When Two Generations Met a Timeless Classic
Willie & Paula Nelson’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”
Some songs never grow old — they only grow deeper with time. Have You Ever Seen the Rain, the iconic hit by Creedence Clearwater Revival, is one of those rare pieces of music that continues to resonate across decades. But in 2013, when Willie Nelson and his daughter Paula recorded their duet version, they didn’t just cover the song — they reimagined it through the lens of two generations.
In their rendition, Willie’s weathered, soulful voice blends beautifully with Paula’s smooth, heartfelt tone. It’s not just a performance; it’s a dialogue. A father and daughter sharing a moment, telling a story — about rain, about life, about watching time pass while love and music endure.
The accompanying video is simple and intimate. No flashing stage lights or dramatic effects — just a guitar, a studio, and two artists who clearly share more than just talent. Their chemistry, their shared history, and their reverence for the song all shine through in every note.
“It was a really special moment,” Paula said in an interview. “Singing with my dad, on a song we both love — I’ll never forget it.”
This duet is more than a nostalgic cover. It’s a symbol of legacy — how music is passed down, reinterpreted, and given new life. Willie and Paula’s version touches not just fans of CCR, but anyone who’s ever felt the comfort of a familiar song sung by someone they love.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Someone told me long ago there’s a calm before the storm
I know it’s been coming for some time
When it’s over, so they say, it’ll rain a sunny day
I know; shining down like water
[Chorus]
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Coming down on a sunny day?
[Verse 2]
Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard
I know, been that way for all my time
‘Til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow
I know it can’t stop, I wonder
[Chorus]
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Coming down on a sunny day?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Coming down on a sunny day?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Coming down on a sunny day?
[Outro]
Coming down on a sunny day
Coming down on a sunny day