The song was written by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker. Lyric was by Baker and Regney composed the music. The initial recording of the song was done by Bobby Vinton.
Versions and words of this rhyme and history behind is interesting…
History of "Rain rain go away" poem:
The origin of the lyrics to "Rain rain go away" are said to date back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), one of the English Tudor monarchs. During this period of English history there was constant rivalry between Spain and England culminating in the launch of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish Armada consisted of many Spanish galleons and was sent to invade England. The Armada was led by Duke of Medina Sedonia and the the fleet numbered over 130 ships. The English fleet, under Admiral Lord Howard, totalled 34 small Navy vessels and 163 armed merchant ships. But the great Spanish Armada was defeated. Only 65 Spanish galleons and just 10,000 men returned to Spain. The attempt failed, not only because of the swift nature of the smaller English ships but also by the stormy weather which scattered the Armada fleet. Hence the origin of the "Rain rain go away"
Courtsey : http://www.rhymes.org.uk/rain_rain_go_away.htm
And the rhyme is as below…
"Rain, rain go away. Come again another day. Little Johnny wants to play. Rain Rain go away"
Hmm… This is slightly different from the rhyme I’m familiar with. For me it is as simple as the below.
"Rain Rain go away. Come again another day. Little Johnny wants to play. Rain Rain go away."
I found another version too, which quiet lengthy by all standards!
"Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day.
Rain, rain, go away.
Come again some other day.
Little Arthur wants to play,
In the meadow by the hay.
Rain, rain, go to Spain,
Never show your face again.
Rain, rain, pour down,
But not a drop on our town.
Rain on the green grass,
and rain on the tree,
And rain on the housetop,
but not on me.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again on washing day.
Rain, rain, go to Germany,
And remain there permanently.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come on Martha's wedding day. "
Additional Verses:
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day,
If you don't, I will say,
Rain, rain go away.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again some other day,
We want to go outside and play,
Come again some other day.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again some other day,
If you don't, I don't care,
I'll pull down your underwear!
I found another site which has a Flash version...
http://www.iselong.com/online/Flash_Songs_For_Kids/LittleFox/Rain_Rain_Go_Away.swf
No matter what version, this is one of my favorite nursery rhyme… I hope you all enjoy it too!!