Don't Rain On My Parade
Nancy Wilson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't tell me not to fly
I've simply got to
If someone takes a spill
It's me and not you
Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade

Don't tell me not to leave
Just sit and putter
Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter
Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade

I'll march my band out
I'll beat my drum
And if I'm fanned out
Your turn at bat, sir
At least I didn't fake it, hat, sir
I guess I didn't make it

But whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection
A freckle on the nose of life's complexion
A Cinderella or a shine apple of an eye
I gotta fly once
I gotta try once
Only can die once, right, sir?
Ooh, life is juicy
Juicy and you see
I gotta have my bite, sir

Get ready for me love
'Cause I'm a "comer"
I simply gotta march
My heart's a drummer
Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade

Yes, sir
No, sir
I'm gonna live and live now
Get what I want, I know how
All that the law will allow
One roll for the whole shebang
One throw that bell will go clang
Though I'm alone I'm a gang
Eye on the target and wham
One shot, one gun shot and bam

Hey, world, here I am...
Get ready for me life, 'cause I'm a "comer"




I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer
Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Rain On My Parade" by Nancy Wilson is about pushing through obstacles and living life to the fullest. The lyrics are a declaration of independence and determination to achieve one's goals despite the naysayers. The song paints a picture of a person who will not be held back or discouraged by others, but will instead march forward with their own band and beat their own drum. The lyrics also speak to the idea that life is short and one must take chances and risks to truly live.


The singer of the song is speaking directly to those who doubt their abilities or tell them not to pursue their dreams. They are saying that they must take their shot, even if they fail in the end. The lyrics also acknowledge that success and happiness are not always guaranteed, but that one should still try and live boldly. The imagery of a parade and marching band give the song a triumphant and celebratory tone, suggesting that the singer is ready to take on the world.


Overall, "Don't Rain On My Parade" is a powerful and uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to follow their passions and not let others bring them down.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't tell me not to fly
Don't discourage me from pursuing my dreams


I've simply got to
I'm compelled to try, regardless of the possibility of failing


If someone takes a spill
If anyone fails, it will be me


It's me and not you
You don't have to shoulder the burden of my failure


Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade
Don't be a killjoy and ruin my moment of success


Don't tell me not to leave
Don't hold me back from taking risks and exploring new things


Just sit and putter
Don't waste my time with trivial things


Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter
Life is good and full of opportunities


Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade
Who gave you the right to bring me down with criticism and negativity


I'll march my band out
I'll take control of my own destiny


I'll beat my drum
I'll follow my own rhythm and beat


And if I'm fanned out
And if I fail


Your turn at bat, sir
You can try next, if you want


At least I didn't fake it, hat, sir
At least I tried and didn't pretend to be something I'm not


I guess I didn't make it
I guess I failed, but at least I tried


But whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection
But even if I'm not perfect


A freckle on the nose of life's complexion
Even if I'm not flawless


A Cinderella or a shine apple of an eye
Even if I'm not the most beautiful or the luckiest


I gotta fly once
I have to try at least once


I gotta try once
I have to attempt something new and challenging


Only can die once, right, sir?
We only have one life to live, don't waste it


Ooh, life is juicy
There are so many opportunities in life


Juicy and you see
There are many things to enjoy in life


I gotta have my bite, sir
I have to take my chances and pursue my desires


Get ready for me love
Get ready world, here I come


'Cause I'm a "comer"
I'm a promising success story


My heart's a drummer
I'm inspired to succeed and it drives me forward


Yes, sir
I'm ready for anything


No, sir
I won't be held back by anyone


I'm gonna live and live now
I'm going to live my life to the fullest, starting now


Get what I want, I know how
I'm confident in my abilities to achieve my goals


All that the law will allow
I'll take every opportunity that's legally available to me


One roll for the whole shebang
One chance to succeed at everything


One throw that bell will go clang
One mighty effort that will resound across the world


Though I'm alone I'm a gang
Even if I'm by myself, I'm still strong and capable


Eye on the target and wham
I'm focused on my goals and will achieve them with determination


One shot, one gun shot and bam
One chance to make things happen and I'll take it


Hey, world, here I am...
I'm ready to take on the world


Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!
I won't let anyone ruin my moment of victory




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MERRILL, JULE STYNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Seabasstien

Nancy Wilson is easily my favorite singer and I love a lot of great singers. She is simply the coolest if them all. 😎

@janetangelanelson3271

This is life's code. ITS MY LIFE! LIVE YOUR LIFE, CHASE YOUR JOY!!

@solemandd67

TESTIFY NANCY!

@bennyjazzful

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.

@janetangelanelson3271

This
IN SONG is life's code

@ShaneHampsheirTV

Brilliant!

@solemandd67

Mic Drop Majestic!

@user-xm5ny2ju9m

I've seen her LIVE twice!

@michelleyoung7375

This is one of my favorite songs from her. She's an amazing singer!! Thank you so much for sharing it!

@ramellmiles1306

Rest easy Nancy...

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