No Rain

I'll always be there when you wake

SONG: No Rain

ARTIST: Blind Melon

ALBUM: Blind Melon

YEAR: 1993

If you’ve only heard one Blind Melon song in your life, I’d bet the farm it’s this one.

No Rain ruled the airwaves as soon as it was released in 1993. It’s a playful tune, full of jingle, brimming with jangle, and is characterized by a jaunty vocal courtesy of frontman Shannon Hoon. The song sounds like it could’ve been written by The Byrds, even The Monkees, which made it stand out even more when it landed on the charts alongside acts like Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Nirvana.

Speaking of the charts, No Rain is Blind Melon’s highest charting record. It reached #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and hit #1 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks. It also peaked at #1 in Canada and #8 in Australia.

I’d like to add two more items to No Rain’s list of accomplishments.  

First off, No Rain might just be the least depressing song I’ve ever heard. Which is rather astounding given the fact that it’s literally about depression. As bassist and songwriter Brad Smith explains:

"The song is about not being able to get out of bed and find excuses to face the day when you have really, in a way, nothing." 

Now comes the second missing item on No Rain’s list of wondrous accomplishments. That, of course, is its iconic video, which stars a character who’s beloved by Gen Xers all around the world.  

I’m talking, of course, about the Bee Girl.

No, not the Bee Girl now. The Bee Girl then.

There we go. That’s better.

You remember the Bee Girl, don’t you? Of course you do. The No Rain video was such a smash, such a sensation, I’d wager that it’s burned into the memory of every Gen Xer out there.

Interesting sidenote: The video was directed by Samuel Bayer, who’s worked with Ozzy, The Ramones, John Lee Hooker, Green Day, the Rolling Stones, and many, many more. Oh, and he also directed another iconic video you may have heard of: Smells Like Teen Spirit.

The video for No Rain begins with Bee Girl standing alone on a modest stage. Hanging behind her are wine-colored curtains and a handmade sign that reads BLIND MELON.

Bee Girl dances her little heart out. She tips, she taps, she shuffles, she twirls, and caps her routine off with a charming bow. The unseen audience, whom Bee Girl has been performing for, mocks her with cruel and ugly laughter. Bee Girl cries and flees the stage.

SOFT DISSOLVE to the streets of L.A.

Bee Girl dances all over town, but nobody seems to care. She feels dejected and looks a mess: grimy with dirt; glasses askew. Skid Row here she comes.

Suddenly, Bee Girl discovers a gate, festooned with bright and colorful flowers. She pushes through the gate and GLORY BEE – a happy family of bees like her are dancing happily in a lush green field.

Bee Girl joins them and cuts a rug. She has never felt so loved and free.

We FADE OUT with Bee Girl standing proudly, bearing the flag of her newfound hive.

It’s a wonderful thought, isn’t it? Dancing around a beautiful garden with like-minded friends; with lovers and family.

Because we’ve all been the Bee Girl before now, haven’t we? We’ve been mocked and laughed at and banged up by life. We’ve buzzed around in the darkness wondering what the cosmic joke’s all about.

Sometimes the buzzing leads to a hive, to your very own garden of Eden, where everybody knows your name and just plain gets you.

I hope you’ve found that special place. If you haven’t, I hope you’re still buzzing around, looking for a home to lay your wings.

Wherever you find yourself in this fleeting life, I hope you’ll consider the Gen X Jukebox as another garden where you’re always welcome. As respite from the maddening crowd. A place that’ll always be there for you every time you wake.