Peter Gabriel - Red Rain 

The entire album, “So”, was a masterpiece, start to finish

This song takes me back to tough times in high school. I remember I was coming home from work, and I was crying my eyes out , and my parents were getting divorced, and this song came on, and I just sat in my car and cried and cried. The next day I went out and bought the cassette. I must've listened to it a million times. The bridge is so powerful and haunting as well.. ❤❤❤

I heard this song blasting from 2nd story dorm window in college. I thought "whoever it is, must be really cool?" I went over to see and instantly made a new friend.

Peter Gabriel’s voice and Tony Levin’s bass reach a magical synchronicity on this song. It’s simply incredible.

This album kept me from leaping from a building in the early '90's. Thank you Peter Gabriel

1986. I was 20. Peter Gabriel was 36. 35 years later this song remains an epic masterpiece. Thank you Peter Gabriel for sharing the genius. TIMELESS.

Self detoxed off cocaine during the time this album was released. Listened to this album multiple times daily. Special song - Don't Give Up. Thank you Peter Gabriel!

As a Black man this kept me sane while working in Alaska on the pipeline

His voice is both rough and gentle. It is an unbelievable performance.

August of 1991, New York State, a fairgrounds somewhere. The first Lollapalooza. The stage hands had just finished setting up for Jane’s Addiction, and out of nowhere it started pouring. A quick thinker in the back took out the tape that was playing through the speakers and put on this song. Almost ten thousand freaks and geeks, goths and punks, skaters and surfers, hardcores and hippies - and everyone in between - started singing and dancing to this song. Hearing it always brings back that moment.

This was my brothers favorite song, he passed away in 1994. He would be 64. He was an intellect and loved Italy. Rest in peace David G. Campo. This concert with Peter Gabriel was one of his favorites.

The bass in this is sick

Peter Gabriel was one of the most artistic, progressive, unique and creative singers of the 80's. Between his unmistakable voice and the amazing depth of his songs. Listening to this today does not even sound outdated...amazing.

The 1980's were just a golden era for Good Music. What we have right here - a Perfect Example.

Favorite line is I come to you with defenses down with a trust of a child. It’s so powerful

Peter Gabriel's song is an existential and spiritual allegory that explores the heartache and suffering that people experience throughout their lives. The red rain symbolizes the pain and trials that each individual endures in their lives, and the chorus speaks of the inevitability of that pain - it is coming down and there is nothing you can do to stop it. In the stanzas, the narrator stands on the edge of the "water" of this pain, unable to interact or do anything other than feel its power, like a storm that cannot be stopped or denied. The bridge is then about the letter actually finding the strength to face the rain and accept it, to understand that it is part of life and to trust it like a child. The final chorus prays for strength and acceptance in these times so that the narrator can emerge on the other side of the ordeal. It is an emotional and powerful track that addresses the dark side of life and encourages the listener to have hope and be resilient in the face of adversity. The song is a combination of multiple inspirations. The lyrics directly reference a recurring dream Gabriel had in which he was swimming in his backyard pool and drinking cold red wine. In another version of the dream, bottles shaped like people were seen falling off a cliff. Inside, a stream of red liquid oozed from the human-shaped bottles as they hit the ground upon impact, and was usually followed by a heavy downpour of the same red liquid. At the beginning of his solo career, Gabriel had an idea for a film that he called “Mozo.” In it, the villagers were punished for their sins with blood-red rain. “Red Rain” was supposed to be the theme song. This idea was eventually scrapped, although Mozo was mentioned in the song "On the Air" in Peter Gabriel (1978). “Down the Dolce Vita”, “Here Comes the Flood” and “Exposure” also refer to the Mozo story. The heavily percussive song features two notable American drummers: Police's Stewart Copeland played the hi-hat for the rain-like background sound and was requested by Gabriel due to his mastery of the instrument, while the rest of the drumming was provided by Gabriel's regular drummer Jerry Marotta. A very well done pop song. It has a fantastic sound density and lots of sound collages...! Truly great from Sir Peter Gabriel. One of the best musicians. (Der Song von Peter Gabriel ist eine existenzielle und spirituelle Allegorie, die den Kummer und das Leid erforscht, das Menschen im Laufe ihres Lebens erfahren. Der rote Regen symbolisiert den Schmerz und die Prüfungen, die jeder Einzelne in seinem Leben erduldet, und der Refrain spricht von der Unvermeidlichkeit dieses Schmerzes - er kommt herunter und es gibt nichts, was man tun kann, um ihn aufzuhalten. In den Strophen steht der Erzähler am Rande des "Wassers" dieses Schmerzes, unfähig zu interagieren oder etwas anderes zu tun, als seine Macht zu spüren, wie ein Sturm, der nicht aufgehalten oder verleugnet werden kann. In der Bridge geht es dann darum, dass man tatsächlich die Kraft findet, sich dem Regen zu stellen und ihn zu akzeptieren, zu begreifen, dass er zum Leben gehört, und ihm zu vertrauen wie ein Kind. Im Schlusschor wird um Kraft und Akzeptanz in diesen Zeiten gebetet, damit der Erzähler auf der anderen Seite der Tortur wieder herauskommt. Es ist ein emotionaler und kraftvoller Track, der die dunklen Seiten des Lebens anspricht und den Hörer ermutigt, Hoffnung zu haben und im Angesicht der Not unverwüstlich zu sein. Das Lied ist eine Kombination aus mehreren Inspirationen. Der Text bezieht sich direkt auf einen wiederkehrenden Traum, den Gabriel hatte, in dem er in seinem Hinterhofpool schwamm und kalten Rotwein trank. In einer anderen Version des Traums waren Flaschen in Form von Menschen zu sehen, die von einer Klippe fielen. Darin sickerte ein Strom roter Flüssigkeit aus den menschenförmigen Flaschen, wenn sie beim Aufprall auf den Boden prallten, und es folgte normalerweise ein heftiger Regenguss derselben roten Flüssigkeit. Zu Beginn seiner Solokarriere hatte Gabriel eine Idee für einen Film, den er „Mozo“ nannte. Darin wurden die Dorfbewohner mit blutrotem Regen für ihre Sünden bestraft. „Red Rain“ sollte der Titelsong sein. Diese Idee wurde schließlich verworfen, obwohl Mozo in dem Lied „On the Air“ in Peter Gabriel (1978) erwähnt wurde. Auch „Down the Dolce Vita“, „Here Comes the Flood“ und „Exposure“ beziehen sich auf die Mozo-Geschichte. Der stark perkussive Song ist von zwei bemerkenswerten amerikanischen Schlagzeugern geprägt: Stewart Copeland (The Police) spielte die Hi-Hat für den regenähnlichen Hintergrundsound und wurde von Gabriel aufgrund seiner Beherrschung des Instruments angefordert, während der Rest des Schlagzeugspiels dies tat bereitgestellt von Gabriels Stammschlagzeuger Jerry Marotta. Ein sehr gut gemachter PopSong. Er hat eine fantastische Sounddichte und viele KlangKollagen...! Wirklich großartig von Sir Peter Gabriel.​ Einem der besten Musiker.)

"I come to you, defenses down, with a trust of a child." Peter Gabriel man...wow.

Fun fact, Peter Weller says his best acting moment was during the coke factory bust scene in RoboCop, when he was listening to this song on a walkman while filming that scene

It's 2021 and this is still one of the most emotional songs I know. thank you

Gabriel's voice actually got better as he got older. Brilliant album. Never get's mentioned as a classic,but for me, it's up there

So many 80s songs like this had texture, depth, creativity, and an ethereal quality that has never been reproduced in any other generation They created an atmosphere of darkness, mystery, comfort, and warmth all at once, all of them were so unique, the recording techniques, sound, and production of 80s songs were superior imo and still stand the test of time So many songs touched the heart and stirred emotions in a way no other musical generation has imo, what a special decade in music history, I really miss this time

More than a song, a piece of art.

This is not music. It´s art. I first heard Peter Gabriel in 1987 and I am still deeply impressed today. Captivated.

Peter Gabriel, one of the most gifted individuals lyrically. No one compares to him...

I introduced my two grown sons to the music of Peter Gabriel early in life. We all still listen to him on our road trips when we can get together.

Jesus, this song is incredible... A punch in the gut and a gentle caress at the same time. Why can't anybody make songs like this anymore?

日本語でごめんね。この歌がピーター・ガブリエルさんの歌う歌で一番好きです。 ビートルズの歌を聞いた時よりも衝撃が大きかったです。

I’m not sure there is a better produced song than this. The way everything comes together in a perfect storm, the crashing and splashing of drums with the rumbling of the bass, the cloudy synths and piano, with his increasingly desperate and throaty voice, is just stunning. Ive listened to this song about 1000 times and always get lost in it and find a new detail every time. Daniel Lanois knocked this one out of the park.

What a way to open an album! This track is an absolute masterpiece.

This song symbolizes why I love the rain and Peter Gabriel’s music.

Arguably the greatest album of the '80's/ever. The stars aligned.

My god his voice. That grit he gets in the last chorus is unbelievable. I can't think of many voices with such gravitas in this period of popular music. Not to say there aren't any that stack up to him, but few. Very few.

His album So is a masterpiece!

Every time I hear this song, I am always blown away by how skillfully and beautifully this song is crafted. Peter Gabriel has a gift of creating songs that portray what seem to be complex emotions or spaces in time. He truly is a musical artist.

Peter Weller said one of his favorite memories of his film career was filming the drug bust sequence. While filming the sequence, Weller was listening to Peter Gabriel's song "Red Rain" on his Walkman inside the RoboCop helmet as he exchanged gunfire with various bad guys.

Masterpiece. This song is truly a storm, as soon as the bassline kicks in, the drums rumble, and then Gabriel's voice hits, it's like thunder and lightning and rain. And this video is just perfection, the way Peter's lit and the dancing, it's filled with so much despair and a sadness that can't be expressed through spoken words. Did I mention this is a masterpiece?

I first heard this track when I was a student developing an interest in composition and found Tony Levin’s bass playing simply mesmerizing. YEARS later, I had the pleasure of meeting him at a trade show where both of us were demonstrating instruments for the same manufacturer. Well, you can imagine what a thrill it was for me to see him give me a thumbs up during my performance segment. A great song performed and produced by great artists.

The opening song from the “So” album. 35 years later, it’s still one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time. Thank you, Peter Gabriel.

This song never gets old. It's got shelf life to the nth degree.

What an amazing production. The rhytm section with Jerry Marotta on drums and Tony Levin on bass is out of this world. Peter Gabriel stands out as one of the most talented artists of the last 50 years

An album that has made thousands of people to want to become music producers…yet there is only one Peter Gabriel. Music of this quality is rare. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

Gabriel is such a great vocalist, what a distinctive tone he has. Then he casually brings lyrics of pure poetry to the table, and adds a little musical brilliance for good measure, the cheeky fucking genius!

There's nothing like timeless music.. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This album is just in the stratosphere. I don’t know what it is that makes things come together for an artist like this, but whatever IT is, Peter had it in spades for “So.” It is probably my favorite record ever made. Love Peter.

So is a freaking masterpiece....

Питер Габриэл - это лучший из лучших. Гениальный певец, композитор, музыкант, и вообще классный чувак!

I remember watching this music video on DVD about several times when I was a teenager. It's one of my favourite Peter Gabriel songs of all time. I absolutely love that song. It never gets old and it will always be a timeless masterpiece. It's probably one of the best Peter Gabriel songs of all time. I still have that DVD 📀 called Peter Gabriel: Play The Videos (2004, Warner Music Vision which is now known as Warner Music Entertainment). Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

1986, What a great year for music.

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 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 Hay ay ay 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 Ohhhh Putting the pressure on much harder now To return again and again Just let the red rain splash you Let the rain fall on your skin I come to you defenses down With the trust of a child Red rain is coming down Red rain Red rain is pouring down Pouring down all over me And I can't watch any more No more denial It's so hard to lay down in all of this Red rain coming down Red rain Red rain is pouring down I'm bathing in Red rain coming down Red rain is falling 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

The "So" album and the consequential tour, were a masterpiece.

"I come to you defences down, with the trust of a child". A perfect line for love and surrender.

Being a 10 years old boy, "Red Rain" turned me into a musician. Shall be sang at my funeral. I would love to play and meet Peter Gabriel as a bass player he turned me into. Can not be otherwise, thank You Peter.

Somehow, Gabriel's solo work has transcended the era of music it also helped to define. You listen today and his soundscape, themes, expression are just as full, rich, and present as they were then. There is no defining or categorizing his music, it's not {rock}, it is not {symphonic}, it is not...it is him, iconoclastic.

I live in northern Wisconsin in the last 25 years I have lived here, crappy radio stations play the same classic rock songs over and over. We finally just got a decent one that play some different stuff like this, and just heard the song for the first time today in 2022. Loved it I’m glad I was able to find it. Good job 105.1 The GOAT. 🐐

Can’t stop listening to this song he’s such a great artist. Saw him in concert twice both great shows. Thank you Peter Gabriel

Thirty five years later and still this song holds weight and power in it's telling. This song and album is still a masterpiece of vision and sound.

Headphones are a must for this song...

Peter Gabriel is one of the all time greats in rock. I love his voice. One great vocalist!!!

Omg! My daughter and I were walking in the parking garage today and this guy was blasting this song in his car! I was like wow, he is so cool! Went on YT and started playing it. I forgot how great it is! ❤

I agree all his music is magical

I love putting the Album "So" into my car's stereo and turn it up loud and then the first song to come on is this one! Oh god how much I love it!

His voice is unreal awesome! This song gets in your soul and never lets go!

June 30th, 1986. My best friend, Jeff, RIP, and I were in Cincinnati to see the Grateful Dead. We had scored some LSD in the parking lot, and gone inside the ampitheater to wait for the show to start. It was a beautiful, sunny day. As I laid down on the grass, enjoying the sunshine, this music began playing on the PA system. I remember thinking, " cool, this must be Peter Gabriel's new album, coming out today. What a treat. It just doesn't get better than this!" Still an awesome memory to this day.

I am just another Avid music fan, but I'm convinced this is one of the most emotional and heartfelt vocals I've ever heard. This album So is one of the most completely satisfying albums I've ever listened to.

Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins are excellent vocalists

All I know is that I had the privilege of seeing Genesis perform The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway in Houston, Texas, in 1974. The performance left me and my good friend Mike totally abuzz. Of all concerts I have attended, I would have to say this was the singular best and most memorable concert of my life!!

Peter Gabriels' music is actual art.

un autre chef d'oeuvre du maitre...

Lying on the bed, eyes closed ,listening with ear phones on at full volume, blasting my ear drums out, is the only way to listen to this song. Been doing this since 1986.

Not only is this album a masterpiece , his videos too . That a look at the video sledgehammer . The graphics in that video are incredible , even in 2024 . Imagine , this is a video from the 80's

Just saw this live this past Saturday at the united center in Chicago. There aren't many words to describe how good the show was. When this song came on as others have said when Tony's base and Manu's drums hit WOW! If you've never been around a grenade or bomb when it goes off (your very lucky) its the only thing that comes close to what I felt I was dead center sec 106 seat 10 and POW! This song live that night just indescribably incredible. I had the same feeling at his show at Poplar Creek back in 83' and every show in between' what an artist.

Wolfgang Van Halen said this was his Dads favourite track and the last album he ever bought. So be it.

One of my favorite lines, "I come to you, defenses down, with the trust of a child."

Masterpiece, absolutely brilliant love this song.

This is a song you just can't play loud enough. One of my favorites.

This man's music has moved my soul like no other. Peter Gabriel is by far in my top 5 of all times

The arrangements in this song are breath taking. Truly a master's work of orchestration and sound mixing.

God, his voice on this is just amazing

Desperately underated talent.. how can a song this technically brilliant and beautiful and powerful with Peters amazing vocals only reach number 46 in the UK charts. Absolutely unbelievable. I brought the 12 inch Peter..

Stewart Copeland's quintessential hi-hat-only work on this song is HUGELY worthy of note. I mean, seriously, what drummer gets hired JUST to play the hi-hat? Stewart Copeland, that's who! ;)

wow,, a song that makes you cry and scream at the same time...

Today's music can't hold a candle to music from the 80s. Real music, unlike the computers and drum machines of today.

This is one of those songs that leaves you in awe for DAYS after first hearing it

Saw Peter Gabriel with Sting at Summerfest this year. Sick show...2 bands and 12 great musicians playing great tunes from some of the best years in music. Awesome!

Peter Gabriel's voice is perfect, no one can convey bleakness quite like him. The video helps convey the song theme too, refreshing( this didn't always happen). Great job.

I forgot how much I liked this dudes tunes.

This album was released in the 80s. I saw it in Houston when I was 19, now I'm 55. It will forever be in the top 5 of my favorite concerts. I've seen so so many Hall Of Fame bands. Best part of being 55 lol. It was 1986 when I saw him. Maybe 87? Epic and unforgettable. I love Peter!!! ❤️

In a career littered with great songs, this could be his finest hour. Everything about it is perfect IMHO, the rhythm section especially so. The arrangements and production are so detailed, with lots of really nice touches that reward you every time you listen. I love that about some of the albums from this era.

One word...... AMAZING

One of the best songs ever written and my favorite of 25+ years.

Hace unos 34 años aprox... un profesor de apreciacion musical nos hizo analizar esta canción. Más compleja de lo que parece. Los arreglos son increibles, y su vibra es muy potente, transmite mucha emoción. Desde entonces me encanta.

This song is fucking seriously good...even today...

Man , I am lost for freaking words , when it comes to this man , he is beyond a musical genius. I am 34 and really grew up in the 90's , he is still awesome to me. A fantastic voice and a beautiful but sad song , LOVE IT SO !

This song has saved me, if you will, many times. In my hour of despair. In the long run, Jesus Christ truly saved me. Peter...I'm praying you turn to the Messiah, Christ.

I'm so glad I grew up to this kind of music.

The ending part of this song is incredible

Peter is truly exceptional here .As always. And that's Stewart Copeland on drums and Jerry Marotta. A wonderfully emotional song.

This album was huge for me. I've loved it every since it was released. It is my favorite PG album ever, followed by Us. King Edward Van Halen famously stated this was the last commercial CD he ever bought. Speaking to Classic Rock in January 2022, Eddie’s son Wolfgang revealed that So held a special place in his father’s heart and that the song ‘Red Rain’ meant a lot to both of them. He said: “This is one of my favourite albums because it was one of my father’s favourite albums of all time. So I’ll never forget him coming up to me one night with these huge headphones and going, ‘Wolf, put these on.’ Then he put the headphones on my head and cranked the first song, ‘Red Rain’. It’s very hard to listen to now that my father is gone. But that album front to back is Peter Gabriel at his finest.”

Thank God every moment he save us from ourselves. I pray to God for saving us from ourselves. In the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

With out a doubt, one of my favorite song's by Mr. Gabriel!