When It Rains It Pours

Lore & Background

Within the lore of Combs' discography, this song represents the moment he connected with the working-class ethos that defines his fanbase. It speaks to those who keep moving forward despite life's unfairness, embodying a spirit of grit and determination. The song's success established a core theme in his catalog: finding strength in vulnerability and acknowledging pain without letting it define one's entire existence.

In Their Own Story

The porch light flickered as the first heavy drops hit the tin roof, signaling the start of another storm. He sat on the edge of the bench, staring at the empty chair beside him where laughter used to echo just days ago. The phone had rung again with bad news, adding a fresh wound to an old scar. As the water pooled around his boots, he realized that life wasn't about waiting for the sun; it was about learning how to stand tall while the sky poured down everything it had.

Reader's Guide

Released in late 2017, this track served as the opening salvo for Luke Combs' debut era. It quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number-one hit on the country radio airwaves and establishing his presence in Nashville. Musically, the song blends traditional country instrumentation with a modern rock edge, featuring driving drums and a gritty vocal delivery that emphasizes emotional authenticity. The tracklist of his debut album placed this song prominently to set the tone for a collection of relatable storytelling. Critics and fans alike praised the song's ability to capture complex emotions without being overly maudlin. It was celebrated for its catchy hook and the raw honesty in Combs' performance, earning him multiple industry awards and introducing his voice to millions. The songwriting process involved a deep dive into personal experiences of loss and bad timing. Combs collaborated with writers who understood the need for a song that felt both specific to his life and universally applicable to anyone facing a rough patch.

Did You Know?

• This track was the second single released from Luke Combs' debut album 'This One's for You,' following the lead single 'Hurricane.'
• The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking a major milestone in his early discography.
• Its success helped propel the entire debut album to multi-platinum status within its first year of release.
• Combs often performs this song live with high energy, turning a sad theme into an uplifting concert moment.

Origins and Inspiration

Released in June 2017 as the second single from his debut album, this track was co-written by Luke Combs alongside Jordan Walker and Ray Fulcher. The songwriting session began at a Nashville bar before moving to Walker's residence, where they developed the concept. The narrative humorously flips traditional heartbreak tropes, depicting a man who experiences a sudden streak of good fortune immediately after his partner leaves him. This storyline was deeply personal for Combs, drawing directly from his own experience with a breakup. According to Sterling Whitaker of Taste of Country, the composition offers an uptempo twist on the usual sorrowful country theme. Walker suggested focusing on making the ex-girlfriend jealous through success, which became the core message. Ultimately, the track serves as a lighthearted anthem about moving forward and finding unexpected luck following a difficult relationship ending, grounding the lyrics in real emotional experiences while maintaining an energetic musical vibe suitable for radio play.

Chart Success and Commercial Milestones

The single achieved massive commercial success across multiple territories upon its release. In the United States, it climbed to the top spot on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts, marking Combs' second number-one country hit overall. It also crossed over to mainstream pop audiences, peaking at number thirty-three on the Hot 100 chart after twenty weeks of presence. International performance was equally strong; it reached number one on the Canada Country chart and earned a double platinum certification from Music Canada. Remarkably, despite not charting in Australia, the song achieved Diamond status there for sales exceeding seven hundred thousand units. In terms of domestic longevity, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the track thirteen-times Platinum. By August 2024, it received Diamond certification alongside Hurricane, establishing Combs as the first artist to secure multiple diamond-certified country singles. As of October 2025, total unit sales reached thirteen million, solidifying its status as a defining commercial achievement in his career.

Visual Narrative and Awards

To promote the single, TA Films produced a music video that visually retells the song's narrative of post-breakup luck. The footage features Combs encountering his former partner before embarking on a series of fortunate events. Scenes include driving with friends, winning money on a lottery ticket, and picking up a phone number from a waitress. Notably, the waitress role was played by Nicole Hocking, who was Combs' girlfriend at the time and is now his wife. The video received industry recognition for its storytelling quality, earning a nomination for Video of the Year at the 2018 CMT Music Awards on June 6th. Although it did not win the award, losing to Blake Shelton's I'll Name the Dogs, the nomination highlighted the visual component's impact. The production effectively captured the upbeat energy described by critics, translating the lyrical theme of a lucky streak into a cinematic experience that complemented the audio release and helped maintain public interest throughout its chart run.

Live Performances and Production Credits

Beyond studio recordings, the song became a staple in Combs' live repertoire during its promotional cycle. He performed the track on Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the fifty-first Annual Country Music Association Awards, sharing it alongside One Number Away. A notable collaboration occurred later that year on CMT Crossroads, where he delivered a duet version with Leon Bridges. The recording itself involved a dedicated team of musicians and technical staff to achieve its sound. Jim Cooley handled mixing duties, while Scott Moffatt served as the producer, also contributing acoustic guitar, synthesizers, and programming. Other instrumentalists included Dave Francis on bass, Wil Houchens on organ, and Gary Morse on pedal steel guitar. These personnel credits from the This One's for You liner notes reflect a polished production style that supported Combs' lead vocals. The combination of high-profile television appearances and skilled studio craftsmanship ensured the song maintained visibility across various media platforms throughout 2017 and into 2018.