Peter Gabriel — Red Rain
Album: Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden GreatsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1881
Length: 5:33
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Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
I am standing up at the water's edge in my dream
I cannot make a single sound as you scream
It can't be that cold, the ground is still warm to touch
Hey, we touch
This place is so quiet, sensing that storm
Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
Well, I've seen them buried in a sheltered place in this town
They tell you that this rain can sting and look down
There is no blood around, see no sign of pain
Hey, no pain
Seeing no red at all, see no rain
Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
Red rain
Oh, oh
Putting the pressure on much harder now
To return again and again (Red rain)
Just let the red rain splash you
Let the rain fall on your skin (Red rain)
I come to you, defenses down (Oh)
With the trust of a child
Oh, red rain coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
And I can't watch anymore
No more denial
It's so hard to lay down in all of this
Red rain coming down
Red rain is pouring down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I see it
Red rain coming down
Red rain is pouring down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I'm bathing in
Red rain coming down
Red rain is coming down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I'm begging you
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Over me in the red, red sea
Over me
Over me
Red rain
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
I am standing up at the water's edge in my dream
I cannot make a single sound as you scream
It can't be that cold, the ground is still warm to touch
Hey, we touch
This place is so quiet, sensing that storm
Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
Well, I've seen them buried in a sheltered place in this town
They tell you that this rain can sting and look down
There is no blood around, see no sign of pain
Hey, no pain
Seeing no red at all, see no rain
Red rain is coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
Red rain
Oh, oh
Putting the pressure on much harder now
To return again and again (Red rain)
Just let the red rain splash you
Let the rain fall on your skin (Red rain)
I come to you, defenses down (Oh)
With the trust of a child
Oh, red rain coming down
Red rain
Red rain is pouring down
Pouring down all over me
And I can't watch anymore
No more denial
It's so hard to lay down in all of this
Red rain coming down
Red rain is pouring down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I see it
Red rain coming down
Red rain is pouring down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I'm bathing in
Red rain coming down
Red rain is coming down
Red rain is coming down all over me
I'm begging you
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Red rain coming down
Over me in the red, red sea
Over me
Over me
Red rain
Comments (125)add comment
This is terrible, sounds like the background to some crappy American 80s film where the actors have mullets and baggy shirts.
Montreal_Mort wrote:
I'm not certain, but my understanding is that it's a reference to chemical weapons used in Kurdistan during the Iran-Iraq war.
Love this song!!! Is the rain blood?
I'm not certain, but my understanding is that it's a reference to chemical weapons used in Kurdistan during the Iran-Iraq war.
freddyfender wrote:
Wow, you are so cool.
funniest part is PG hasn't been prog for over 40 years.
Wow, you are so cool.
funniest part is PG hasn't been prog for over 40 years.
So glad to see him in Verona this year 
weedyjoe wrote:
A legitimate criticism I overlooked while enjoying the song.
Great song, can't help but imagine this song with no synthesizers, they kind of ruin it for me. And I used to design synthesizers.
A legitimate criticism I overlooked while enjoying the song.
Great song, can't help but imagine this song with no synthesizers, they kind of ruin it for me. And I used to design synthesizers.
as with many songs that have universally been overplayed, it's title repetitions are agonizingly tedious. it's bad enough for that to occur with songs i once liked, but i never liked peter gabriel, or genesis, which makes it worse. guess i never caught the 'bug'.
Still sounds excellent after thirty years✌️
Red Rain is coming down on Ukraine. Same sh*t, different decade.
Poking about Wikipedia, I've discovered that Stewart Copeland is playing the hi-hat drum part on this song!
Love this song!!! Is the rain blood?
Sounds so good. In the background...while doing something else. Having it on...but not really listening. Sounds great like that....
On_The_Beach wrote:
As a Gabriel fan, I have to say I've always found this to be one of his weaker efforts as well.
It just kinda drones on . . . and on.
You geeks have obviously never heard it live!
As a Gabriel fan, I have to say I've always found this to be one of his weaker efforts as well.
It just kinda drones on . . . and on.
You geeks have obviously never heard it live!
At the first Lollapalooza in . . . Stanhope, NJ, I believe it was . . . it started pouring rain between bands and they blasted this song over the speakers. Everyone was drenched with hands held up to the sky. It was a magical moment.
freddyfender wrote:
Wow, you are so cool.
I like Peter 
with his great music
with his great musicI really crank it up on this one... LOVE PeterGabriel and thankfully I have the kind of speakers can play this like POURING RED RAIN :)
glowworm wrote:
Wow, you are so cool.
Really hate Peter Gabriel, prog rock bollox, thank god for Punk.
Wow, you are so cool.
Cynaera wrote:
Damnit! She got it so right, much of the time.
This song moves me on so many levels - the deep political message, the wonderful rhythm... I don't know. It just resonates with me whenever I hear it. When Peter Gabriel isn't milking the cash-cow ("Sledgehammer," for one, although the video is pretty amusing; and "Wars Without Frontiers" which is just idiotic to me), he's got a very impressive body of work. I really sorta love Peter Gabriel's solo work - but I loved his work even more when he was with Genesis...
Damnit! She got it so right, much of the time.
brilliant album. Not a huge fan of PG but So would be one of my favourite albums.
The only song I know of where someone (in this case Stewart Copeland) gets a credit for 'hi-hat'.
oldsaxon wrote:
your opinion of him is irrelevant.
What does assassinating PG's character have to do with his music? That's a separate issue that i happen to agree with.
His music is not my favorite ~ THAT is all that's required here on Radio Paradise, as far as comments go; calm; collected; decisive. In my case, i like a few of his songs & associations... Thank you.
your opinion of him is irrelevant.
What does assassinating PG's character have to do with his music? That's a separate issue that i happen to agree with.
His music is not my favorite ~ THAT is all that's required here on Radio Paradise, as far as comments go; calm; collected; decisive. In my case, i like a few of his songs & associations... Thank you.
Of course, this is really the first track off of So, but this page lists it as off of his greatest hits album, Sixteen Golden Greats, is it the same recording on both?
nightdrive wrote:
Don't know if that's true or not but I do know that his music, after So, went in a direction that I found totally disinteresting - so badly that I'm actually ashamed that I was so much a fan.
This guy's a major asshole.
Don't know if that's true or not but I do know that his music, after So, went in a direction that I found totally disinteresting - so badly that I'm actually ashamed that I was so much a fan.
These comments would lead me to think this one hasn't been played in awhile, but I could have sworn I've heard it in the mix here since then.
unclehud wrote:
I'll add a hearty "amen" to your comment!
Thanks, Bill, for a wonderful string of tunes to wake me up this morning
My appreciation for your playsets and depth of music library has risen even higher (who would have thought that possible?) over the past few months. Maybe it's your programming for time zones that are 7-10 hours away, or maybe this gig has shifted my mind and soul more than I realize, or maybe it's just randomness and dumb luck.
Doesn't really matter why .... thanks, man. You and Rebecca are appreciated.
My appreciation for your playsets and depth of music library has risen even higher (who would have thought that possible?) over the past few months. Maybe it's your programming for time zones that are 7-10 hours away, or maybe this gig has shifted my mind and soul more than I realize, or maybe it's just randomness and dumb luck.
Doesn't really matter why .... thanks, man. You and Rebecca are appreciated.
I'll add a hearty "amen" to your comment!
nightdrive wrote:
Intraspecial recognition was one of the great advances of biology.
This guy's a major asshole.
Intraspecial recognition was one of the great advances of biology.
Syria, Iraq today, and every other place that has been, or will be, at war.
Great album, great song.
Who cares.
Glad to hear Peter Gabriel. Like to listen to other tracks of his too.
nightdrive wrote:
your opinion of him is irrelevant.
This guy's a major asshole.
your opinion of him is irrelevant.
This guy's a major asshole.
Thanks, Bill, for a wonderful string of tunes to wake me up this morning in Saudi Arabia.
My appreciation for your playsets and depth of music library has risen even higher (who would have thought that possible?) over the past few months. Maybe it's your programming for time zones that are 7-10 hours away, or maybe this gig has shifted my mind and soul more than I realize, or maybe it's just randomness and dumb luck.
Doesn't really matter why .... thanks, man. You and Rebecca are appreciated.
My appreciation for your playsets and depth of music library has risen even higher (who would have thought that possible?) over the past few months. Maybe it's your programming for time zones that are 7-10 hours away, or maybe this gig has shifted my mind and soul more than I realize, or maybe it's just randomness and dumb luck.
Doesn't really matter why .... thanks, man. You and Rebecca are appreciated.
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Red Rain at Red Rocks Sept 30, 2012
One of G's many moments of Genius. Nice one 'G'
Cynaera wrote:
I don't really care for his solo work, but really enjoy the PG era Genesis. Not sure why.
I really sorta love Peter Gabriel's solo work - but I loved his work even more when he was with Genesis...
I don't really care for his solo work, but really enjoy the PG era Genesis. Not sure why.
He has a singular voice.
lawman wrote:
As a Gabriel fan, I have to say I've always found this to be one of his weaker efforts as well.
It just kinda drones on . . . and on.
Sucko Barfo
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
As a Gabriel fan, I have to say I've always found this to be one of his weaker efforts as well.
It just kinda drones on . . . and on.
Really hate Peter Gabriel, prog rock bollox, thank god for Punk.
One of his better that is for sure.. 
when So debuted I listened to it every day for six months straight...DAMN this music holds up to the test of time!!!
«SO» is one most of my favourite disc PG
So is one of my favourite disc
This song moves me on so many levels - the deep political message, the wonderful rhythm... I don't know. It just resonates with me whenever I hear it. When Peter Gabriel isn't milking the cash-cow ("Sledgehammer," for one, although the video is pretty amusing; and "Wars Without Frontiers" which is just idiotic to me), he's got a very impressive body of work. I really sorta love Peter Gabriel's solo work - but I loved his work even more when he was with Genesis...
Peter Gabriel's eclectic approach is always an enjoyable listen. I guess we have him to thank for another
great voice, Phil Collins. On Gabriel's departure from Genesis in 1975, Collins stepped up as the group's
lead singer. And while many have considered Collins as a "nifty fifty' sort of musician, he seemed to always
have a hook that took. The shear volume of Brit music exported to the US could indeed be considered as
a 'second invasion.'
Well, thank god. I don't want to even imagine what a Peter Gabriel hater would have said... Way too many ****ings in the argument. However, I agree with you on one thing, it seems really to be the case that this guy can make some good music without much effort, which speaks highly of his music, good and new.
lawman wrote:
lawman wrote:
Sucko Barfo
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
This is good, but it is too repetitive at the end
Red Rain in Arizona Valley's
Some 20 years ago my friend Bill insisted I sit down in his apartment and listen to this "cool new album." I was immediately blown away by "So," and it continues to be one of my all time favorites. Thanks Bill.
Peter was awarded the Polar Music Prize today.
Congrats,,,
Congrats,,,
Sucko Barfo
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
Absolutely ****ing miserable. What possible merit does this song have, at any level, and in any way whatever? He hasn't even made any effort with the ****ing lyrics.
(This, from someone who really loves some of Gabriel's other work.)
As if this had any bearing whatsoever on the composition, complexity and execution of music? I don't follow this thinking at all.
jbtidwell wrote:
It would be very cool if the site statistics also included how many times a song has been played (maybe the next version of RP will have that!)
Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
Tony Levin played bass on this and most of the tracks on PG's "So" release. If you're not already familiar with his work you owe it to yourself to do so as he is an awesome player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_(album)
Robert Fripp (King Krimsom) and PG coordinate both their touring and recording schedules so they both can have Tony Levin. That speaks alot!!
Tony Levin played bass on this and most of the tracks on PG's "So" release. If you're not already familiar with his work you owe it to yourself to do so as he is an awesome player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_(album)
Robert Fripp (King Krimsom) and PG coordinate both their touring and recording schedules so they both can have Tony Levin. That speaks alot!!
Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
Doesn't Tony Levin play with PG as well? Awesome bass man as well.
I was gonna say... I think that's Tony Levin... no?
Amazing bass work in this one, regardless.
Doesn't Tony Levin play with PG as well? Awesome bass man as well.
I was gonna say... I think that's Tony Levin... no?
Amazing bass work in this one, regardless.
nigelr wrote:
Tony Levin played bass on this and most of the tracks on PG's "So" release. If you're not already familiar with his work you owe it to yourself to do so as he is an awesome player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_(album)
Superlative bass from Eberhart Weber.
Tony Levin played bass on this and most of the tracks on PG's "So" release. If you're not already familiar with his work you owe it to yourself to do so as he is an awesome player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_(album)
Superlative bass from Eberhart Weber.
What?? Wilco, then REM, then Peter Gabriel?
Never in a million years did I think I'd ever hear these three artists on RP. And here they are, all in a row!
</sarcasm>
Never in a million years did I think I'd ever hear these three artists on RP. And here they are, all in a row!
</sarcasm>
...ten, no hesitation...
Impossible to overplay.
cybrbug wrote:
Peter is GREAT - Thanks for playing...
I like most of PG's work, but have to say this is my least fave of the often played.
Peter is GREAT - Thanks for playing...
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
If there was a stat for the ratio of plays to albums released, I'd bet the top slot would go to Iron & Wine.
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
It would be very cool if the site statistics also included how many times a song has been played (maybe the next version of RP will have that!)
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
Who cares, his music is great!
Byrne , Heads, Cure, and I'll get back to you on # 4 (dylan, stones, led zep, . . ?)
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
ThePoose wrote:
Nein--David Byrne!
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
Let me preface this answer by saying I am complaining.
Having said that, No, he is not, but David Byrne (and Talking Heads) is the most played artist on RP...
erichb wrote:
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
Nein--David Byrne!
oscar_driver wrote:
NO NO
1) Counting crows
2) U2
3) Dave mathews
4) Peter gabriel
YES YES to all 4 of those artists.
NO NO
1) Counting crows
2) U2
3) Dave mathews
4) Peter gabriel
Let me preface this question by saying I'm not complaining. Having said that, is Peter Gabriel the most played artist on RP?
I wish i could like but i hate ...
Best played as loud as possible.
Powerhouse track and album,(So).
Yuk
never again please
One of PG's (and RP's) best!!
Do you have a 2003 or 2004 version from the Encore Series? That would round out "Red Rain Day" well :-)
yclept wrote:
all Brit playlist ??
No bad thing, it at least avoids Bob Dylan and the chance of any country music ;)
Well from the amount of comments, it doesn't look like this incredible song has actually been played that much over the last 6 years, so I don't understand the grumbling.
I love, have always loved it, and am enjoying the shit out of it at this very moment.
Go RP and PG!
I love this song - haven't heard it in years - thanks!
Anyone in doubt just crank it up really really loud and then sing harmonies against gabriel at the end - a transcendent experience
I don't recall this song being a huge radio hit - certainly not compared to sledgehammer or in your eyes or that cheesy duet with kate bush
I love the quadruple entendre I hear in this song
horstman wrote:
How do you know what aliens are thinking?
Perhaps you are an alien.
Your thinking is certainly alien.
At least it is alienating.
Go to a record store, buy all of his albums (at least the ones prior to Us) and quit your whining.
At least that way, you will be more informed, have a better understanding of an artist other than the handful of "popular" songs that others have "chosen" for us (or the aliens!). 
yes, of course, but the reason I listen to RP is to hear those other songs that I wont hear on those other radio stations, This song was overplayed on those radio stations, and doesnt need to be played on RP, although, it IS a GOOD SONG!
all Brit playlist ??
(8?» wrote:
If aliens are observing us, they have to be wondering why artists only have a handful of songs.
I have heard this enough for 20 lifetimes, but yet, there are still PG songs I haven't been allowed to hear.
This sucks major ass.
How do you know what aliens are thinking?
Perhaps you are an alien.
Your thinking is certainly alien.
At least it is alienating.
Go to a record store, buy all of his albums (at least the ones prior to Us) and quit your whining.
At least that way, you will be more informed, have a better understanding of an artist other than the handful of "popular" songs that others have "chosen" for us (or the aliens!).
Particularly tastey segue...Red Rain to Waterboys....Sweet
In 200 years, people will be looking back upon Peter as one of the best musicians ever born.
Then, someone will comment that the Beatles were good. Well, I'll send my own time capsule here.. and say that no, the Beatles were not good. The Beatles sucked.
And the world will end.
So was/is one of the strongest albums ever made...by a human.
Try drumming one of his songs.
Surprised by some of the comments so far. I like this song, and I believe PG has a lot to say in general. A social conscience is not a bad thing to portray in song lyrics.
llazare wrote:
Great song. Maybe it's just me, but there's too much Peter Gabriel on R.P. these past days. There's just so much amazing music in the R.P. library (including lots of stuff that's never been played) that it would be nice to hear more new stuff.
Great Song. Next please some Traffic and Yes. Thanks.
music_critic wrote:
What really makes the song is Stewart Copeland's great percussion work.
I read somewhere that Copeland is only playing the highhats.... :)
Well played high hats, methinks!
Illustr8r wrote:
Is this song about an experience with a chick who's having her "Monthly Visit"? 
"Oh, I get it: It's like a joke, but without the humour."
Peter Gabriel's 1986 album 'So' is packed with gems like this one. Will he ever top this career peak? Hmmmm! Probably not!
Is this song about an experience with a chick who's having her "Monthly Visit"?
music_critic wrote:
What really makes the song is Stewart Copeland's great percussion work.
Stewart MY BABY played on this???
He loves me ... he just doesn't know it yet.
Reminds me of a guy I had a mean crush on many years ago... while he was sleeping with everyone BUT me...Bastard.
Actually he's still a friend. Married with a few kids. And a house in Hawaii I plan to visit someday!
Great song. Maybe it's just me, but there's too much Peter Gabriel on R.P. these past days. There's just so much amazing music in the R.P. library (including lots of stuff that's never been played) that it would be nice to hear more new stuff.
(8?» wrote:
If aliens are observing us, they have to be wondering why artists only have a handful of songs.
I have heard this enough for 20 lifetimes, but yet, there are still PG songs I haven't been allowed to hear.
This sucks major ass.
Are you saying this song sucks major ass or that not hearing specific Gabriel songs that you want to hear sucks major ass. If it's the later, you can always go and listen to them in a Record store or perhaps buy an album.
Ahhh, just what I needed...some beautiful Gabriel songs. Angel Gabriel...oh, god, cheesy :-)
The only Gabriel song I find tedious.
Originally Posted by kirkaracha:
Great song, but enough with the rain medleys! This is the third time in the last week you've played "Wicked Rain" and "Red Rain" back-to-back. It's raining. I get it.
You gettin' it again? Maybe time for some new playlists, huh?Great song, but enough with the rain medleys! This is the third time in the last week you\'ve played \"Wicked Rain\" and \"Red Rain\" back-to-back. It\'s raining. I get it.
PG is one of those composers whose songs I hear and they make me stop and really listen. There is so much there on so many different layers that compliment each other perfectly and don\'t stomp all over each other. This indicates excellent production values and composition. Wonderful stuff!
(Why do I always have to end posts with cliches?) 
Great song from a great album. It holds its own even today..
Still sounds excellent after thirty years✌️
Thanks to Daniel Lanois' genius production. There's a Behind The Music episode on this album that really breaks down the production on a lot of songs from this record. It really gave me a whole new appreciation of an album I had already always loved.