Little Johnny sits in his room wanting the rain to go away so he can play outside with friends

Rain Rain Go Away

Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day.
Little Johnny wants to play.
Rain, rain, go away.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Mother Goose Classics, Nature & Seasons, Playground

Tagged Johnny, play, rain, weather

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Meaning

“Rain, Rain, Go Away” expresses a simple, universal wish for the rain to stop so that children can play outdoors. The rhyme channels disappointment with bad weather and is often chanted or sung as a plea for sunnier skies. Sometimes, the child’s name is substituted for “Johnny” or “Arthur,” making it easily adaptable for families or classrooms.

Origin

The rhyme is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century or earlier, appearing in collections as early as James Howell’s proverbs in 1659. Early versions sometimes included references to historical events such as wishing rain would fall on the Spanish Armada, linking the rhyme to England’s victory over Spain in 1588.

Time Period

First recorded in 17th-century England, the rhyme’s phrasing and sentiment were common in folk culture much earlier. It remains one of the most enduring children’s songs used worldwide.

Why It Became Popular

Its short, catchy structure, repetition, and highly relatable theme made it easy for generations of children to memorize and use. The universal desire to play outside and frustration with rain ensures its staying power in playgrounds and homes worldwide.

Structure and Style

Meter: Trochaic (stressed-unstressed), with a chanting rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: AABB (or couplets in short versions)
Line Count: Typically 2 to 4, occasionally extended to add children’s names or special days
Style Notes: Simple, repetitive, and ideal for chanting or singing

Themes

Weather and nature
Childhood play and frustration
Adaptability and hope

Language Notes

The rhyme relies on the repetition of simple words to drive home a single, clear message. Substitutable names make it highly personalizable and ideal for many different social settings and cultures.

Moral or Lesson

While not overtly moralistic, the rhyme voices the common longing for better circumstances—reminding children that wishes and emotions about everyday life are universal.

Historical or Cultural Notes

Some older variants referenced the Spanish Armada (“Rain, rain, go to Spain, never show your face again”), tying the weather to historical hopes for foreign storms. Today, the rhyme survives chiefly as a ritual for expressing everyday wishes for dry, sunny days.

Notable Variants

Versions include “Little Arthur wants to play”, or substitute any child’s name, and add lines for special days (“Come again another day, on Midsummer day, washing day, Christmas day,” etc.).

Appearances in Media or Literature

Common in children’s music, picture books, educational programming, and referenced in English-language pop culture worldwide.

Suggested Activities

Action Game: Chant the rhyme and pair it with hand motions or group clapping.
Weather Chart: Track rainy days and sing the rhyme for fun.
Creative Writing: Invent additional verses with different weather wishes or names.
Art Project: Draw scenes of playing outside before and after the rain stops.

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