Meaning of "I Wish It Would Rain" by Rodney Crowell

The lyrics of "I Wish It Would Rain" delve into the life of a person caught in a cycle of desperation and self-destructive behavior. The narrator, engaged in prostitution, describes their existence of turning tricks on Sunset for a mere twenty dollars. They encounter various individuals, including businessmen and undercover cops, painting a picture of the seedy underbelly of society that they inhabit.

The use of the line "living with the virus flowing way down in my veins" suggests that the narrator is also living with a serious illness, likely referencing HIV/AIDS. This adds another layer of vulnerability and despair to their situation. They express a longing for rain, metaphorically representing cleansing and purification, wishing for relief from their pain and the chance to start anew.

The narrator acknowledges the judgment they face and the disdain they receive from others, yet they still desire compassion and understanding. Their numerous references to different locations, such as Memphis, Texas, Houston, and Tennessee, imply a sense of rootlessness and a constant search for something better. They feel lost and disconnected, unable to find a place where they truly belong.

The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's reliance on drugs as a means of numbing themselves from their harsh reality. They openly admit to engaging in various forms of substance abuse, showing a lack of self-control and an addiction that has taken hold of their life. They offer no excuses for their actions and acknowledge that they are seeking sympathy, possibly as a way to justify their struggles and find some form of validation.

Throughout the song, the narrator reflects on their past and their uncertain future. They mention their longevity in the business, surviving for seven years despite their lack of knowledge about how they managed to do so. They come from a lineage of unfulfilled love and a pattern of living without purpose, further accentuating their desire for change and a fresh start.

The final verses of the song reveal the narrator's longing for salvation. They have turned to religion, praying to Mother Mary and seeking guidance from a priest, suggesting a belief in the possibility of redemption. The mention of angels coming to retrieve them signifies their hope for liberation from their troubled life. They wish to leave the harsh desert behind and make their way to Memphis, symbolizing a metaphorical journey towards a better future.

Ultimately, "I Wish It Would Rain" captures the struggle, despair, and longing for redemption of an individual trapped in a life of prostitution and drug addiction. It conveys the deep desire for a fresh start and the hope of finding solace and salvation amidst their difficult circumstances.