Winwood, Steve - Rainmaker Lyrics






Rainmaker, rainmaker
The sky is gray just by the touch of your hand
Rainmaker, rainmaker
Make me some rain, make all my crops grow tall

Rainmaker, rainmaker
The sky is gray, the ground is so hard
It's been cracked by the sun
Rainmaker, you know my work's never done





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Winwood, Steve Rainmaker Comments
  1. M.... H....

    Magnífico, extraordinario!!

  2. B.... B....

    That beat change at 4:06 gets me everytime...

  3. c.... A....

    I'm getting stoned just watching this,groovy Steve. You must b so...so stoned.

  4. M.... P....

    Chris Wood passed away way to soon. With his flute and sax, could be the heart and soul of the band.

  5. T.... H....

    Steve is awesome! Love the flute also!

  6. J.... W....

    After 7 years of flute i still couldnt play this. That is what formal lessons could do to natural abilities...take note music teachers

  7. J.... M....

    Chris Wood!!! Nuff said. One of a kind RiP!

  8. C.... E....

    🌹💋♥️😤

  9. A.... L....

    Also love 💕 the river song they do. Been listening for 50 years...a mere flash in time....

  10. e.... !....

    The best

  11. D.... B....

    Does anybody know what brand or model of flute Chris played with?

  12. n.... ....

    Beautiful song.

  13. S.... V....

    Love this Traffic song when I hear it always reminds me of the cartoon Clutch Cargo 😂😂😂

  14. P.... G....

    The flute always adds a touch of class to a song especially with musicians as talented as these guys

  15. j.... ....

    A Taylor Swift commercial before the start of this video ?Ahahahahahahhahaahahahaaha!
    Wait I'm not done Ahahahahaahahhaahahahha!

  16. R.... E....

    Demasiado ..

  17. m.... ....

    there was only 1 flute player back then that was better...that's my other favorite band.

  18. L.... H....

    I was there!

  19. M.... C....

    This stuff STILL blows away 99%of what's served to us as "music" these days. I'll listen to these geniuses ANYDAY over mainstream music because NONE OF TODAY'S MUSICIANS have anything decent to serve up. Sad but true.

  20. A.... M....

    beautiful and mesmerizing performance, as always- Chris is so gosh darn talented! :)

  21. H.... J....

    Come join "The Steve Winwood Group" on Facebook.

  22. M.... P....

    The only redhead I like

  23. j.... s....

    Remember this song in high school.

  24. M.... M....

    Purest magic ~*

  25. A.... W....

    Listening to "rainmaker" on night when we're having a tropical storm.
    And lots of rain......

  26. S.... T....

    Anyone else getting a contact high just by listening?

  27. d.... s....

    Songs like Rainmaker always stayed with me and impressed me. Because it was a part of a tradition of bringing older Celtic music into the "rock and roll stew". Traffic did this well. Chris Wood died tragically due to drug problems from what I've read. But he did add a sensitive element to Traffic. His flute part in Rainmaker still remains impressive and haunting. This should have been some of the background music in the hobbit movies! Oh well.

  28. V.... D....

    I wish I could turn everyone on to this band. This was when music made sense.

  29. T.... F....

    Musical magicians

  30. s.... ....

    Love Chris Wood!

  31. J.... P....

    Steve winwood fantastic.

  32. L.... C....

    Great video, but I have two quibbles! 1) Rebop isn't shown enough 😾and 2) the vid ends before the song is finished!!

    Still, just seeing it as it is - is wonderful!! 😻

  33. C.... P....

    Never underestimate the power of psychedelics and a jazz flute.

  34. R.... S....

    Such a great band,the mid 60's to early 70's was without a doubt the golden age of music of all styles.Rock,Soul,Funk,Jazz,even Country and Bluegrass were going through so many changes and so many great bands playing.
    I sure miss those times..especially with all the stuff that passes for music these days.

  35. S.... M....

    Chris Wood is drop dead GORGEOUS! Jeanette Jacobs was a lucky girl;)

  36. J.... J....

    Ter fucking iffic

  37. J.... J....

    Out fucking standing

  38. r.... ....

    Just priced the DVD of this concert on Amazon... $130.00!!!

  39. G.... F....

    I TRAFFIC al TOP , peccato che Chris Wood ci abbia lasciato troppo presto . tre anni fa ho visto un meraviglioso concerto di Steve Winwood ( con dei musicisti fantastici ) , il quale ha iniziato con questo brano ( che fa parte del mio disco preferito del gruppo ) e mi sono reso conto di quanto fossero stati potenti all' epoca .

  40. M.... J....

    I saw them at the Tulane Auditorium in New Orleans when this music was current. Long ago and I miss those times!

  41. e.... f....

    it's a cartoon to make YOU believe in................

  42. V.... c....

    EN MEMORIA DE CHRIS WOOD

    Christopher Gordon Blandford 'Chris' Wood, nace un 24 June 1944 en Quinton un suburbio del barrio obrero de Birmingham, y fallece a los 39 años en la misma ciudad el 12 de julio de 1983 y será recordado por quienes amamos la buena música por ser uno de los fundadores del supergrupo Traffic con Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, y Dave Mason.
    Fue un talento tanto de la pintura (se le atribuye la creación del símbolo redondo que aparece en todos los discos de la banda) y además un músico precoz que a los quince años aprendió en forma autodidacta a tocar la flauta y el saxofón que fueron la base por el cual transitó la magia de Traffic, como un ejemplo los solos de flauta John Barleycorn, Dealer, Forty thousands headmen, los saxos de Paper Sun, Medicated goo y ese maravilloso riff de flauta en Rainmaker entre otros.
    Destacó además como músico de sesión de varias glorias de la música contemporáneas, como por ejemplo toca los vientos en los clásicos de Hendrix Vodoo Chile y 1984, Free, Schicken Shack, etc. luego de la separación de Traffic no la pasó tan bien sufriendo adicciones de drogas, problemas con el alcohol (que afectaría su hígado) y la infidelidad de su esposa (que conoció cuando acompañaba al músico Dr., John) hicieron mella en su salud.
    Y en 1983, cuando se esperaba su retorno musical a lo grande ya que estaba trabajando en un álbum en solitario que iba a ser titulado Vulcan, muere de neumonía en el Hospital Queen Elizabeth en Birmingham, Inglaterra.
    El disco inconcluso se publica póstumamente en el 2008, pero la mejor forma de recordarlo es escuchándolo cuando formaba parte de Traffic.

    V.... c....

    Chris was a great musician and he's deeply missed. Shame. His life was not a happy one.. R.I.P.

    V.... c....

    translation, someone, please!

    V.... c....

    Muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimientos, Victor. Fué una época que no volverá, pero que sigue con nosotros gracias a la tecnología

  43. r.... ....

    On one hand, one could argue it's kind of sad that these days, when you look out at the audience, it's like a vast sea of glowing cell-phone zombies bootlegging the show instead of being present in the moment. But as the poster of this video pointed out, this would be the ONLY concert video, which makes the footage that much more precious.

    r.... ....

    Totally agree. It's such a shame that their isn't more visuals of this brilliant band performing.

  44. T.... M....

    Good lord he is high as balls on LSD or something.

    T.... M....

    My thoughts exactly!

    T.... M....

    But Jim doesn't look wide awake either

  45. C.... m....

    One of a kind Band! There are great musicians out there today, we just don't have the chance to ever get to hear them, Big business controls all of it today. Tis all about the mighty buck, it's all so sad. Today's kids get mostly shite to tickle their ears, though many kids today enjoy the classics, so this brings the old timers back to play for us and we get to relive our musical past. It's all good

  46. A.... ....

    David Doyle that's it.. Today's art music is different.. But these are roots of today different art..

  47. R.... ....

    don't make music like they use to for sure

  48. g.... ....

    This song made me love the flute. Such a great band.

  49. W.... B....

    Bought the concert on VHS, lost the tape and was so happy when the DVD got available. Saw Steve live in Austin open air in a natural kind of amphitheater in 2005(?) and remember very well the dark clouds ... When he started Rainmaker the cloud went into a collective sigh - don't let this be successful ... And we were lucky, no rain ...

  50. t.... ....

    Chris was a sharp dressed man..what a talent; and agreed - the spiritual center of Traffic.

    t.... ....

    I had shirts like that back in the day...

  51. D.... D....

    We will not see another like them in our time,,,,,,

    D.... D....

    except the suck today REALLLLLLYYYY! bad..

    D.... D....

    @David Doyle A bit late: I will, but there is no point in me naming names if you are just looking for the same kind of sound as Traffic or another comparable band from that time. You would have to have an open mind to new music. One I like very much: Joanna Newsom, especially her album Ys. More to follow.

    D.... D....

    Thank you Kazimierz,Yes if you see bands that have merit,,,I would like to know about them.My point was,,,I see very few people pursuing musicianship as a CRAFT on the blue horizon.

    D.... D....

    Ian Anderson, maybe?

    D.... D....

    Muy cierto

  52. B.... S....

    excellent, don't make it then like they used to eh!

  53. T.... N....

    This is why I tried to learn flute!

    T.... N....

    Me, too. I taught myself how to play many years ago. Chris Wood was inspiring, for sure.

  54. a.... a....

    saw Traffic 5 times most recently in 1974 and finally in 1994 and they never burned out, they were always fab especially the original line up, Winwood,Wood,&Capaldi, they made awesome music, I think the 2nd album with Forty thousand headmen is one of their best and is often overlooked! I saw Traffic before 1972 and they performed most of the Mr. Fantasy Lp, Steve's vocals on Dear Mr. Fantasy were unreal and his lead guitar was better than on the original which is saying alot! I preferred their live performances over the Stones who were boring!skip alunan

    a.... a....

    So much, owed by so many, to so few.! - Winwood, Traffic, - who didn’t they influence? ? ?

  55. B.... b....

    Saw thes guys three times in early seventies , always great music. No smoke bombs, fancy costumes or any gimmicks, they didn't need that stuff. They could actually play thier instuments. Wonderful memories. Later.

  56. F.... G....

    such a chilled out tune

  57. D.... D....

    The good old Santa Monica Civic,,,,"cradle of great music" back in the day,,,,

  58. D.... D....

    Once in a lifetime concert
    Once in a lifetime tune
    Once in a lifetime  group,,,
    Traffic was a blazing comet that burnt out much too soon,,,
    Miss you Traffic,,,

    D.... D....

    +David Doyle Lucky you to have seen them. I didn't become "aware" of Traffic until my 11th grade in High School back in 1976-77. I just started to become a Detroit "Burnout" and explored alternative music on FM radio I never knew before. This was my 1st Traffic album I procured and still have it with the purchase receipt. They sure don't make music like this any more. We are now perceived as our parents when we mocked them for what they listened to during their glory days. The circle is now complete.

    D.... D....

    +SM2-BLK-II
    Missile was that on WABX Detroit that you listened?
    There is a WABX Detroit facebook page in case you are interested.
    Did you go to Cass Tech?

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/318535481387/

    D.... D....

    +Sandy A. Sandy, Yes...WABX - DETROIT. In fact, I have an old button with Ted Nugent that has WABX logo at the bottom. You may remember. I also have W4 buttons, my original DREAD WRIF card. Do you remember CJOM? Times change but not memories of good old simple "party" daze!!

    D.... D....

    +SM2-BLK-II Missile
    Yes I remember the call letters but don't remember the genre of music that was played on the station.  It was from Canada do you remember the # and what kind of music was on? That's cool you still have the old buttons!

    Did you sign up to the WABX facebook page?

  59. M.... N....

    Steve looks like he was on the owsley

  60. r.... ....

    Saw Stevie open for Tom Petty last year.  While I thoroughly appreciate Tom, the idea that a musical genius like Stevie would ever bill below a fairly predictable workman like Petty nearly set me to tears.
    A synergy in this music that was only realized in less than a handful of groups.  So glad Stevie is still around and sounding great.

    r.... ....

    Roxy, I thought the same thing. Last night I went to see him again—as you probably know, this year he's playing with Steely Dan. While they're a step up from Petty, we can't be the only ones who realize he's a legend and doesn't need to share the billing with ANYone!

    r.... ....

    Welcome to The Machine .....

  61. g.... ....

    Chris Wood playing flute !Very nice!

  62. t.... ....

    Chris Wood is doin something to my brain.  Brilliance.

    t.... ....

    +virgorouge  And me!!!! :)

  63. F.... G....

    Rainmaker, rainmaker
    The sky is gray just by the touch of your hand
    Rainmaker, rainmaker
    Make me some rain, make all my crops grow tall

    Rainmaker, rainmaker
    The sky is gray, the ground is so hard
    It's been cracked by the sun 
    Rainmaker, you know my work's never done

    F.... G....

    Steve was only 12 years old here. He really kicks ass in traffic. I heard Steve was playing music inutero... I believe it.!!

  64. g.... ....


    this has to be the best live capture of chris, showcasing different instruments. quite a special time for traffic. yet still no rain as california, oregon, and washington are in extreme drought. rainmaker, make me some rain so the dogs and birds can drink out of every pond and puddle.

  65. I.... D....

    wonderful sounds

  66. J.... M....

    one of my favorites..what a band..they dont make em like this anymore!

  67. S.... L....

    Who's on Bass?

    S.... L....

    I think it's David Hood, played on tons of stuff at Muscle shoals .

    S.... L....

    +jsilence418 Patterson Hood's father (Drive By Truckers)

  68. g.... ....

    such a relevant song. a masterpeace. chris, rebop and jim all gone rest in peace but steve's still magnificent. this was one of their finest concerts.

    g.... ....

    guyglowmore1 I don't

  69. L.... J....

    I just love this clip, especially Chris Wood's performance. It is magnificent. 

    L.... J....

    we're very fortunate because believe it or not not a lot of footage exist of Chris Through The Years even though he passed so young in the early 80s

  70. S.... B....

    SOOOO BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

  71. R.... R....

    Great live footage of this amazing band, featuring a very young Steve Winwood. Thanks for sharing.

  72. E.... S....

    pure greatness...they dont make magic like this anymore...

  73. t.... ....

    Jim Gordon did the drum work on "Low Spark", but his mental illness was most likely taking over his life by this time.  The drummer in this video is Roger Hawkins.  He was on "Shootout At The Fantasy" Factory and "On The Road", live LP. 

  74. C.... M....

    What beautiful music..... so much trad. English folk in this. 

  75. D.... H....

    Is that Jim Gordon on drums?

  76. s.... ....

    Chris Wood is the sound of Traffic...................love this band!  Rest in Peace Chris and Jim......Rick Grech and Rebop.

    s.... ....

    yes, i agree.  Chris Wood was a  great musician, very influential on Traffic's music,  Traffic was not just Winwood, they were all great and did great music. 

    s.... ....

    @Gabriele Voak Winwood didnt have challenged ego he was humble and highlighted the individual talent around him.

    s.... ....

    @Quality Service
    I simply adore Steve Winwood....

    s.... ....

    @Gabriele 95 me too!

    s.... ....

    TRy imagining Traffic's music, especially the later stuff, w/o Chris Wood's contribution. Would not be the same.

  77. S.... L....

    Love this song.. Steve Windwood is a talented musician.

    S.... L....

    he certainly is.  Extraordinary musician

  78. s.... ....

    Can't thank you enough for promoting this here in a reasonably hi-fi bitrate.
    Time-travelling is much better at 480 than at 240.
    (Tho 420 isn't bad either -- or so I hear.)
    Ya done good.

  79. E.... M....

    the best!!!!

  80. J.... J....

    Terrific!

  81. l.... ....

    yeah if you are one of those cranky old timers disparaging "today's music" then just go listen to say... destiny by zero seven.  A perfect song.  Of course it is also a few years old now.  I never said I was hip (even though I am).

    l.... ....

    You've got to be kidding if you think zero seven comes anywhere close to this.

  82. S.... W....

    I was lucky enough to see Traffic in various line ups. This concert with the Muscle Shoals guys has a much fuller sound than the trio of 1970 but is magic all the same. I live just up the road from 'the Cottage' in merry 'ole England. Every time I look across the hills to the chalk white horse Chris's flute springs to mind....

  83. B.... G....

    I had the same experience, listening to FM radio in the Chicago suburbs with my antennas tilted as far out the window I could get them- I still dream of learning soprano sax!

  84. w.... ....

    Me too. Ain't gonna happen any time soon, though...

  85. S.... C....

    I would be happy if you could point me to someone writing/playing songs of this caliber today.

  86. C.... ....

    This is a great song. Now, to those leaving comments about how terrible "today's" music is I say this as a musician and writer of 34 years and a music historian: there has been tremendous material written and there has been crap written in every decade. Period, no argument accepted. This is a common rant from boomers (and I know some of you are because I can see a picture or two of you). This tells me you really stopped listening to anything beyond 1978. You are missing out on a lot.

  87. B.... M....

    I was about 13 when I first heard "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys" and the rest of that great album. It blew me into next week and changed forever my appreciation of music. "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Ruby Tuesday" (these tunes were a little dated, at the time) were on the radio at the time and out of nowhere came "Low Spark" and my music tastes were instantly challenged and upgraded

  88. s.... z....

    was there dam fine show..

  89. w.... J....

    I first remember them from around 1970. Combination of Rock, Jazz, and European Folk. This is one of my favorites. Digging them still

  90. J.... S....

    I remember seeing Traffic at Winterland in San Francisco in 1972 and it only cost me $6.00 then. Their music and albums were fantastic !!! They dont get talent like this anymore .

  91. J.... G....

    Chris Wood (Traffic) facebook page have just announced a new release of recently discovered tapes

  92. P.... S....

    Yeah, that's Chris! And I do believe Steve has an honorary doctorate already... Could be wrong, though :)

  93. A.... O....

    prachtig Chris Wood op de dwarsfluit

  94. M.... M....

    I'm testing out my new speaker system and the music today is mixed by deaf people. They should call it Deaf Records or something dumb like that:)

  95. M.... M....

    Can I still get tickets:)

  96. K.... D....

    I was lucky enough to see them around the time this video was shot.
    Fantastic band, and no, no one does music like this anymore.
    Back then there was no "mold" you had to fit in order to get a contract, you just had to be good and more important, different.
    Today it's cookie cutter pop, they may dress it up different to fit the market they've targeted but it's all the same.

  97. L.... K....

    Wanna see Winwood & company at their apex ? `Last Great Traffic Jam' - `94, DVD/2005. Not a concert but an investment that U replay & never tire of. Its focking transcendent ! Also concur w/your awareness that the commercial vomitus pushed today is so far down the scale from what constituted `classic rock', as to blow the mind ! Keep on rockin, dude

  98. S.... L....

    Lizard, yes, Chris Wood is playing the flute--he was quite a talent. And agree that Steve Winwood is one of the giants of rock 'n' roll. The quality of his music has gone up and down, but for that matter, who can keep up such a high level for their whole career--nobody. Not Bob Dylan, not Eric Clapton, not the Stones. But as time goes on and the flood of horrible music continues, these guys rise above the crap, don't they?