“She’s In The Rain” by The Rose is a profoundly moving and empathetic rock ballad that delves into the deep and often isolating experience of depression and mental health struggles. Using the powerful metaphor of rain, the song tells a story that progresses from individual loneliness to shared solidarity, offering a message of comfort, understanding, and hope.
It is a poignant reminder that it is better to be supported by others than to suffer alone. In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
Released on October 4, 2018, “She’s In The Rain” is the second track from The Rose’s second mini-album, Dawn. The song quickly became one of the band’s most iconic and beloved works, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide for its raw emotional honesty and its sensitive handling of mental health themes. With its melancholic piano melody, soaring string arrangements, and the impassioned vocals of Woosung and Dojoon, the track is a masterclass in building a narrative of sorrow into a cathartic and ultimately hopeful crescendo.
At its core, “She’s In The Rain” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of empathy. It captures the journey from feeling completely alone in one’s pain to finding solace in the presence of someone who understands. The song’s narrative structure is particularly brilliant, shifting its perspective from “I” to “She” and finally to “We,” beautifully illustrating the process of recognizing another’s pain and choosing to stand with them in their struggle.
Praised for its poetic lyrics and powerful message, “She’s In The Rain” has cemented its place as a cornerstone of The Rose’s discography. It is a source of comfort for countless fans and stands as a powerful artistic statement on the importance of compassion and solidarity in the face of life’s darkest moments.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “She’s In The Rain” is the profound loneliness of depression and the healing power of empathy and solidarity. The song uses the metaphor of being caught in the rain to represent a state of overwhelming sadness, despair, and isolation. The world is a “gloomy day” covered in “grey fog,” and the individual feels lost and unseen. The primary message is a compassionate outreach to anyone feeling this way, assuring them that their pain is valid and that they do not have to endure it by themselves.
A key element of the song’s message is its narrative progression. It begins with a personal confession of struggle (“I’m dying inside”), then shifts to an observation of another person suffering in the same way (“She’s dying inside”). This act of seeing someone else’s pain creates a bridge of empathy. The song culminates in a powerful declaration of unity: “We’re in the rain.” This journey from “I” to “She” to “We” is the core of the song’s message, illustrating that shared vulnerability is a powerful antidote to isolation.
Furthermore, the song delivers a crucial piece of advice in its interlude: “It’s better to be held than holding on.” This line speaks directly to the difficulty of asking for help. It gently encourages the listener to let go of the exhausting struggle of trying to manage their pain alone and to allow themselves to be supported by others. The ultimate message is not that the rain will magically stop, but that standing together in the storm makes it bearable.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
Verse 1 Analysis
Do you hear me? 회색빛 안개 덮인 gloomy day (A gloomy day covered in grey fog) 눈앞이 가려진 게 두려워 (I’m scared that my view is blocked) 이젠 아무것도 흥미가 안 나 no, woah (Nothing interests me anymore, no, woah) Do you hear me? 거리를 걷다 보니 different way (I found myself on a different way while walking the streets) 뒤돌아보니 아무도 없네 (I looked back and no one was there) 내가 쫓던 꿈들이 날 따라와 no, woah (The dreams I was chasing are now following me, no, woah)
Verse 1 introduces the narrator’s personal state of despair. The repeated question, “Do you hear me?” is a cry of desperation, a plea to be seen and heard in his isolation. The world is described as a “gloomy day” covered in “grey fog,” a classic metaphor for the bleak and confusing state of mind that accompanies depression. He is afraid because his path forward is obscured, and he has lost interest in everything—a common symptom of depression known as anhedonia.
The second half of the verse explores his sense of being lost and alone. He finds himself on a “different way,” suggesting he has strayed from a path of normalcy or happiness, and when he looks back, he finds he is completely alone. The line “The dreams I was chasing are now following me” is a poignant reversal. His ambitions, which once propelled him forward, now feel like haunting specters, perhaps reminders of a past self he can no longer connect with or sources of pressure that now crush him.
Pre-Chorus 1 Analysis
I’m dying inside I wanna think that it’s a lie, why? Why? 소리쳐 외쳐봐도 대답이 없네 (I scream and shout but there’s no answer) 쏟아지는 외로움 (The loneliness pours down) In the rain, rain, rain
This pre-chorus is the narrator’s raw confession. “I’m dying inside” is a direct and unfiltered expression of his internal agony. He is in denial, wishing this profound pain was just “a lie.” His feeling of isolation is intensified by the silence that meets his cries for help; he “scream[s] and shout[s] but there’s no answer.” This devastating silence leads to the “pouring down” of loneliness, which is explicitly linked to the song’s central metaphor: being “In the rain, rain, rain.” The rain here is a physical manifestation of his sorrow.
Chorus 1 & Verse 2 Analysis
She’s in the rain 아름다웠던 널 그려보면 (When I picture the beautiful you) 흘러가버린 시간이 멈춰 (The time that has passed stops) 이젠 눈을 뜨기조차 버거워 no, woah (It’s even hard to open my eyes now, no, woah) She’s in the rain Do you hear me? 아파도 아픈 티 안내는 너 (You, who doesn’t show it even when you’re hurt) 끝이 보이는 게 너무 두려워 (You’re so scared of seeing the end) 너의 눈엔 이미 생기가 없어 no, woah (There’s no life left in your eyes, no, woah)
In a brilliant narrative shift, the focus moves from “I” to “She.” The narrator now observes someone else who is also “in the rain.” He remembers her as she once was—”beautiful”—and this memory makes time feel like it’s stopping, trapping him in a state of nostalgia and pain. The feeling of despair is so heavy that it’s “even hard to open my eyes.”
Verse 2 deepens this observation. He sees her struggling to hide her pain (“doesn’t show it even when you’re hurt”), a common behavior for those dealing with depression who don’t want to burden others. She is “scared of seeing the end,” hinting at a fear of what lies ahead or even suicidal thoughts. The most heartbreaking line is his observation that “There’s no life left in your eyes,” a visceral description of the loss of hope and vitality that depression can cause. By seeing his own feelings reflected in her, a connection begins to form.
Pre-Chorus 2 & Bridge Analysis
She’s dying inside She wants to think that it’s a lie, why? Why? 애타게 불러봐도 대답이 없네 (I call out earnestly but there’s no answer) 쏟아지는 빗방울 (The raindrops pour down) In the rain, rain, rain 내 기억 속에 너의 흔적이 번져 (In my memories, the traces of you spread) 빗물의 흠뻑 젖은 것처럼 (As if they’re drenched in rainwater) 갈 곳을 잃은 채 (Having lost a place to go) 현실에 물들어 (Dyed by a reality) 얼어붙은 네 눈물 속에 (Within your frozen tears)
The second pre-chorus mirrors the first, but now the narrator is describing the girl’s internal state with complete empathy: “She’s dying inside.” The “pouring loneliness” from the first pre-chorus is now described as “pouring raindrops,” solidifying the rain metaphor.
The bridge is a beautifully poetic depiction of her pain. In the narrator’s memory, the “traces of you spread / As if they’re drenched in rainwater.” This is like watching a watercolor painting bleed, where her sadness pervades and colors everything. She has “lost a place to go” and is “dyed by a reality” that is harsh and unforgiving. The final image, “Within your frozen tears,” is incredibly powerful, suggesting a pain so deep and prolonged that the tears can no longer fall; they are trapped, and she is frozen in her sorrow.
Interlude & Final Chorus Analysis
She’s in the rain You wanna hurt yourself, I’ll stay with you You wanna make yourself go through the pain It’s better to be held than holding on, no, woah We’re in the rain 떨어지고 있는 이 빗속에서 (In this falling rain) 흩어져 버린 널 다시 채워 (I’ll fill you up again after you’ve scattered) 아름다웠던 널 볼 수 있게 no, woah (So I can see the beautiful you, no, woah) We’re in the rain
The interlude is the song’s critical turning point and its most direct message of comfort. The narrator stops observing and starts acting. Seeing her desire to “hurt yourself,” he makes a simple, powerful promise: “I’ll stay with you.” He offers his presence as a shield. The line “It’s better to be held than holding on” is the song’s ultimate thesis—an encouragement to surrender the exhausting fight of managing pain alone and to accept the support of another.
This act of empathy transforms the narrative. The final chorus changes the pronoun to the inclusive “We”: “We’re in the rain.” They are no longer isolated individuals suffering alone, but two people sharing the same storm. The goal is now one of restoration: “I’ll fill you up again after you’ve scattered,” a promise to help piece her back together so the narrator—and she herself—can see her “beautiful” self once more. The song ends not with the rain stopping, but with the profound comfort of no longer having to face it alone.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “She’s In The Rain” is deeply melancholic, empathetic, and ultimately, cathartically hopeful. The song begins with a somber and sparse mood, established by a delicate piano line and Woosung’s mournful, almost fragile, vocal delivery. This creates an atmosphere of intimate, lonely confession. The mood is heavy, mirroring the “grey fog” described in the lyrics.
As the song progresses, the emotion builds with cinematic grandeur. The introduction of swelling strings, a powerful drum beat, and soaring electric guitars elevates the mood from quiet sorrow to an epic expression of shared pain. The chorus is an explosion of emotion, but it’s an emotion rooted in empathy rather than personal angst. The vocals from both Woosung and Dojoon become more impassioned and desperate, yet they are tinged with a profound tenderness.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the song’s final mood is not one of despair. The transition to “We’re in the rain” and the promise to “stay with you” create a powerful sense of catharsis and solidarity. It leaves the listener with a feeling of profound sadness for the pain described, but also a glimmer of hope found in human connection.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
While The Rose has not explicitly detailed a single event that inspired “She’s In The Rain,” they have consistently written music that draws from personal experiences, observations, and universal human emotions. The Dawn EP explores the anxieties and darker feelings that often accompany youth and life’s transitions. “She’s In The Rain” is the emotional centerpiece of this exploration.
The song’s release in October 2018 came during a time of increased conversation about mental health within the K-pop industry and South Korea at large. A significant and powerful interpretation among fans is that the song serves as a tribute to the late Kim Jonghyun of the group SHINee, who passed away in December 2017 after a public battle with depression. The song’s themes of hidden pain, loneliness, and the importance of offering comfort resonate deeply with the circumstances of his passing. While the band has never officially confirmed this dedication, the song has become an anthem of remembrance and comfort for many fans who were grieving, solidifying its cultural impact beyond its initial release.
Ultimately, Woosung has stated that he wants the song to be a source of comfort for anyone who is struggling. He intended for the “She” to be anyone—a friend, a family member, a fan, or even oneself. The song’s true power lies in its ability to be a vessel for the listener’s own experiences, offering a shoulder to lean on through its compassionate lyrics.
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
- Release Context: The song was released on the Dawn EP on October 4, 2018. This was The Rose’s second mini-album, and it helped solidify their reputation as a band capable of tackling deep, emotional subjects with musical grace.
- Independent Music Video: The music video for “She’s In The Rain” is visually striking and thematically aligned with the song’s message. It was reportedly produced with a low budget, with some sources claiming it was self-funded or crowd-funded. This dedication to creating a visual representation for such an important song showcases the band’s deep passion for its message.
- Enduring Fan Anthem: Years after its release, “She’s In The Rain” remains one of The Rose’s most streamed and cherished songs. It is frequently cited by fans as a song that has provided immense comfort during difficult times. Its comment sections on platforms like YouTube are filled with thousands of personal stories from listeners who have felt seen and understood by the lyrics, highlighting its lasting legacy as an anthem for mental health awareness.
Metaphors & Symbolism
“She’s In The Rain” is built on a rich foundation of metaphor and symbolism that brings its emotional landscape to life.
- Rain and Gloomy Weather: This is the central, overarching metaphor of the song. The rain represents overwhelming sadness, depression, and a state of emotional turmoil. Being “in the rain” means being consumed by these feelings. The “gloomy day” and “grey fog” further symbolize the bleakness, confusion, and lack of clarity that accompany depression.
- Loss of Vitality (생기가 없어 – saenggiga eobseo): The line “There’s no life left in your eyes” is a powerful symbol of the toll depression takes. Eyes are often called the “windows to the soul,” and for them to be devoid of “saenggi” (life-force, vitality) symbolizes a deep loss of hope, spirit, and connection to the world.
- Spreading Traces (흔적이 번져 – heunjeogi beonjeo): In the bridge, the memory of the person’s sadness “spreads like it’s drenched in rainwater.” This is a beautiful watercolor metaphor, symbolizing how pain can bleed into every aspect of life and memory, staining everything it touches.
- Frozen Tears (얼어붙은 네 눈물 – eoreobuteun ne nunmul): This powerful image symbolizes a pain so profound and prolonged that it can no longer be expressed. Tears represent emotional release, so “frozen tears” suggest a state of being stuck, numb, and unable to process or let go of one’s sorrow.
- Being Held vs. Holding On: The line “It’s better to be held than holding on” is a key symbolic message. “Holding on” symbolizes the exhausting, solitary struggle to keep oneself together. “Being held” symbolizes the act of surrendering that struggle and accepting external support, love, and comfort.
FAQs
Question 1: What is the primary message of “She’s In The Rain”? Answer 1: The primary message is one of empathy and solidarity in the face of depression. It tells listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that accepting comfort from others (“being held”) is a crucial part of navigating pain.
Question 2: What does the “rain” in the song symbolize? Answer 2: The rain is the central metaphor for overwhelming sadness, loneliness, and depression. Being “in the rain” means being caught in the middle of these intense, isolating emotions.
Question 3: Why does the song’s perspective shift from “I” to “She” to “We”? Answer 3: This narrative shift is the song’s core journey. It starts with personal pain (“I”), moves to recognizing that same pain in another (“She”), and culminates in the empathetic decision to share the struggle together (“We”), illustrating the path from isolation to solidarity.
Question 4: Is the song about a specific person? Answer 4: While it may have been inspired by specific observations, Woosung has stated that the “She” is meant to be universal. She can be anyone who is hurting—a friend, a stranger, or even a reflection of oneself.
Question 5: How does the song address the topic of mental health? Answer 5: It addresses mental health with raw honesty and compassion, using lyrics that describe symptoms like anhedonia (“Nothing interests me anymore”), hidden pain (“doesn’t show it even when you’re hurt”), and suicidal ideation (“You wanna hurt yourself”), all while offering a message of non-judgmental support.
Question 6: What is the meaning of the line “It’s better to be held than holding on”? Answer 6: This line is a piece of profound advice. “Holding on” is the exhausting, lonely act of trying to manage immense pain by oneself. “Being held” is about letting go of that struggle and allowing oneself to be supported and comforted by someone else.
Question 7: Many fans connect this song to the late Kim Jonghyun of SHINee. Is this accurate? Answer 7: While the band has not officially confirmed this, the song’s themes of depression and its release timing have led to a powerful and widely accepted fan interpretation that it is a tribute to Jonghyun. It has become a song of comfort and remembrance for many who were affected by his passing.
Question 8: What does the Korean phrase “생기가 없어” (saenggiga eobseo) mean? Answer 8: It literally translates to “there is no vitality” or “there is no life-force.” In the context of the song, “너의 눈엔 이미 생기가 없어” means “There’s no life left in your eyes,” a poignant description of the visible effects of deep depression.
Question 9: What is the significance of the final chorus starting with “We’re in the rain”? Answer 9: This shift to “We” is the culmination of the entire song. It signifies that the narrator has bridged the gap of isolation and joined the person in their struggle. The rain hasn’t stopped, but now they face it together, which is a message of profound hope.
Question 10: What does it mean when the narrator’s dreams are “following” him? Answer 10: It suggests a role reversal where his past ambitions, which once inspired him, now haunt him. They could be painful reminders of a happier past or sources of pressure and failure, adding to his current state of despair.
Question 11: What is the meaning of “frozen tears” in the bridge? Answer 11: “Frozen tears” symbolize a pain that is so deep and has lasted so long that it has become static and numb. The person is trapped in their sorrow, unable to even find the release of crying.
Question 12: How does the music itself contribute to the song’s message? Answer 12: The music mirrors the lyrical journey. It starts soft and melancholic, reflecting isolation, and builds into a powerful, cinematic crescendo with strings and drums, representing the epic emotional weight of the situation and the eventual catharsis of finding solidarity.
Question 13: What does the narrator promise to do in the final chorus? Answer 13: The narrator promises to “fill you up again after you’ve scattered” and help the person “see the beautiful you” once more. It’s a promise of restoration and helping the person rediscover their own worth.
Question 14: What is a “gloomy day covered in grey fog” a metaphor for? Answer 14: It’s a metaphor for the state of mind during depression, where one’s perception of the world is bleak, colorless, and confusing. There is no clear path forward, and everything feels obscured and hopeless.
Question 15: Why is it significant that the person “doesn’t show it even when you’re hurt”? Answer 15: This highlights a very real aspect of depression, where individuals often hide their suffering from others out of fear of being a burden or being misunderstood. It makes the narrator’s ability to see her true pain even more empathetic.
Question 16: What does the narrator mean by “When I picture the beautiful you, the time that has passed stops”? Answer 16: Recalling the person’s former, happier self is a painful experience that makes the narrator feel frozen in time. He is caught between the beautiful memory of the past and the painful reality of the present.
Question 17: Does the song offer a solution to depression? Answer 17: The song does not offer a cure or a simple solution. Instead, it offers something more realistic and arguably more important: compassion, presence (“I’ll stay with you”), and solidarity (“We’re in the rain”).
Question 18: What is the tone of the interlude where the narrator speaks directly to the person? Answer 18: The tone is incredibly gentle, direct, and non-judgmental. He acknowledges her self-destructive feelings without flinching and offers his support unconditionally, creating a safe and comforting space.
Question 19: Why has this song had such an enduring impact on fans? Answer 19: It has had an enduring impact because it addresses a difficult, universal topic with profound empathy and artistry. For many listeners, it has been a source of comfort and has made them feel understood in their darkest moments.
Question 20: What is the ultimate feeling the listener is left with? Answer 20: The listener is left with a feeling of cathartic sadness and a deep sense of hope rooted in human connection. While the song is sorrowful, its final message of solidarity is incredibly powerful and comforting, reminding us that no one has to be alone in the rain.