Releasing her first single in 1959, she struggled to launch her career from segregated New Orleans as a teenage waitress with 4 children in the early 60's. Now, finally undergoing a late career renaissance on the Rounder label, much of her most enduring work was produced in the early 1960's by Allen Toussaint for Minit Records, and she also recorded for other labels including Imperial, Chess, and Atlantic, eventually retiring for a period before reviving her career in earnest in the late 1980's.
Thomas is perhaps best known outside of New Orleans for her recording of "Time Is On My Side," which predated the hit version by the Rolling Stones. Otis Redding's hit "Pain In My Heart" was built on an earlier song, "Ruler of My Heart," recorded by Thomas.
Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and various tour dates in the US and Europe. She has reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season and often headlined at her own club, the Lion's Den, which is now out of business due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Irma Thomas has participated in numerous post-Katrina charity projects including The New Orleans Social Club, and won numerous awards including the Offbeat Magazine Award, Mojo Magazine's Legends award, Big Easy Award, a Family Services Award and many more. In 2009, Scott Billington compiled a Rounder records retrospective "Irma Thomas: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of The Soul Queen of New Orleans: " .
Cold Rain
Irma Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can feel it in your fingers, in the very way that you breathe
You want to be fast, well love never is
But darling don despair cause I know I'm ready for this
[Chorus]
Oh my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my
Here is comes, here it comes, here it comes,
Here it comes, here it comes, washing down
Deep and dark, hard and wide this cold rain, cold rain inside
A cold, cold rain
I know it wont be long, before this storm is done
Let the clouds come and wash me clean, till I'm standing in the sun
[Chorus]
In Irma Thomas's song "Cold Rain," the lyrics speak about the impending break-up of a relationship. The opening lines, "You say you're unhappy, it's time for you to leave," indicate that one person in the relationship has expressed their intention to end things. The lyrics go on to describe how the other person can feel this coming, through the way their partner is breathing and the unease they see in their partner's fingers. Although the person being left feels the urge to cling to the relationship and make it work, they understand that love is never fast or easy but they are prepared for whatever comes next.
The chorus repeats the phrase "here it comes" as a metaphor for the "cold rain" that is coming inside the person who is left behind. This rain is described as "deep and dark, hard and wide," showing the depth of the emotions they are experiencing. Despite this, the person resolves to weather the storm, allowing the rain to wash them clean until they can stand in the sun once more. The song's ultimate message is that despite the pain of heartbreak, the person left behind will find a way to heal and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
You say your unhappy, tits time for you to leave
You express your unhappiness, implying your desire to depart.
I can feel it in your fingers, in the very way that you breathe
Your actions and breath reveal the truth of your intentions.
You want to be fast, well love never is
You seek haste, but love cannot always be rushed.
But darling don despair cause I know I'm ready for this
Do not despair, for I am prepared for the challenge ahead.
Oh my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my
Expressing surprise or excitement.
Here is comes, here it comes, here it comes,
Introducing a forthcoming happening.
No place to run, no where to hide, from this cold rain inside
There is no escape from the emotional turmoil within oneself.
Here it comes, here it comes, washing down
The impending emotional storm is approaching.
Deep and dark, hard and wide this cold rain, cold rain inside
The intense emotional pain is vast and overwhelming.
A cold, cold rain
The cold rain signifies the depth of one's emotional suffering.
I know it wont be long, before this storm is done
The emotional turmoil will not last forever and will eventually pass.
Let the clouds come and wash me clean, till I'm standing in the sun
The catharsis of the emotional storm will ultimately bring healing and renewal.
[Chorus]
The repeated chorus emphasizes the theme of emotional turmoil and eventual catharsis.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRIAN KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kajunmoon
soul queen of Louisiana love this woman...
Kristian Horr
Love that voice! The piano playing is awesome!! Wish I could play like that.
ALBATRUSITS
Song title is Cold Rain. But this pianoplay is very warm and emotional.
snicky58
Beautiful.
ALBATRUSITS
yes. that's right. her very deep voice