"Even without lyrics, music can tell a story. The art of writing lyrics to a piece of music is oftentimes a matter of finding the story that is already there."

There are probably only a handful of you who've had the pleasure of hearing Dallin perform this particular song live. It's a delicacy. The way his fingers graze the strings in a gentle rain-like pitter-patter is enough to send you into a hallowed, sentimental trance. I often think of the time he approached me with it.

"Riah, I think I wrote a Penny Candies song."

He was right. I listened to it on repeat and worked out some harmonies I felt did the melody justice (despite them being nearly out of my vocal range) and we put them to the test at our next band practice. It was a beautiful exchange, hearing Dallin express gratitude for the unexpected journey he's shared and continues to share with his wife, and all the beauty and growth that has sprung from their "storms". That expression is now immortalized through this lovely song. I feel honored that I get to sing with Dallin on something so captivating and personal.

What I love most about this song is Dallin's ability to tame his usually powerful and boisterous pipes into a gentle, hushed lullaby. The guitar is anything but simple, but it feels simple. It transports you to a quiet moment.

I was so curious to hear about Dallin's writing process for The Rain Song. So, here's a little glimpse inside his world.

Bon appétit,

-Riah

I remember the visual that came to mind when my fingers first picked out the intro to “The Rain Song”.

I saw a rainy day, a cozy porch, and a place to sit.

Even without lyrics, music can tell a story. The art of writing lyrics to a piece of music is oftentimes a matter of finding the story that is already there. So, as I stood in the living room of my old apartment, a story was unfolding.

Life is filled with the unexpected, but it’s not always obvious what is good and what is bad. The events of our lives are nothing more than opportunities and ingredients for what we are already making. What do you do with your rainy days? What do you do with life’s twists and turns? Do you let them ruin your plans or do you let them build your story? In this song, the couple uses the unexpected rain to slow down and reflect on their life together. They show gratitude for their situation both on that specific day, with the rain, and in general, with their lives. 

What I like about this song is its simplicity. It is specific yet universal. Maybe you have never cuddled your loved one on a porch while it was raining outside, but it’s not hard to know what it’s like. You know the sound of a storm, the smell of it, and you know the warmth of two bodies. You know love and what it’s like to feel gratitude for someone.

Things don’t always go the way we want, but that’s not always a bad thing. There is magic in the rainy days.

-Dallin