Ever notice how a rainy day makes you want to write a moody ballad, or how the warmth of summer inspires feel-good anthems? Weather has a powerful influence on emotions, creativity, and ultimately, songwriting.
Whether it's the brooding intensity of a thunderstorm or the carefree energy of a sunny afternoon, the climate around us can shape melodies, lyrics, and a song's overall vibe.
Let's dive into how different weather conditions can influence songwriting and how artists can use these elements to fuel their creative process.
1. Rain
There’s a reason so many sad songs are written on rainy days. The steady rhythm of raindrops, the gray skies, and the chill in the air create a mood of introspection. Rain often evokes nostalgia, heartbreak, or deep thought, making it the perfect backdrop for soulful ballads, acoustic storytelling, or lo-fi melodies.
Many artists have used rain as inspiration, including Adele with "Set Fire to the Rain," Billie Eilish with "When the Party’s Over," and The Beatles with "Rain." These songs capture the emotional weight that rain often brings, weaving in themes of loss, reflection, and change.
If you’re looking for inspiration, try sitting by a window with a notebook or instrument on a rainy day. The rhythmic patter of the rain can guide your lyrics and melodies, helping you channel that introspective energy into your songwriting.
2. Sunshine
Bright, sunny days bring a surge of positive energy, optimism, and adventure. Sunshine is synonymous with good times, vacations, and freedom, translating into upbeat, energetic songwriting. Whether it’s a beachy pop hit, a summer road trip anthem, or a festival banger, sunny weather fuels songs that make people want to move.
Pharrell Williams’ "Happy," Katrina and the Waves’ "Walking on Sunshine," and Calvin Harris’ "Summer" all embody the lightheartedness and carefree energy of warm weather. These songs thrive on bright instrumentation, catchy hooks, and vibrant production that reflect the energy of a perfect sunny day.
When the sun’s out, take your creative process outdoors! Bring your guitar to the park, go for a walk with your voice recorder, or just absorb the natural energy. Writing in the sunlight can uplift your mood and naturally steer your song toward an uplifting vibe.
3. Snow
Winter brings stillness, nostalgia, and sometimes isolation, making it a great time for deep, poetic songwriting. The muffled quiet of snowfall can inspire soft, ethereal melodies, while the biting cold may evoke themes of longing, loneliness, or warmth found in relationships.
Songs like Fleet Foxes’ "White Winter Hymnal," Taylor Swift’s "Back to December," and Bon Iver’s "Holocene" beautifully capture the winter aesthetic, often using gentle melodies, poetic lyrics, and layered production to reflect the season's emotional weight.
To translate winter’s stillness into music, try using soft, layered sounds like reverb-drenched vocals or ambient synths. Let the quiet and calmness of a snowy day shape your songwriting, embracing its reflective nature.
4. Storms
Thunderstorms bring raw energy and unpredictability, making them an incredible source of inspiration for dramatic compositions. The booming thunder, flashing lightning, and howling wind can fuel aggressive rock riffs, cinematic soundscapes, or deeply emotional storytelling.
Imagine Dragons’ "Thunder," Bob Dylan’s "Hurricane," and Prince’s "Purple Rain" are just a few songs that embody the intensity of stormy weather. Whether through powerful lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, or heavy beats, these songs capture the drama and emotion that storms often bring.
If you’re feeling stuck in your songwriting, try listening to storm sounds as a backdrop while writing—whether it's a thunderstorm playlist or recording the real thing. Let the intensity push your creativity toward bold, emotional songwriting.
5. Fog & Overcast Skies
Fog and cloudy weather create a sense of mystery, eeriness, and introspection. Many artists use overcast days as inspiration for dreamy, moody, or even eerie tracks. Whether it's alternative rock, indie folk, or electronic music, gloomy weather adds an extra layer of emotional depth.
Songs like Lana Del Rey’s "Born to Die," Radiohead’s "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," and The Weeknd’s "The Hills" capture the brooding, cinematic feel that fog and cloudy days evoke. These tracks lean into minor chords, haunting melodies, and atmospheric production to create an immersive experience.
Experiment with minor chords, reverbs, and darker melodies when writing on gray, cloudy days. The atmosphere itself can shape your sound, helping you craft music that carries a sense of mystery and depth.
Whether you're staring out the window at a stormy skyline or soaking up the sun on a warm afternoon, weather is an underrated but powerful influence on songwriting. The trick is to embrace the mood it creates and channel it into your music.