Raining on the Rock

"Raining on the Rock" is a song written and performed by Australian singer-songwriter John Williamson. The title is in reference to Uluru with references in the song to Albert Namatjira and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).[1] The song was released in January 1987 as the second single from Williamson's sixth studio album Mallee Boy.

"Raining on the Rock"
Single by John Williamson
from the album Mallee Boy
A-side"Raining on the Rock"
B-side"Back at the Isa"
ReleasedJanuary 1987
GenreCountry music
Length4:27
LabelFestival Records
Songwriter(s)John Williamson
Producer(s)John Williamson
John Williamson singles chronology
"True Blue"
(1986)		 "Raining on the Rock"
(1987)		 "Cootamundra Wattle"
(1987)

In 2011, Williamson was asked which song is he most proud of and he said ""Raining on the Rock". I'm not necessarily the most proud of it but it's a song that probably means a lot to me because it's about the heart of the country and I think the rock represents that. The ancient nature of the country that was here before any of us is the one thing that can draw us all together, putting religion, politics and race aside."[2]

In 2014, Chris Johnston from Sydney Morning Herald called "Raining on the Rock" on of the best songs on John Williamson's best albums.[3] It's also been references as an unofficial Australian anthem.[4]

Track listing
7"
No.TitleLength
1."Raining on the Rock"4:27
2."Back at the Isa" 

1998 version
"Raining on the Rock"
Single by John Williamson and Warren H Williams
from the album Country Friends and Me
ReleasedApril 1998
Length4:22
LabelFestival Records
Songwriter(s)John Williamson

In 1998, Williamson re-recorded "Raining on the Rock" with Warren H Williams, for Williams' second studio album Country Friends and Me.

At the ARIA Music Awards of 1998, Williamson and Williams performed the song. The song was nominated for ARIA Award for Best Indigenous Release[5][6] The song was nominated for vocal collaboration of the year at the 1999 Country Music Awards of Australia, where the duo again performed the track in front of 6,000 fans where they received a standing ovation.[7]

At the 1998 National Indigenous Music Awards, the song won Single Release of the Year.[6][8]

Release history
Region Date Format Edition(s) Label Catalogue
Australia January 1987
  • 7" Vinyl
 Standard Festival Records K-209
Australia April 1998
Standard EMI Music 885433.2

Other versions
  • In 2007, Felicity Urquhart covered the song on the album, The Great Australian Songbook Volume 2[9]
  • In 2011, The Wayfarers covered the song on their album Waltzing Matilda[10]
  • In 2013 Neil Ward covered the song on his album,Raining on the Rock - 18 Aussie Bush Folk Ballads[11]
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References
  1. "RAINING ON THE ROCK". John Williamson. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  2. "Take 10 with John Williamson". The Herald. 13 May 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  3. "The Crate: John Williamson's Mallee Boy". Sydney Morning Herald. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  4. "JOHN WILLIAMSON RELEASES TWO NEW TRACKS TACKLING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HEAD ON". Warner Music. 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  5. "Best Indigenous Release". ARIA. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  6. "Year by Year". John Williamson. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  7. "Warren Williams". Deadly Vibe. 2004. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  8. "Warren H Williams – Country Friends and Me". CAAMA Music. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  9. "The Great Australian Songbook Volume 2". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  10. "Waltzing Matilda". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  11. "Raining on the Rock 18 Aussie Bush Folk Ballads". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
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