“Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition explores the ability of partners to support each other through difficult times. The lyrics use imagery and diction to give listeners a visual interpretation of emotions within a relationship.
The song was the third single from the album “Heart Break,” released on June 20, 1988. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis created this R&B standard for New Edition, seeking to emulate the harmonies of The Stylistics.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Can You Stand the Rain” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Johnny Gill]
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Whoa, whoa, oh-oh
The “oohs” and “whoas” create a musical and emotional setting for the song.
[Verse 1: Johnny Gill]
On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you
When that’s not possible
Tell me can you weather the storm?
Johnny Gill sings about a relationship that is going well, but he questions whether his partner will be able to “weather the storm” when things become difficult.
[Pre-Chorus: Ralph Tresvant]
‘Cause I need somebody who will stand by me
Through the good times and bad times
She will always, always be right there
Ralph Tresvant expresses the need for someone who will remain supportive during both good and bad times.
[Chorus: New Edition]
Sunny days, everybody loves them
Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?
Storms will come
This we know for sure (This we know for sure)
Can you stand the rain?
The chorus questions if someone can “stand the rain,” even though “everybody loves” sunny days. It acknowledges that “storms will come” and asks if love can withstand those challenges.
[Verse 2: Johnny Gill & Ralph Tresvant]
Love unconditional, I’m not asking just of you
And girl to make it last
I’ll do whatever needs to be done
Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant sing about unconditional love and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the relationship last.
[Pre-Chorus: Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill]
But I need somebody (Oh)
Who will stand by me
(Yeah, yeah)
When it’s tough, she won’t run
She will always, be right there for me, hee
Reiterates the need for someone who will stand by them and not run away when things get tough.
[Chorus: New Edition, Ricky Bell, Ralph Tresvant]
Sunny days, everybody loves them, tell me, baby
Can you stand the rain? (Can you stand it?)
Storms will come
(I know, I know all the days won’t be perfect)
This we know for sure
(But tell me can you stand it)
Can you stand the rain?
(Can you stand the rain?)
Can you stand the rain
(Can you stand the rain?)
Can you stand the rain
(No pressure, no pressure from me, baby)
This we know for sure
Can you stand the rain
(‘Cause I want you, and I need you, and I love you, girl)
(Tell me, baby)
Can you stand the rain
(Will you be there for me?)
This chorus is a combination of the members of New Edition and includes the acknowledgment that “all the days won’t be perfect” and asks if their partner can handle the stress and issues that come with the relationship.
[Interlude: Michael Bivins]
Come on, baby, let’s go get wet
Michael Bivins says, “Come on, baby, let’s go get wet.”
[Chorus: New Edition, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill]
Can you stand the rain
(Can you stand the rain?)
Can you stand the rain
(Will you be there, girl?)
Can you stand the rain
(Storms will come for sure)
Can you stand the rain
(Can you stand the rain?)
Can you stand the rain
(This we know for sure)
Can you stand the rain
Can you stand the rain
(This we know for sure)
Can you stand the rain
Can you stand the rain
(This we know for sure)
Can you stand the rain
Can you stand the rain
The chorus repeats the question of standing in the rain and promises support.
[Outro: Johnny Gill, New Edition]
Yeah, it’s gonna—but I know, I know I’ll be right there
(Can you stand the rain?)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Johnny Gill and New Edition end the song by saying that they “know I’ll be right there”.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Can You Stand the Rain”
“Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition explores the theme of enduring love and commitment through challenging times. The song, released in 1988, delves into whether a relationship can withstand hardship. It questions if love can persevere when “things go bad”.
The lyrics convey that while relationships are easy when “everything is going fine,” the true measure of a partner is their reaction when difficulties arise. The song acknowledges that “all the days won’t be perfect,” and it asks for a partner who will “stand by me through the good times and bad times”. The narrator seeks someone who won’t run when things get tough, but will “always be right there”.
The song uses the metaphor of a storm to represent life’s challenges, questioning if the partner can “weather the storm”. Overall, “Can You Stand the Rain” is about unconditional love and unwavering support, come “hell or high water”.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.