Song Meaning
The narrator grapples with a relationship where their presence seems to trigger fear in the other person, leading to avoidance. The opening lines, "I never stop by, why, why should I try? / You're so afraid, you might see / Your tomorrow's in me," establish a dynamic of distance born from the other's apprehension. This fear of what the narrator represents – perhaps a future or a truth the other isn't ready for – forces the narrator to retreat.
Despite the initial avoidance, the lyrics pivot to an acceptance of external circumstances, specifically rain, as a metaphor for emotional turmoil or difficult times. The repeated phrase "let it rain" shifts from a potential negative to a neutral, or even positive, element. The narrator finds solace in walking "for miles and miles with smiles" during this metaphorical downpour, suggesting an internal resilience that doesn't depend on clear skies or the other person's comfort. This acceptance signifies a move towards self-sufficiency.
The craft here hinges on the contrast between the interpersonal conflict and the natural imagery. While the first verse details a specific relational dynamic, the subsequent verses use the weather as a backdrop for the narrator's evolving emotional state. The shift from "Skies won't seem the same now" to "Skies won't be the blame now" is crucial; it indicates a move away from externalizing problems and towards internal resolution. The narrator is no longer waiting for the weather to change, but rather waiting for their own internal conditions to shift, "Till the sidewalks are dry."
Ultimately, the effectiveness lies in this quiet assertion of control amidst perceived chaos. The narrator isn't fighting the rain or the other person's fear; they are simply choosing to navigate it with a newfound sense of peace. The act of closing their eyes and waiting for the "sidewalks are dry" suggests a patient self-soothing, a recognition that difficult periods will pass, and their own well-being is an internal matter.