“I Wish It Would Rain Down” is a song by Phil Collins, released in January 1990 as the second single from his album …But Seriously (1989). It is a powerful and emotional rock ballad, featuring Eric Clapton on lead guitar, whose bluesy solos add a soulful depth to the song.
The song expresses deep regret and sorrow over a lost love, with Collins singing about heartache and longing for redemption. The chorus, “I wish it would rain down on me,” serves as a metaphor for emotional release, as if the rain could wash away the pain of his mistakes. Collins’ passionate vocal delivery enhances the song’s raw, emotional intensity.
Musically, “I Wish It Would Rain Down” blends rock, blues, and gospel elements, with powerful drumming, dramatic piano chords, and lush backing vocals, giving it a grand, almost cinematic feel.
The music video, directed by Jim Yukich, features Collins as an aspiring stage performer in the 1930s, parodying “Gone with the Wind”, with Jeffrey Tambor playing a strict director. The humorous yet heartfelt video contrasts with the song’s melancholy tone, adding an entertaining visual dimension.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 in the UK. It remains one of Collins’ most beloved ballads, praised for its soulful delivery, heartfelt lyrics, and Clapton’s stunning guitar work.