"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a song rich with symbolism, and its lyrics explore themes of change, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life.

The Calm Before the Storm: The first verse introduces the idea of an impending change, perhaps a storm or a difficult time. The lyrics suggest that the speaker has been anticipating this change, and while it may be difficult, there's a glimmer of hope – "it'll rain a sunny day," hinting at a positive outcome after the storm.

Sunshine and Rain: The song contrasts the sunshine and the rain, suggesting the presence of both good and bad times. The "sunny day" imagery might represent joy and happiness, while the "rain" symbolizes the hardships and challenges.

Cyclical Nature: The second verse reinforces the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing that hardships ("cold and rain") are a part of the cycle. The lyrics suggest that these cycles are inevitable, and the speaker acknowledges the "forever" aspect of this continuous process.

The Question of Experience: The repeated chorus, "I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain?," is more than just a question. It invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with hardship and change. The image of "rain coming down on a sunny day" suggests that even during good times, there can be unexpected challenges.

John Fogerty's Inspiration: The lyrics were likely inspired by John Fogerty's personal experiences during the Vietnam War era. He was disillusioned by the war and the social unrest of the time, and the song reflects a sense of uncertainty and disillusionment.

Overall, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" is a powerful song that speaks to universal experiences of change, resilience, and the inherent duality of life. The lyrics suggest that while hardships are inevitable, they can ultimately lead to a brighter future, like a "sunny day" following the "rain."