About the Song

“I Wish It Would Rain” is a soul ballad steeped in heartbreak and emotional turmoil. The song was written by Roger Penzabene

, Norman Whitfield, and Barrett Strong, with Penzabene’s personal anguish as its driving force. After discovering his wife’s infidelity, Penzabene channeled his pain into the lyrics, creating one of Motown’s most poignant tracks. Tragically, his grief led to his suicide just days after the song’s release.

David Ruffin delivers a gut-wrenching performance, imbuing every line with despair and longing. The track begins with a haunting piano intro before Ruffin’s raw, emotive vocals take center stage, accompanied only by a tambourine. Gradually, the arrangement builds with restrained strings and percussion, allowing Ruffin’s voice to carry the weight of the song’s sorrow.

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Chart Performance

• #4 on the Billboard Hot 100
• #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart for three weeks
  This track solidified its place as one of The Temptations’ most iconic and emotional records.

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Legacy

“I Wish It Would Rain” marked a turning point for The Temptations, standing as one of David Ruffin’s

final lead performances with the group. His growing personal struggles, including substance abuse and demands to rename the group after him, led to his dismissal in mid-1968.

This song also marked the end of an era for Norman Whitfield’s traditional soul production style. Within a year, Whitfield and the Temptations would pioneer the psychedelic soul

movement with tracks like “Cloud Nine.”

Despite its heavy backstory, “I Wish It Would Rain” remains one of Motown’s finest examples of blending raw emotion with impeccable artistry. Ruffin’s heartfelt delivery, coupled with the song’s deeply personal origins, has ensured its lasting impact on both fans and the music world.