I Think It's Going To Rain Today
Kenny Burrell Lyrics


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Broken windows and empty hallways
A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today

Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
With frozen smiles to chase love away
It's human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today

Bright before me the signs implore me
To help the needy and show them the way
It's human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today





No, I think it's going to rain today

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kenny Burrell's song "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" speaks to the themes of loneliness, desperation and ultimately hope. The opening lines, "Broken windows and empty hallways, a pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray" sets the scene of a desolate and rundown environment. This image evokes a feeling of sadness, a place where people have given up hope. However, the following line "human kindness is overflowing" introduces a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness. It suggests that even in the worst of situations, people have the ability to be kind and show compassion, which can bring a sense of comfort to those in need. The repetition of this line throughout the song further emphasizes this message.


The chorus, "And I think it's going to rain today" is repeated twice in the song, creating a sense of oncoming rain which could symbolize the cleansing of the environment, the washing away of sorrow and the possibility of new beginnings. The lyrics, "Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles, with frozen smiles to chase love away" allude to the idea that people in the midst of their own turmoil put on a façade to present themselves as happy and content, although deep down they are far from it. The following lines, "Bright before me the signs implore me, to help the needy and show them the way" suggests that despite the pain people are experiencing, there is still help to be offered and people who are willing to guide them towards a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Broken windows and empty hallways
The desolate and abandoned environment around me implies that something is not right


A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray
The moon's lack of luminosity and the dreary atmosphere accurately reflects the mood of the surroundings


Human kindness is overflowing
Despite the bleak environment, people readily show their capacity for compassion and empathy


And I think it's going to rain today
Amidst the backdrop of somberness and benevolence, there could be an imminent occurrence of sorrow and tribulation


Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
People are too preoccupied with their own appearance, oblivious to the precious connections that they could make with one another


With frozen smiles to chase love away
Despite acting pleasant, individuals conceal their true feelings, making it impossible for them to cultivate true affection


Bright before me the signs implore me
The signs are clear instructions on how to exhibit kindness to others, but often go unnoticed or ignored


To help the needy and show them the way
The message of the signs is to nurture generosity and guide those who are struggling towards better prospects


No, I think it's going to rain today
Despite hope for betterment, there is an apprehension of impending grief and despair




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Randy Newman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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