When the Sun Comes Out (The Ed Sullivan Show)

Song Meaning

This performance opens with Ed Sullivan introducing Barbra Streisand, setting a scene of anticipation for a "youngster" about to perform. The song itself immediately establishes a contrast between a bleak present and a hopeful future. The narrator longs for the "sun comes out" after a period of "rain" and a "storm," which directly correlates with the departure of her man. This sets up a clear emotional arc: from the despair of abandonment to the fervent hope for reconciliation and the return of happiness. The central tension lies in the narrator's precarious emotional state, tethered to the potential return of her lover. She acknowledges that love isn't always easy, describing it as "not always peaches, cream, and honey" and likening a sudden breakup to a "cyclone." This vulnerability is palpable as she declares she would "stop livin'" if he were gone for good, highlighting the depth of her dependence and the fragility of her world. The lyrics cleverly use weather as a metaphor for emotional states and relationship stability. The "rain" and "storm" represent hardship and loneliness, while the "sun" signifies joy and the presence of her beloved. The repetition of "When the sun comes out / And the rain stops beating on my window pane" reinforces this cyclical hope, suggesting that even in the midst of a downpour, the possibility of clear skies and a returning lover is what keeps her going. The image of a "knockin' at my door" is the tangible sign of this awaited return. What makes these lyrics resonate is their raw portrayal of longing and resilience. The narrator isn't just passively waiting; she's actively holding onto hope, even as she admits the pain of the present. The contrast between the "cyclone" that changed her and the persistent belief that her love will return creates a powerful emotional narrative. It's this blend of devastation and unwavering faith that makes the anticipation of the sun coming out so compelling.