Scott Walker – "It's Raining Today"
"It's Raining Today" is the evocative opening track of Scott Walker’s 1969 album Scott 3. Renowned for its lush orchestration and profound melancholy, the song showcases Walker's distinct baritone voice and his skill as a songwriter blending pop with avant-garde and orchestral elements. It stands as one of his most celebrated and atmospheric works.
Song Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Scott Walker |
| Album | Scott 3 |
| Release Year | 1969 |
| Track Number | 1 |
| Length | Approximately 4:01 |
| Writer | Scott Walker |
| Producer | John Franz |
| Arrangement | Wally Stott (Angela Morley) |
Musical Style & Composition
- The song is characterized by its sweeping string arrangements, abstract orchestral textures, and disorienting glissandi, which set a dreamlike, somber mood.
- Lyrically, it explores nostalgia, isolation, and loss, reflecting on fleeting relationships and memories from Walker’s youth.
Lyrics Snapshot
It's raining today
And I'm just about to forget
The train window girl
That wonderful day we met
She smiles through the smoke from my cigarette
(This excerpt illustrates the song’s introspective and cinematic approach.)
Reception & Legacy
- "It's Raining Today" has been praised for its emotional depth and inventive production, influencing generations of musicians across genres.
- The song remains a fan favorite and a key entry point for new listeners interested in Scott Walker’s innovative solo career.reddit.com
- It appears on notable compilations such as It's Raining Today: The Scott Walker Story (1967–70) and Boy Child: 67–70.wikipedia.org
Context
Scott Walker introduced the song on his 1969 television show, describing it as a reflection on his Beat Generation influences and the transient relationships of his youth. Its juxtaposition of lush beauty and existential melancholy marks it as a quintessential Scott Walker composition.
"It's Raining Today" endures for its haunting soundscapes and poetic lyricism, representing the sophisticated and daring artistry that defined Scott Walker's late-1960s work.
