The song "If It Rains On Your Parade" by Sidney Gish reflects on the idea of keeping up appearances and masking one's true emotions. The lyrics imply that individuals often put on a facade, pretending to be fine even when they are not. It explores the theme of superficiality and how people try to maintain an image of happiness and success. The song begins by highlighting the hypocritical nature of society. The lines "No one's making headlines, they don't speak" suggest that people may not express their true thoughts or feelings. However, despite their hidden struggles, they are not weak. They put on a smile and brighten their eyes to appear content. The lyrics mention the concept of the fourth wall, which breaks the boundary between the performers and the audience, blurring the line between reality and fiction. This "fourth wall haze of broken days" alludes to the idea that life can feel fragmented and disconnected. Sidney Gish criticizes those who seem to have inflated egos or superiority complexes. The line "I'd criticize what you so high you're riding satellites" suggests that she wants to challenge their self-importance and bring them down to earth. She also mentions how dialogue can become lost in a fog, symbolizing a lack of meaningful communication or understanding. The chorus describes a repetitive cycle, where rain is used as a metaphor for obstacles or negativity that may come in the way of one's happiness and success. Despite this, the sentiment remains the same, implying that people tend to react in a predictable manner to adversity. They attempt to distract themselves from reality by making jokes or surrounding themselves with friends, but the underlying sentiment of discontent lingers. The song points out the artifice of people's actions, describing how they rely on generic patterns and stories to create an illusion of greatness. However, as time passes, the purpose fades, and the show eventually ends. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality of accomplishments and the emptiness that follows when there is no substance behind them. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of universal human experiences, suggesting that everyone might go through similar struggles. The line "I hope that the whole world is the same" implies a desire for empathy and understanding among individuals. Overall, "If It Rains On Your Parade" reflects on the masks people wear to hide their true emotions and the superficiality of society. Sidney Gish encourages listeners to be aware of their own facade and to challenge the societal pressure to maintain a constant image of happiness and success.
