In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
Rhythm of the Rain
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(John Gummoe)
« © '63 Chappell-Morris »
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain, Telling me just what a fool I've been. I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain, And let me be alone again. Now the only girl I've ever loved has gone away. Looking for a brand new start! But little does she know that when she left that day. Along with her she took my heart. Rain, please tell me, now does that seem fair For her to steal my heart away when she don't care I can't love another, when my heart's somewhere far away. Rain, won't you tell her that I love her so Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow Rain in her heart and let the love we know start to grow.
Johnny Tillotson's song Rhythm of the Rain details the aftermath of a painful breakup. The lyrics describe the sound of rain falling as a metaphor for the singer's heartbreak. He wishes that the rain would go away so he can cry in isolation and feel his own pain. The girl he loved has left him, and he longs for her to return. He hasn't been able to move on because his heart is still with her.
The singer asks the rain to convey a message to his former love, expressing his feelings of love for her and the hope that they can reconcile. He pleads with the rain to ask the sun to enkindle her heart with his love. The chorus repeats, "Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain, telling me just what a fool I've been," emphasizing the idea that the rain echoes his emotions.
The song's lyrics are simple yet poetic, blending the sadness of a broken heart with the natural beauty of rain. The song's overall message is one of heartbreak and longing for a former love, a sentiment that has resonated with audiences for decades.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Pay attention to the sound of the raindrops as they fall from the sky
Telling me just what a fool I've been
Making me aware of my foolishness and mistakes
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
I want the rain to stop and leave me to express my sadness without any interference
And let me be alone again
I want to be left in solitude and recover from my heartbreak
Now the only girl I've ever loved has gone away
The woman I loved has left me
Looking for a brand new start!
She is searching for a fresh beginning and moving on from our relationship
But little does she know that when she left that day.
She doesn't realize that when she departed, she took my heart with her
Along with her she took my heart.
She carried away my emotions and love when she left
Rain, please tell me, now does that seem fair
I am asking the rain if it is just and right for her to take my heart away
For her to steal my heart away when she don't care
She took my heart without caring for my feelings
I can't love another, when my heart's somewhere far away.
I cannot find love with someone else when my heart is still with her
Rain, won't you tell her that I love her so
I am pleading with the rain to pass on my message to her that I still love her deeply
Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow
I request the rain to communicate my desire for her to be happy and her heart to be filled with love again
Rain in her heart and let the love we know start to grow.
I want the rain to help restore her love in me, so that we can renew our affection and start anew
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Gummoe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miltonmoore5294
His covers were
invariably better
than the original
versions. I cannot
think of another
recording artist
who had this kind
of success in this
regard. It really
underscores what
a uniquely gifted
singer he was.
@kathleenveronica9453
I love this music it is the best in the world I love it so much God bless you ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💗 💕 🙏 ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💗 💕 🙏 ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💗 💕 🙏 ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💗 💕 🙏
@patrickryan1515
Johnny never disrespects another artist's hit song; everything I've ever heard by him has been well worth the listening to. He's a gentle, masterful soul! 3/2018
@MatrixFairyWarrior
These songs always make me cry. It is like a ghost from a long time ago reaching out to me.
@joaotakanorijamjao1312
WONDERFUL with TILLOTSON's voice !!!
@millyashby3195
Mmmm I am listening to the rhythm of his voice so soft and calm and gentle it can set anybody's heart a glow beautiful no wonder my mom had the best music back in her days wow
@helderbravo4970
Esta canción la escuchaba en El Tocadiscos de Pepe Jarufe en Arequipa Peru
@irenemccann7032
As an 81 year old lady ,those where the days of melodic melody's and great lyrics, fifties was the best era great singers then great rock and roll what a time that was. when the British invasion came that's when music changed and not for then better oh by the way I'm British .
@miltonmoore5294
His covers were
invariably better
than the original
versions. I cannot
think of another
recording artist
who had this kind
of success in this
regard. It really
underscores what
a uniquely gifted
singer he was.
@asilentvoice1380
Milton Moore the original is by the cascades right
@powergrassp7769
l totally agree