Meaning of "The Rain Song" by The Mountain Goats

The speaker in the song is feeling overwhelmed by the sadness brought on by the rain. The imagery of the rain soaking the old habachi and the longing to sing like Allen Callaci, a singer known for his ability to convey emotion through his music, shows a desire to express that deep sorrow. The repeated refrain of "If I could sing, If I could sing like Allen" highlights a sense of inadequacy or inability to truly convey the depth of their emotions. The rain, serving as a metaphor for their own tears, becomes a symbol of the heaviness of their heart. Overall, the song captures the feeling of helplessness in the face of overwhelming sadness, and the yearning for a way to communicate that pain.