After entertaining British troops alongside fellow child stars Julie Andrews and Anthony Newley, Clark made her film debut with A Medal for the General in 1944. By the dawn of the '50s she was a superstar throughout the U.K., with a résumé of close to two-dozen films; 1954's "The Little Shoemaker" was her first Top 20 single, while 1960's "Sailor" was her first chart-topper. Still, Clark struggled with her inability to shed her adolescent image. After selling over a million copies of 1961's "Romeo," she married and relocated to France, establishing a strong fan base there on the strength of hits including "Ya-Ya Twist," "Chariot," and "Monsieur," which spotlighted a new, more sophisticated pop sound anchored by her crystalline vocals.
Riding the wave of the British Invasion, Clark was finally able to penetrate the U.S. market in 1964 with the Grammy-winning "Downtown," the first single by a British woman ever to reach number one on the American pop charts. It was also the first in a series of American Top Ten hits (most written and arranged by Tony Hatch) which also included 1965's "I Know a Place" and 1966's "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love," and the number one smash "My Love." At the same time, she remained a huge star throughout Europe, topping the British charts in 1967 with "This Is My Song," taken from the film A Countess from Hong Kong. In addition to hosting her own BBC series, she also starred in the 1968 NBC television special Petula, which triggered controversy when sponsors requested that a segment with guest Harry Belafonte be cut in deference to Southern affiliates; ultimately, the show aired in its intended form.
As the '60s drew to a close, Clark's commercial stature slipped, although singles like "Don't Sleep on the Subway," "The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener," and "Kiss Me Goodbye" still charted on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1968, she revived her film career by starring in Finian's Rainbow, followed a year later by Goodbye, Mr. Chips. In later years, Clark focused primarily on international touring, headlining the 1981 London revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music; after starring in the 1990 musical Someone Like You, which she also co-wrote, she made her Broadway debut in Blood Brothers in 1993. Additionally, in 1988, an acid-house remix of "Downtown" reached the U.K. Top Ten, another honor for the female singer awarded the most gold records in British pop history.
Come Rain Or Come Shine
Pétula Clark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come rain or come shine.
High as a mountain and deep as a river,
Come rain or come shine.
I guess when you met me
It was just one of those things,
But don't ever bet me,
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me,
Come rain or come shine.
Happy together, unhappy together
And won't it be fine.
Days may be cloudy or sunny,
We're in or we're out of the money,
But I'm with you always,
I'm with you rain or shine.
The lyrics to Petula Clark's "Come Rain Or Come Shine" convey a sense of steadfastness and commitment in a relationship. The opening line, "I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you," expresses the depth of the singer's love and the promise to remain faithful and committed no matter what challenges may arise. The repetition of the phrase "Come rain or come shine" reinforces this idea of constancy, as the singer promises to love through both the highs and lows of life.
The second verse suggests that the relationship may not have started as a great love story. When the singer says, "I guess when you met me, it was just one of those things," it implies that the love may have grown gradually rather than instantly. However, the rest of the verse shows that the singer is devoted to this relationship and will remain faithful if given the chance.
The final verse acknowledges the ups and downs that any couple may face in life. The line "Days may be cloudy or sunny" refers to both literal weather as well as the metaphorical ups and downs of life. The sentiment "We're in or we're out of the money" suggests that the couple may face financial difficulties, but the singer promises to remain by their side regardless. The final lines, "I'm with you always, I'm with you rain or shine," reinforce the singer's promise to love and support their partner through any and all circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you,
I will show you an unparalleled affection that no one ever has.
Come rain or come shine.
Regardless of any challenges we may face, my love for you will remain strong.
High as a mountain and deep as a river,
The love I have for you knows no bounds and will be steadfast like a mountain and a river.
I guess when you met me
Perhaps when we first crossed paths,
It was just one of those things,
It could have been pure chance or destiny, who knows.
But don't ever bet me,
Don't doubt my devotion,
"Cause I'm gonna be true if you let me.
As long as you give me the chance, I'll always be loyal to you.
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me,
I trust that you will reciprocate my feelings and show me an affection that I've never received before.
Come rain or come shine.
Regardless of life's ups and downs, our love will endure.
Happy together, unhappy together
Whether we are joyous or sorrowful, we will face life together.
And won't it be fine.
This true love that we share will bring happiness and fulfillment to our lives.
Days may be cloudy or sunny,
Our days could be filled with either gloom or cheer,
We're in or we're out of the money,
We could have everything or we could have nothing,
But I'm with you always,
Nonetheless, I will always be by your side,
I'm with you rain or shine.
Whether or not the conditions are in our favor, we will face them together.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gmailaccountholder4925
An era that can't ever be topped, and Petula was amongst the best. She was pure talent and definitely a life long favorite of mine.
@darrenplumpton9737
PETULA WAS....THE BEST.
Better than ALL the rest.
@luismiguelmaguinonapuri3748
Además de su serena belleza, encantó natural y esa expresión corporal que realza su talento artístico. Preciosa en suma.
@Alanoffer
That dress is classic sixties . Looks great
@brianzybura8633
The reason why her dress looks so good is because back then, most people wanted to work, liked working, and wanted to do the best they can. In this case, the dress, the set design, the timing of the lighting, the orchestra, and of course Petula Clark. I think that if Ed Sullivan would be alive today , he would go nuts trying to run a U.S. prime time variety show. A lot of people aint interested in doing a good job no more.
@nicholasdalto8323
I can't believe she just turned 90.
@AndrewVOdom
I’m finding she was so much more than her biggest hits! A beauty and all around great!
@darrenplumpton3551
Andrew V Odom: I echo every single word that you say in your brilliant comment about the UNIQUE and totally UNMATCHABLE Petula Clark.
Very well said indeed.
@punkifinster5393
Don't miss her performance of I Want to Hold Your Hand on Ed Sullivan.
@hnc52
Wow! I continue to be amazed at Petula's versatility. This is a great reworking of a standard.