But while Waits' early life was tumultuous to say the least, that voice managed to prevail, and on her self-titled debut for the Radarproof label, we are shown why we are all the better for it. Just as capable of singing a torch song as getting down and dirty with the blues, Waits tackles a combination of covers and originals on her CD with passion that really should be displayed more in the music business.
Her choices for covers are as curious when one sees them listed on the CD cover as they are ultimately appropriate, once they have been heard. Tom Waits' "Get Behind the Mule," sizzles with mischief when the female Waits works her magic on it. Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells," a criminally overlooked track from his excellent "Oh Mercy" CD, is given beautifully reverent treatment by Waits, as is the Billie Holiday standard, "Yesterdays."
Just wait until you hear the longing in Waits' voice when she tackles Ray Charles' "Drown in My Own Tears." Among the originals, the song "The Ballad of Judith Anne" is the most intriguing.
Also good is "Ignatius," which closes out the CD.
Come Rain or Come Shine
Hope Waits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High as a mountain and deep as a river come rain or come shine
I guess when you met me it was just one of those things
But don't ever bet me cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me come rain or come shine
Happy together unhappy together and wont it be fine?
Days may be cloudy or sunny, we're in or were out of the money
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you come rain or come shine
High as a mountain deep as a river come rain or come shine
I guess when you met me it was just one of those things
But don't ever bet me cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me come rain or come shine
Happy together unhappy together and wont it be fine?
Days may be cloudy or sunny
we're in or were out of the money
Oh, and I'm with you always, I'm with you
I'm with you always, I'm with you rain or shine
In "Come Rain or Come Shine," Hope Waits expresses a deep commitment to love that lasts no matter what life brings. The opening lines are melodramatic, as she declares that she will love her partner more than anyone ever has, even in the face of storms and tough times. She compares the depth of her love to the majesty of a mountain and the power of a river, implying an unwavering steadfastness. The second verse takes a turn, as Hope encourages her partner to love her the same way, even if they go through difficult patches together. The final verse circles back to the initial declarations of commitment, again promising to love unconditionally, no matter if the sun is shining or if they're going through tough financial times.
One interpretation of the song is that it's a tender love song, a promise that even amid life's rough seas, the commitment and connection between two people can remain constant. However, there's also another possible interpretation of "Come Rain or Come Shine," which is that it's not just a love song, but a declaration of loyalty between friends or family members who always have each other's backs no matter what happens in life. Either way, the song is a beautiful ode to devotion and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you come rain or come shine
I will love you more than anyone ever has, regardless of any difficulties we may face
High as a mountain and deep as a river come rain or come shine
My love for you will be immense and everlasting, despite any hardships or obstacles we may encounter
I guess when you met me it was just one of those things
Our meeting may have seemed like a coincidence, but I believe it was fate that brought us together
But don't ever bet me cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
I will always be faithful and loyal to you, as long as you allow me to be
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me come rain or come shine
I believe that you will love me just as strongly and deeply as I love you, through all of life's ups and downs
Happy together unhappy together and wont it be fine?
Regardless of our circumstances, we will face it together and find joy in our love for each other
Days may be cloudy or sunny, we're in or were out of the money
Our financial situation and life circumstances may fluctuate, but our love will remain constant
Oh, and I'm with you always, I'm with you
I will always stand by your side, no matter what happens
I'm with you always, I'm with you rain or shine
No matter the weather, good or bad times, I will be there for you
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
June Lynn
What a fantastic arrangement....Ray's voice and those background singers and that orchestra....pure perfection here : )))))
David Aguilar González
El gran Ray charles su música es muy hermosa su voz inigualable
Luke Wehner
If I ever get married, this will be played at the wedding
Ms. Carol’s Golden Gems
Luke Wehner
Judy Bingham
Beautiful. Sung by the Genius of Music, Brother Ray!
stormygal121
Thank you Peter! How great was Ray Charles...OMG! You know how he does that little something at the end of a note, which can put you into another planet! And the way he actually can change the quality of his tone during a phrase. If someone else did that, they would sound ridiculous! I remember Johnny Mercer who actually wasn't known as a singer, had a incredible quality when he sang....Feeling it from head to toe!!
xhaleonce again
There is NO other performer that can put a twist on this song like Ray did...A true genius!!!
June Lynn
I forgot to say thank you for making and sharing this....a great presentation of Ray and this classic song.
Peter Schneider
+June Lynn Thank you very much, how very kind of you June Lynn.
It's been quite a while that someone mentioned or thanked me for any video I posted..usually it's taken for granted I quess lol
Panama Jack
Brilliant tune. What a songwriter!