About the song
“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” is a song with a rich legacy in American country music, crafted by the talented songwriter Fred Rose. Originally recorded by Elton Britt in 1946 and popularized further by Roy Acuff in 1947, this poignant ballad has been embraced by a diverse array of artists over the decades. Its evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a staple in the country genre, covered by luminaries such as Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Russell, Charley Pride, and Elvis Presley.
However, it was Willie Nelson’s 1975 recording of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” that truly cemented the song’s place in music history. Featured on his concept album *Red Headed Stranger*, which tells the story of a fugitive preacher, Nelson’s rendition of the song was instrumental in reviving his career as a recording artist. The sparse, yet emotive arrangement of Nelson’s version has been praised for its simplicity and authenticity, capturing the essence of classic country music. Music historian Bill Malone lauded the recording as “a fine example of clean, uncluttered country music,” while Rolling Stone highlighted it as the “beating heart of Red Headed Stranger.”
This version of the song achieved significant commercial success, becoming Nelson’s first number one hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also made a notable impact on the pop charts, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success extended beyond 1975, earning Willie Nelson his first Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards.
The song’s influence has persisted through the years. It was featured in a 1986 music video promoting a motion picture adaptation of the *Red Headed Stranger* album. Additionally, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, including Olivia Newton-John, UB40, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Not only has the song been celebrated in various forms, including a posthumous release by George Jones in 2017, but it also ranks prominently in lists of greatest country songs. Rolling Stone has recognized it in multiple rankings, including its inclusion in the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and the “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time” lists.
Overall, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” stands as a testament to the timeless nature of classic country music and Willie Nelson’s profound impact on the genre.
Video
Lyrics
In the twilight glow I see
Blue eyes crying in the rain
When we kissed goodbye and parted
I knew we’d never meet again
Love is like a dying ember
And only memories remain
And through the ages I’ll remember
Blue eyes crying in the rain
Some day when we meet up yonder
We’ll stroll, hand in hand again
In a land that knows no parting
Blue eyes crying in the rain