Jimmy Raney (20 August 1927–10 May 1995) was an American jazz guitarist bor… Read Full Bio ↴Jimmy Raney (20 August 1927–10 May 1995) was an American jazz guitarist born in Louisville, Kentucky most notable for his work from 1951–1952 and 1962-1963 with Stan Getz and for his work from 1953–1954 with the Red Norvo trio, replacing Tal Farlow. In 1954 and 1955 he won the Down Beat critics poll for guitar. Raney worked in a variety of jazz mediums, including cool jazz, bebop, post bop, hard bop and mainstream jazz.

Jimmy Raney began his jazz guitar career very early with the history showing he played in the Jerry Wald band in 1944 at age 17.

In 1946 he worked for a time as guitarist with the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's in Chicago, his first paying gig. Raney also worked in the Artie Shaw Orchestra and collaborated with Woody Herman for nine months in 1948. He also collaborated and recorded with Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig and later on with Bob Brookmeyer. In 1967 alcoholism and other professional difficulties led him to leave New York City and return to his native Louisville. He resurfaced in the 1970s and also did work with his son Doug, who is also a guitarist. Raney suffered for thirty years from Meniere's Disease, a degenerative condition that eventually led to near complete deafness in both ears. Fortunately, his playing remained unaffected. Raney died of heart failure in Louisville Ky. on May 10th of 1995, just short of his 68th birthday. An obituary in the New York Times referred to Jimmy Raney as 'one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world .

Pennies from Heaven
Jimmy Raney Lyrics

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Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven
Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven?
You'll find your fortune's fallin' all over the town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down

Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree

There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me

Every time, every time it rains, it's gonna rain pennies from heaven
Don't you know every cloud contains lots of pennies from heaven
You'll find your fortune's fallin', baby, all over the town
Be sure, be sure that your umbrella is upside down

Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you've got to have showers

So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jimmy Raney's song "Pennies from Heaven" speak to the idea that life's rain showers can actually bring blessings in the form of unexpected wealth that one must be ready to catch. The metaphor is that every time it rains, pennies from heaven rain down from the clouds. The singer encourages the listener to not only be ready to catch these pennies but also to view rainy days as an opportunity to obtain the things they love. The lyrics suggest that it is necessary to endure the rain in order to reap the rewards. The message is hopeful and emphasizes the importance of seeing the good in times of struggle.

The first verse introduces the idea that every time it rains, there is money to be found falling from the sky. The second verse emphasizes this point, adding that one's fortune could be all over town. In the chorus, the singer encourages the listener to take advantage of this opportunity by turning their umbrella upside down to catch the pennies. The third verse suggests that if one wants good things in life, they must be willing to go through the struggles required to obtain them. Finally, the chorus repeats the idea that when it rains, blessings will come if one is ready to receive them.

Overall, the lyrics to "Pennies from Heaven" are optimistic and upbeat, offering a positive perspective on life's challenges. The metaphor of rain showers and pennies from heaven offers a unique and creative way to encourage listeners to see challenges as opportunities and blessings.

Pennies from HeavenJimmy Raney Lyrics

Pennies from Heaven
Jimmy Raney Lyrics