Meaning of "Rain Come Down" by Vince Staples

"Rain Come Down" presents a bleak depiction of life in the artist's neighborhood. Staples paints a vivid picture of a community plagued by violence and drug culture, where seeking help from the police is futile and potentially dangerous. The line "I'm the man, ten toes in the street" signifies Staples' street credibility and his unwillingness to back down in the face of adversity. He embodies the resilience and toughness required to survive in such an environment.

Throughout the song, Staples refers to his personal experiences and the injustices he witnesses. He emphasizes the lack of police intervention, highlighting how the community is left to its own devices when it comes to maintaining law and order. The repeated line "And the cops don't come for some weeks" suggests a sense of abandonment and neglect. The use of JFK as a reference implies the possibility of assassination or harm befalling him, further emphasizing the precarious nature of life in his neighborhood.

Staples also delves into themes of fame and the superficiality of relationships. He touches on the allure of material wealth and the desire for recognition, depicted by lines such as "Paid a pretty penny for my peace of mind" and "Two page spread in the CR." However, despite these trappings of success, Staples suggests that deep connections and genuine love are elusive. The line "She don't wanna be another what's-her-name" hints at the objectification of women in pursuit of fleeting fame.

The chorus, "Rain come down," serves as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal. The rain represents an opportunity for the community to wash away its troubles and start afresh. It symbolizes hope and the possibility of change in the face of adversity. However, the repetition of the phrase also underscores the grim reality that the rain never truly arrives to alleviate the struggles faced by Staples and those in his community.