About The Song
Ronnie Milsap’s “Smoky Mountain Rain” – A Ballad of Loss and Longing
“Smoky Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap is a country ballad that tells a story of heartbreak and the lingering hope for reconciliation. The song’s melancholy atmosphere is perfectly complemented by the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
Release and Legacy:
- Released in September 1980 as the first and only single from Ronnie Milsap’s greatest hits compilation album.
- The song became one of Milsap’s most recognizable songs, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a popular choice for karaoke nights and a classic country ballad.
Story and Themes:
The song is narrated by a man searching for a lost love amidst the rain-soaked Smoky Mountains.
- Searching for a Lost Love: The lyrics describe the narrator’s desperation to find his former lover, believing she might be somewhere in the mountains.
- Lingering Hope Despite the Pain: Despite the sadness and despair, there’s a flicker of hope that they might reunite.
- The Smoky Mountains as a Symbol: The rain and misty mountains create a gloomy atmosphere that reflects the narrator’s emotional state.
Musical Style:
- The song features a slow country ballad tempo with prominent piano and acoustic guitar accompaniment.
- Ronnie Milsap’s smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with a blend of despair, yearning, and a touch of hope.
- The simple musical arrangement allows the lyrics and vocals to take center stage, emphasizing the emotional weight of the song.
Impact and Recognition:
- “Smoky Mountain Rain” became a signature song for Ronnie Milsap and a staple of country radio.
- The song resonated with listeners who identified with the experience of lost love and the yearning for reconciliation.
- It is often cited as a classic example of Milsap’s balladry style and his ability to convey deep emotions through song.
Here are some additional resources you might find interesting:
- Listen to the song: You can find “Smoky Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap on various music streaming services or watch the music video on YouTube: YouTube: [link to Ronnie Milsap Smoky Mountain Rain] (This might be a different video, you can search for the specific music video).
- Read more about the song’s history: While there isn’t a dedicated Wikipedia page for the song itself, you can find information about Ronnie Milsap’s career and the album on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Milsap. You can also find articles online discussing the song’s impact and its place within Milsap’s discography.
- Explore Songs of Lost Love: You can find online resources that discuss country music, as well as other genres’, songs about lost love, the pain of separation, and the longing for someone who is no longer there.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
I thumb my way from L.A. back to Knoxville.
I found out those bright lights ain’t where I belong.
From a phone booth in the rain I called to tell her, I’ve had a change of dreams I’m coming home.
But the tears filled my eyes when I found out she was gone.
Smoky Mountain rain keeps on falling, I’ll keep on calling her name.
Smoky Mountain rain, I’ll keep on searching, I can’t go on hurting this way.
She’s somewhere in this Smoky Mountain rain.
I can’t blame her for letting go, a woman needs someone warm to hold. Feel the
rain running down my face, I’ll find her no matter what it takes.
[repeat chorus]
I waved a diesel down outside a cafe, said he was going as far as Gatlinburg.
I climbed in the cab all wet and cold and lonely.
I wiped my eyes and told him about her.
I’ve got to find her, Can you make these big wheels burn.
smoky Mountain rain keeps on falling
I’ll keep on calling her name.
Smoky Mountain rain, I’ll keep on searching
I can’t go on hurting this way.
She’s somewhere in the Smoky Mountain rain.
