I Wish It Would Rain - wikipedia I Wish It Would Rain Not to be confused with I Wish It Would Rain Down. `` I Wish It Would Rain '' Single by The Temptations from the album The Temptations Wish It Would Rain B - side `` I Truly, Truly Believe '' Released December 21, 1967 Format 7 '' single Recorded Hitsville USA ( Studio A ) ; April 22 and August 31, 1967 Genre Soul blues Length 2 : 49 Label Gordy G 7068 Songwriter ( s ) Norman Whitfield Barrett Strong Roger Penzabene Producer ( s ) Norman Whitfield The Temptations singles chronology `` ( Loneliness Made Me Realize ) It 's You That I Need '' ( 1967 ) `` I Wish It Would Rain '' ( 1967 ) `` I Could Never Love Another ( After Loving You ) '' ( 1968 ) `` ( Loneliness Made Me Realize ) It 's You That I Need '' ( 1967 ) `` I Wish It Would Rain '' ( 1967 ) `` I Could Never Love Another ( After Loving You ) '' ( 1968 ) `` I Wish It Would Rain '' is a 1967 song recorded by the Temptations for the Motown label ( under the `` Gordy '' imprint ) and produced by Norman Whitfield. Contents 1 Overview 1.1 Background 1.2 Release and other artists ' versions 2 Personnel 3 Notes 4 External links Overview Background The song is one of the most melancholy in the Temptations repertoire, with lead singer David Ruffin delivering, in a pained voice, the story of a heartbroken man who wants to hide his sorrow. His woman has just left him, and he wishes that it would start raining, to hide the tears falling down his face because `` a man ai n't supposed to cry ''. Accompanying Ruffin 's mourning vocal are the vocals of his bandmates ( Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, and Otis Williams ) alongside the subdued instrumentation of The Funk Brothers studio band, and, courtesy of Whitfield, sound effects depicting the `` sunshine and blue skies '', with the sound of chirping seagulls, and the sound of thunder and rain described in the song. Producer Norman Whitfield devised much of the musical structure of the song, with former Motown artist Barrett Strong composing the song 's signature piano intro on a piano with only ten working keys. Motown staff writer Roger Penzabene provided the song 's lyrics. More so than a number of other Motown songs, there is real sentiment and pain behind the song 's words. Lyricist Penzabene had just found out his wife was cheating on him with another man. Unable to deal with the pain and unable to stop loving his wife, Penzabene expressed his pain in the lyrics of this song and its follow - up on the Temptations ' release schedule, `` I Could Never Love Another ( After Loving You ) ''. The distraught Penzabene committed suicide on New Year 's Eve 1967, a week after the single 's release. Release and other artists ' versions Issued with the Melvin Franklin - led `` I Truly, Truly Believe '' as its B - side, `` I Wish It Would Rain '' peaked for three weeks in February and March 1968 at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and at the number - one position on the Billboard R&B singles chart. The single was the focal point of the Temptations ' 1968 album The Temptations Wish It Would Rain. `` I Wish It Would Rain '' has been covered by a number of artists, including Percy Sledge ( 1994 on his Blue Night album ), Gladys Knight & the Pips ( peaking in the US at number 41 pop and 15 R&B ). Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin from Get It Right ( 1983 ), Little Caesar, have also recorded versions of the song. Overseas, The Faces, recorded a 1973 cover and was a hit in the United Kingdom. Gaye 's version, produced under a funk sound and featuring just him in vocals, was the B - side to his number - one hit `` Let 's Get It On ''. Australian singer songwriter, Jon Stevens recorded and released a version of the song in 1994, with money raised benefitting drought - stricken farmers. The song peaked at number 49 in New Zealand. Renée Geyer released a version as the lead single from her album Dedicated ( 2007 ) Personnel Lead vocals by David Ruffin Background vocals by Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, and Otis Williams Written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Roger Penzabene Produced by Norman Whitfield Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers. Notes Jump up ^ Bowman, Rob ( 2006 ). Liner Notes for Get Ready : Definitive Performances. Reelin ' in the Years Productions / Universal Music. Jump up ^ `` Billboard Hot 100 ''. Billboard. Nielsen Company. 80 ( 7 ) : 56. 1968. Retrieved 16 June 2011. Jump up ^ `` Billboard Hot 100 ''. Billboard. Nielsen Company. 80 ( 8 ) : 58. 1968. Retrieved 16 June 2011. Jump up ^ `` Billboard Hot 100 ''. Billboard. Nielsen Company. 80 ( 9 ) : 54. 1968. Retrieved 16 June 2011. Jump up ^ Whitburn, Joel ( 2004 ). Top R&B / Hip - Hop Singles : 1942 - 2004. Record Research. p. 330. Jump up ^ `` Jon Stevens Band ''. Saxton. Retrieved 9 August 2016. External links Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics Preceded by `` Chain of Fools '' by Aretha Franklin Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues number - one single ( The Temptations version ) February 17 - March 2, 1968 Succeeded by `` We 're a Winner '' by The Impressions The Temptations Otis Williams Ron Tyson Terry Weeks Larry Braggs Willie Green Melvin Franklin Eddie Kendricks Paul Williams Elbridge Bryant David Ruffin Dennis Edwards Ricky Owens Richard Street Damon Harris Glenn Leonard Louis Price Ali - Ollie Woodson Theo Peoples Harry McGilberry Barrington `` Bo '' Henderson Ray Davis G.C. Cameron Joe Herndon Bruce Williamson Studio albums Meet the Temptations The Temptations Sing Smokey The Temptin ' Temptations Gettin ' Ready The Temptations with a Lot o ' Soul The Temptations Wish It Would Rain Cloud Nine Puzzle People Psychedelic Shack Sky 's the Limit Solid Rock All Directions Masterpiece A Song for You House Party Wings of Love The Temptations Do the Temptations Bare Back Hear to Tempt You Power The Temptations Reunion Surface Thrills Back to Basics Truly for You Touch Me To Be Continued... Together Again Special Milestone Phoenix Rising Ear - Resistible Awesome Legacy Still Here Cover albums The Temptations in a Mellow Mood For Lovers Only Reflections Back to Front Live albums Temptations Live ! Live at the Copa Live at London 's Talk of the Town The Temptations in Japan Other albums Diana Ross & the Supremes Join The Temptations TCB The Temptations Show Together On Broadway The Temptations Christmas Card Give Love at Christmas Lost and Found : You 've Got to Earn It ( 1962 -- 1968 ) Compilations Greatest Hits Greatest Hits II Anthology Emperors of Soul The Ultimate Collection My Girl : The Very Best of the Temptations Psychedelic Soul Singles ( US / UK Top 10 ) `` My Girl '' `` Get Ready '' `` Ai n't Too Proud to Beg '' `` Beauty Is Only Skin Deep '' `` ( I Know ) I 'm Losing You '' `` All I Need '' `` You 're My Everything '' `` I Wish It Would Rain '' `` I Could Never Love Another ( After Loving You ) '' `` Cloud Nine '' `` I 'm Gonna Make You Love Me '' `` Run Away Child, Running Wild '' `` I Ca n't Get Next to You '' `` Psychedelic Shack '' `` Ball of Confusion ( That 's What the World Is Today ) '' `` Just My Imagination ( Running Away with Me ) '' `` Papa Was a Rollin ' Stone '' `` Masterpiece '' `` Let Your Hair Down '' `` Happy People '' `` Shakey Ground '' `` Treat Her Like a Lady '' `` The Motown Song '' `` My Girl '' ( reissue ) Related The Temptations ( miniseries ) Discography The Supremes The Undisputed Truth Norman Whitfield Barrett Strong Sly Stone George Clinton Book The Temptations singles discography 1960s `` Oh Mother of Mine '' ( 1961 ) `` Check Yourself '' ( 1961 ) `` ( You 're My ) Dream Come True '' ( 1962 ) `` Mind Over Matter ( I 'm Gonna Make You Mine ) '' ( 1962 ) `` Paradise '' ( 1962 ) `` I Want a Love I Can See '' ( 1963 ) `` Farewell My Love '' ( 1963 ) `` The Way You Do the Things You Do '' ( 1964 ) `` I 'll Be in Trouble '' ( 1964 ) / `` The Girl 's Alright with Me '' ( 1964 ) `` Girl ( Why You Wanna Make Me Blue ) '' ( 1964 ) `` My Girl '' ( 1964 ) `` It 's Growing '' ( 1965 ) `` Since I Lost My Baby '' ( 1965 ) / `` You 've Got to Earn It '' ( 1965 ) `` My Baby '' ( 1965 ) / `` Do n't Look Back '' ( 1965 ) `` Get Ready '' ( 1966 ) `` Ai n't Too Proud to Beg '' ( 1966 ) `` Beauty Is Only Skin Deep '' ( 1966 ) `` ( I Know ) I 'm Losing You '' ( 1966 ) `` All I Need '' ( 1967 ) `` You 're My Everything '' ( 1967 ) / `` I 've Been Good To You '' ( 1967 ) `` ( Loneliness Made Me Realize ) It 's You That I Need '' ( 1967 ) `` I Wish It Would Rain '' ( 1968 ) / `` I Truly, Truly Believe '' ( 1968 ) `` I Could Never Love Another ( After Loving You ) '' ( 1968 ) `` Please Return Your Love to Me '' ( 1968 ) `` Cloud Nine '' ( 1968 ) `` Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer '' ( 1968 ) / `` Silent Night '' ( 1968 ) `` I 'm Gonna Make You Love Me '' ( 1969 ) `` Runaway Child, Running Wild '' ( 1969 ) `` I 'll Try Something New '' ( 1969 ) `` Do n't Let the Joneses Get You Down '' ( 1969 ) `` I Second That Emotion '' ( 1969 ) `` I Ca n't Get Next to You '' ( 1969 ) `` The Weight '' ( 1969 ) 1970s `` Psychedelic Shack '' ( 1970 ) `` Why ( Must We Fall in Love ) '' ( 1970 ) `` Ball of Confusion ( That 's What the World Is Today ) '' ( 1970 ) `` Ungena Za Ulimwengu ( Unite the World ) '' ( 1970 ) / `` Hum Along and Dance '' ( 1970 ) `` Just My Imagination ( Running Away with Me ) '' ( 1971 ) `` It 's Summer '' ( 1971 ) `` Superstar ( Remember How You Got Where You Are ) '' ( 1971 ) `` Take a Look Around '' ( 1972 ) `` Mother Nature '' ( 1972 ) / `` Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On '' ( 1972 ) `` Papa Was a Rollin ' Stone '' ( 1972 ) `` Masterpiece '' ( 1973 ) `` Plastic Man '' ( 1973 ) `` Hey Girl ( I Like Your Style ) '' ( 1973 ) `` Law of the Land '' ( 1973 ) `` Let Your Hair Down '' ( 1973 ) `` Heavenly '' ( 1974 ) `` You 've Got My Soul on Fire '' ( 1974 ) `` Happy People '' ( 1974 ) `` Shakey Ground '' ( 1975 ) `` Glasshouse '' ( 1975 ) `` Keep Holdin ' On '' ( 1976 ) `` Up the Creek ( Without a Paddle ) '' ( 1976 ) `` Who are You ( and What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life ) '' ( 1976 ) `` In a Lifetime '' ( 1977 ) `` Think for Yourself '' ( 1977 ) `` Bare Back '' ( 1978 ) `` Ever Ready Love '' ( 1978 ) 1980s `` Power '' ( 1980 ) `` Struck By Lightning Twice '' ( 1980 ) `` Aiming At Your Heart '' ( 1981 ) `` Oh What A Night '' ( 1981 ) `` Standing On The Top - Pt. 1 '' ( 1982 ) `` More On The Inside '' ( 1982 ) `` Money 's Hard To Get '' ( 1982 ) `` Love On My Mind Tonight '' ( 1983 ) `` Surface Thrills '' ( 1983 ) `` Miss Busy Body ( Get Your Body Busy ) '' ( 1983 ) `` Sail Away '' ( 1984 ) `` Treat Her Like a Lady '' ( 1984 ) `` My Love Is True ( Truly For You ) '' ( 1985 ) `` How Can You Say That It 's Over '' ( 1985 ) `` Do You Really Love Your Baby '' ( 1985 ) `` Deeper Than Love '' ( 1985 ) `` Touch Me '' ( 1986 ) `` I 'm Fascinated '' ( 1986 ) `` A Fine Mess '' ( 1986 ) `` My Girl '' ( re-issue ) ( 1986 ) `` Lady Soul '' ( 1986 ) `` To Be Continued... '' ( 1986 ) `` Someone '' ( 1987 ) `` I Wonder Who She 's Seeing Now '' ( 1987 ) `` Papa Was a Rollin ' Stone '' ( re-issue ) ( 1987 ) `` Look What You Started '' ( 1987 ) `` Do You Wanna Go With Me '' ( 1988 ) `` All I Want From You '' ( 1989 ) `` Special '' ( 1989 ) `` Loveline '' ( 1989 ) 1990s `` Soul to Soul '' ( 1990 ) `` One Step At A Time ( Remix ) '' ( 1990 ) `` The Motown Song '' ( 1991 ) `` The Jones '' ( 1991 ) `` My Girl '' ( re-issue ) ( 1992 ) `` Hoops of Fire '' ( 1992 ) `` Error of Our Ways '' ( 1994 ) `` Silent Night '' ( 1995 ) `` Stay '' ( 1998 ) `` This is My Promise '' ( 1998 ) `` How Could He Hurt You '' ( 1999 ) 2000s `` I 'm Here '' ( 2000 ) Gladys Knight & the Pips Gladys Knight Merald `` Bubba '' Knight William Guest Edward Patten Brenda Knight Eleanor Guest Langston George Chris Morante Studio albums Everybody Needs Love Neither One of Us Imagination I Feel a Song 2nd Anniversary The One and Only Soundtrack albums Claudine Compilation albums The Ultimate Collection Singles `` Every Beat of My Heart '' `` Giving Up '' `` Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me '' `` Everybody Needs Love '' `` I Heard It Through the Grapevine '' `` The End of Our Road '' `` It Should Have Been Me '' `` I Wish It Would Rain '' `` The Nitty Gritty '' `` If I Were Your Woman '' `` Help Me Make It Through the Night '' `` Neither One of Us ( Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye ) '' `` The Look of Love '' `` Midnight Train to Georgia '' `` I 've Got to Use My Imagination '' `` Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me '' `` I Feel a Song ( In My Heart ) '' `` The Way We Were / Try to Remember '' `` Save the Overtime ( For Me ) '' `` Hero '' `` Love Overboard '' `` Baby, Do n't Change Your Mind '' Related topics Discography Aaliyah Barry Hankerson Book Jon Stevens Discography Studio albums Jezebel ( 1980 ) Jon Stevens ( 1982 ) Are U Satisfied ( 1993 ) Circle ( 1995 ) Ai n't No Life For The Faint Hearted ( 2004 ) The Works ( 2005 ) Changing Times ( 2011 ) Testify ! ( 2011 ) Woman ( 2015 ) Starlight ( 2017 ) Soundtrack albums Jesus Christ Superstar ( Original Australian Cast Recording ) ( 1992 ) Singles `` Jezebel '' `` Montego Bay '' `` Do n't Let Love Go '' ( with Sharon O'Neill ) `` Loving You ( Is a Way of Life ) '' `` Everything 's Alright '' ( with John Farnham & Kate Ceberano ) `` Superstar '' `` Going Down '' `` I Wish It Would Rain '' `` Two Tribes '' `` ( I Wanna ) Testify '' Featured singles `` Last One Standing For You '' ( with The Black Sorrows ) `` Touch '' ( with Silver Sneakerz ) `` Spirit of the Anzacs '' ( with Lee Kernaghan, Guy Sebastian, Sheppard, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington ) Related articles Noiseworks INXS `` I Get Up '' The Dead Daisies Jesus Christ Superstar Frankie Stevens Renée Geyer Discography Studio albums Renée Geyer ( 1973 ) It 's a Man 's Man 's World ( 1974 ) Ready to Deal ( 1975 ) Moving Along ( 1977 ) Winner ( 1978 ) Blues License ( 1979 ) So Lucky ( 1981 ) Sing to Me ( 1985 ) Difficult Woman ( 1994 ) Sweet Life ( 1999 ) Tenderland ( 2003 ) Tonight ( 2005 ) Dedicated ( 2007 ) Renéessance ( 2009 ) Swing ( 2013 ) Live albums Really Really Love You : Live at the Dallas Brooks Hall ( 1976 ) Renée Live ( 1983 ) Live at the Basement ( 1986 ) Live at the Athenaeum ( 2004 ) Soundtracks Seven Deadly Sins ( 1993 ) Compilation albums Renée Geyer at Her Very Best ( 1977 ) Faves ( 1983 ) The Best of Renee Geyer 1973 - 1998 ( 1998 ) The Ultimate Collection ( 2010 ) Singles `` Oh ! Boy '' `` It 's a Man 's Man 's World '' `` Heading in the Right Direction `` If Loving You is Wrong '' `` Shakey Ground '' `` Stares and Whispers '' `` Money ( That 's What I Want ) '' `` The Thrill is Gone '' `` Say I Love You '' `` Do You Know What I Mean '' `` I Can Feel the Fire '' `` Goin ' Back '' `` All My Love '' `` Crazy '' `` I 'm Gonna Make You Love Me '' `` I Wish It Would Rain '' Other songs `` Rock Around the Clock '' `` You 're Not Alone ( Australian Olympians song ) '' ( as part of Australian Olympians ) `` Yil Lull '' ( as part of Singers For The Red Black & Gold ) Related articles Sun 1972 Oz for Africa Mary and Max Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=I_Wish_It_Would_Rain&oldid=779135567 '' Categories : 1967 singles 1968 singles 1973 singles 1994 singles 2007 singles The Temptations songs Marvin Gaye songs Gladys Knight & the Pips songs Jon Stevens songs Renée Geyer songs Billboard Hot R&B / Hip - Hop Songs number - one singles Songs written by Barrett Strong Songs written by Norman Whitfield Songs written by Rodger Penzabene Song recordings produced by Norman Whitfield Gordy Records singles 1967 songs Songs about loneliness Songs about betrayal Songs about heartache Hidden categories : Articles with hAudio microformats Talk Contents About Wikipedia Nederlands Norsk Edit links This page was last edited on 7 May 2017, at 06 : 39. 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Question: who sings lead on i wish it would rain
Answer: David Ruffin