“Blame It On the Rain” is a dance-pop and R&B track by German duo Milli Vanilli, released in July 1989 with “Dance with a Devil” as a single from their U.S. debut album, Girl You Know It’s True. It did not appear on All or Nothing (1988), their debut album in other regions. Written by Diane Warren and produced by Frank Farian, the song became one of the duo’s most successful tracks, showcasing their polished, radio-friendly sound. Its infectious melody and catchy chorus helped it become a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in November 1989, where it stayed for two weeks. It was Milli Vanilli’s third and final U.S. number one single.
The lyrics of “Blame It On the Rain” center on a romantic breakup, with the narrator encouraging their ex-partner to shift the blame for the relationship’s failure onto external factors like the rain or the stars. The song’s emotional themes of regret and heartbreak, combined with its upbeat and danceable rhythm, made it resonate with listeners. Musically, the track features a blend of smooth R&B influences and late-1980s dance-pop production. Diane Warren’s songwriting adds an emotional depth to the song, while Frank Farian’s production emphasizes layered harmonies, a driving beat, and a polished, commercial sound.
“Blame It On the Rain” was one of Milli Vanilli’s key hits, contributing to the success of their debut album, which sold millions of copies worldwide. However, like all of Milli Vanilli’s songs, its legacy was tainted by the infamous revelation that Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, the duo’s frontmen, did not perform the actual vocals on their records. Session singers had provided the vocals, and when this fact came to light in 1990, it caused one of the biggest scandals in music history. Milli Vanilli’s Grammy Award for Best New Artist was revoked, and their career imploded.
Milli Vanilli – Blame It On the Rain – Lyrics