In an astonishing revelation that has captivated music lovers and movie buffs alike, the legendary 1969 hit, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” performed by B. J. Thomas, still resonates as an iconic soundtrack from the blockbuster film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—one of the most profitable and memorable movies of its time.
Crafted by the renowned duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this song burst onto the scene with its inspiring lyrics, portraying an indomitable spirit that refuses to succumb to life’s adversities. It embodies the hopeful declaration, “it won’t be long ’till happiness steps up to greet me,” setting the tone for resilience and optimism amid challenges.
What adds an electrifying twist to this tale is the initial resistance from director George Roy Hill. Hill was skeptical about integrating a pop song into the film—especially one with such seemingly incongruous lyrics for a movie about 1890s train robbers, brilliantly played by Hollywood legends Paul Newman and Robert Redford. However, Bacharach’s relentless persuasion triumphed, and the song was woven in as a lighthearted musical interlude highlighting a romantic bicycle ride featuring Newman and Katherine Ross.
The gamble paid off tremendously. The song clinched the Oscar for Best Original Song, while Bacharach earned the prize for Best Original Score. Yet, the backstory grows even more dramatic: B. J. Thomas was not the original choice to perform the track. The song was first pitched to Ray Stevens, a Grammy-winning artist famous for his novelty hits. Surprisingly, Stevens rejected it, dismissing its potential. This dismissal turned into Thomas’s phenomenal opportunity.
Despite battling a severe case of laryngitis, Thomas persevered through five to seven takes, determined to perfect the recording until Bacharach approved. His persistence paid off as the single soared to the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100, reigning for an extraordinary four weeks. It also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and achieved number one status internationally, including in Canada and South Africa.
This song remains one of B. J. Thomas’s most celebrated hits—and for good reason. Its memorable melody and uplifting message continue to inspire generations.
The lyrics convey a powerful narrative of facing hardships without despair. Lines such as:
“Raindrops are falling on my head
And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothing seems to fit
Those raindrops are falling on my head, they keep falling”
and
“But there’s one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me
Won’t defeat me, it won’t be long
Till happiness steps up to greet me”
capture the essence of human resilience in a way that touches the soul.
As Thomas famously crooned, “Crying’s not for me, ’cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining, because I’m free, nothing’s worrying me.”
Those powerful words and the spirited tune contrast dramatically against the gritty backdrop of outlaws and lawlessness portrayed in the film, making this song’s inclusion a bold and daring artistic choice that ultimately defined a classic. This behind-the-scenes drama, coupled with the song’s climb to international acclaim, ensures “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” remains a riveting story of determination, talent, and unexpected triumph in music history.
