Glad you could join us, Dialophiles!
Tonight, we delve into our vast musical archives, and dust off quite the interesting mid-tempo ballad from the lead vocalist of pioneering girl group The Go-Gos. There's a 100% chance of mid-year precipitation when you tune into the Dial for Belinda Carlisle's musings on "Summer Rain".
Whispering our goodbyes... Waiting for a train
I was dancing with my baby... In the summer rain
Belinda sings a story of a military wife longing for her soldier who has gone to war, as she recollects their last time together, dancing and professing their love for each other in the titular downpour.
Throughout the verses, the young soldier assures her that nothing will change, a sweetly reassuring sentiment that leads to a dramatic revelation in the third (and final) verse.
Every time I see the lightning... Every time I hear the thunder...
Every time I close the window... When this happens in the summer...
Oh the night is so inviting... I can feel that you are so close...
I can feel you when the wind blows... Blows right through my heart.
Yes, ever since that final day together, whenever rain squalls drift through the summertime night, Belinda's army widow is visited by the spirit of her fallen love. A romantic visitation from the other side, far removed from a haunting, Belinda's encounter carries no dread, just comfort as she knows her soldier loves and watches over her.
Summer Rain's portrayal of a romantic tragedy was a topic rarely heard in the top 40 since the melodramatic teenage death songs of the '50s and early '60s such as "Leader of the Pack", and "Last Kiss". The poetic lyrics, accentuated by a classical-styled string arrangement, and Belinda's wisftul and lovely vocals, make it clear she will derive some comfort from reconnecting with her soldier during those rainy summer nights.
Following her multi-platinum run in the Go-Gos, Belinda kicked her solo career into high gear with 1986's unforgettable #3 smash "Mad About You", and the hits kept coming through "Heaven Is a Place on Earth", "I Get Weak", and "Circle in the Sand".
This brought her to the release of her third solo LP, Runaway Horses, in 1989. Featuring famous contributors like George Harrison, Bryan Adams, and Bekka Bramlett, the LP peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200, and contained the bouncy #11 hit "Leave A Light On". "Summer Rain" was the second and final U.S. single from the LP, (other tracks were extracted in other countries), which became Belinda's final US top 40 appearance at US #30 in early 1990.
I've returned to Summer Rain multiple times over the year, as it's unique subject matter and beautiful melody captivates me. Give it a spin, and see if Belinda and her spectral soldier doesn't do the same for you.
Oh my love, it's you that I dream of... Oh my love, since that day…
Somewhere in my heart I'm always... Dancing with you in the summer rain.
Tonight, we delve into our vast musical archives, and dust off quite the interesting mid-tempo ballad from the lead vocalist of pioneering girl group The Go-Gos. There's a 100% chance of mid-year precipitation when you tune into the Dial for Belinda Carlisle's musings on "Summer Rain".
Whispering our goodbyes... Waiting for a train
I was dancing with my baby... In the summer rain
Belinda sings a story of a military wife longing for her soldier who has gone to war, as she recollects their last time together, dancing and professing their love for each other in the titular downpour.
Throughout the verses, the young soldier assures her that nothing will change, a sweetly reassuring sentiment that leads to a dramatic revelation in the third (and final) verse.
Every time I see the lightning... Every time I hear the thunder...
Every time I close the window... When this happens in the summer...
Oh the night is so inviting... I can feel that you are so close...
I can feel you when the wind blows... Blows right through my heart.
Yes, ever since that final day together, whenever rain squalls drift through the summertime night, Belinda's army widow is visited by the spirit of her fallen love. A romantic visitation from the other side, far removed from a haunting, Belinda's encounter carries no dread, just comfort as she knows her soldier loves and watches over her.
Summer Rain's portrayal of a romantic tragedy was a topic rarely heard in the top 40 since the melodramatic teenage death songs of the '50s and early '60s such as "Leader of the Pack", and "Last Kiss". The poetic lyrics, accentuated by a classical-styled string arrangement, and Belinda's wisftul and lovely vocals, make it clear she will derive some comfort from reconnecting with her soldier during those rainy summer nights.
Following her multi-platinum run in the Go-Gos, Belinda kicked her solo career into high gear with 1986's unforgettable #3 smash "Mad About You", and the hits kept coming through "Heaven Is a Place on Earth", "I Get Weak", and "Circle in the Sand".
This brought her to the release of her third solo LP, Runaway Horses, in 1989. Featuring famous contributors like George Harrison, Bryan Adams, and Bekka Bramlett, the LP peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200, and contained the bouncy #11 hit "Leave A Light On". "Summer Rain" was the second and final U.S. single from the LP, (other tracks were extracted in other countries), which became Belinda's final US top 40 appearance at US #30 in early 1990.
I've returned to Summer Rain multiple times over the year, as it's unique subject matter and beautiful melody captivates me. Give it a spin, and see if Belinda and her spectral soldier doesn't do the same for you.
Oh my love, it's you that I dream of... Oh my love, since that day…
Somewhere in my heart I'm always... Dancing with you in the summer rain.
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