PHIL COLLINS - I WISH IT WOULD RAIN DOWN

Released:  January 15, 1990

Charts: UK: #7   US: #3 

“I Wish It Would Rain Down” is a song from Phil Collins’ 1989 album “…But Seriously”, featuring lead guitar by Eric Clapton and a gospel choir. The song became a major hit in early 1990, reaching No. 7 in the UK, No. 3 in the US, and No. 1 in Canada, where it was the most successful song of the year. Collins, who had collaborated with Clapton on previous albums, saw this as his closest attempt at writing a blues song. Lyrically, it reflects on a lost relationship, with the singer longing for reconciliation despite knowing it’s unlikely.

The music video is an 8:30-minute black-and-white production directed by Jim Yukich, with a 2:30-minute comedic introduction. Set in a 1930s theater, it parodies “Gone with the Wind” and features actor Jeffrey Tambor as a demanding director. The scene opens with dancers rehearsing to “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream, with Eric Clapton seated on a stool.

An in-joke references Collins’ transition from drummer to singer in Genesis when Clapton notes that “Billy” (played by Collins) used to be a drummer before taking on lead vocals. Collins’ backing band members appear in non-speaking roles, including drummer Chester Thompson and bassist Leland Sklar. Collins is reluctantly cast in a play after the lead actor falls ill. When Tambor’s character criticizes his acting, Collins responds, “I never said I could act, he said I could sing.” The director then tells him to play the song, leading into the performance. As Collins sings, his character imagines himself as a major stage and film star.