educational insights | January 27, 2026

The Meaning Behind The Song: I Made It Through the Rain by Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow’s song “I Made It Through the Rain” is a classic that is still cherished by music fans across generations. The song was released in 1980 and was an instant hit, reaching the 10th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is uplifting and inspiring, with its lyrics telling the story of someone who has gone through tough times, but is still standing tall.

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The lyrics of the song talk about the difficult times that one goes through in life, and the relief and joy that come when one finally makes it through. The song’s chorus, “I made it through the rain, I kept my world protected, I made it thought the rain, I kept my point of view, I made it through the rain, and found myself respected, by the others who got rained on too,” offers a message of hope and encouragement to those who may be struggling with difficult times. The song is meant to inspire individuals to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

The Story Behind the Song

The story behind “I Made It Through the Rain” is rooted in the life of its lyricist, Gerard Kenny, who co-wrote the song with Drey Shepperd and Bruce Sussman. According to Kenny, the inspiration for the song came from his own struggle with addiction. At one point in his life, Kenny had hit rock bottom and was living in a halfway house. One day, as he was walking in the rain, he had a realization that he had made it through the toughest times of his life and was still alive.

Upon his return home, Kenny couldn’t shake off the feeling of gratitude, and he immediately wrote down the lyrics for “I Made It Through the Rain.” Kenny then reached out to his friends, Sussman and Shepperd, to help him turn the lyrics into a song.

The Message Behind the Song

The message behind “I Made It Through the Rain” is one of hope and inspiration that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. The song encourages individuals to keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible. The song also tells listeners that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there is always someone who can relate to what they are going through.

The song’s message has been embraced by people who have experienced tough times, such as addiction, sickness, loss, and grief. “I Made It Through the Rain” has become an anthem for those who have overcome challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “I Made It Through the Rain”?

The lyrics of “I Made It Through the Rain” are about the tough times that one goes through in life, and the joy that comes when one finally overcomes those difficulties.

2. Who wrote “I Made It Through the Rain”?

“I Made It Through the Rain” was co-written by Gerard Kenny, Bruce Sussman, and Drey Shepperd.

3. What inspired Gerard Kenny to write “I Made It Through the Rain”?

Kenny was inspired to write the song after he hit rock bottom due to his struggles with addiction. While walking in the rain, he had a realization that he had made it through the toughest times of his life.

4. When was “I Made It Through the Rain” released?

“I Made It Through the Rain” was released in 1980.

5. Who performed “I Made It Through the Rain”?

“I Made It Through the Rain” was performed by Barry Manilow.

6. What is the genre of “I Made It Through the Rain”?

“I Made It Through the Rain” is a pop song.

7. What is the message behind the song “I Made It Through the Rain”?

The message behind the song is one of hope and inspiration. The song encourages individuals to keep pushing forward, even when times are tough.

8. How did “I Made It Through the Rain” perform in the charts?

“I Made It Through the Rain” reached the 10th position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

9. What is the significance of the rain in the song?

The rain in the song is a metaphor for the trials and difficulties one goes through in life.

10. Has “I Made It Through the Rain” been covered by other artists?

Yes, “I Made It Through the Rain” has been covered by a number of artists, including Johnny Mathis and Lena Horne.

11. What other popular songs has Barry Manilow released?

Barry Manilow has released a number of popular songs, including “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.”

12. What is Barry Manilow’s net worth?

As of 2021, Barry Manilow’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million.