kind and charitable, but often ignored or overlooked.


"Help the needy and show them the way"
The call to action to help others and guide them towards a brighter future.


Human kindness overflowing and I think it's gonna rain today
An abundance of goodwill and charity amid a sense of foreboding that something negative is on the horizon.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@JohnnyFromVirginia

Thanks for posting this one up!

@johnwebsterwallace4884

Not a Neil Diamond fan but when I heard him sing this song 1971-2... he gave it the depth that... "Human Kindness"... (I would think.) deserves.

@isezakicho66

Great version of the song. Thanks a lot!!

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