In the year 1969, an unforgettable melody surged into the hearts of millions worldwide: BJ Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” This song was not just any tune; it became an award-winning soundtrack for the blockbuster film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a cinematic masterpiece that dominated the box offices and carved its name among the greatest films of all time.
Penned by the legendary duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the lyrics were imbued with a message of hope and resilience. They spoke to anyone weathering the storms of life, holding fast to the belief that “it won’t be long ’till happiness steps up to greet me.” Yet, the inclusion of such an uplifting pop song in a movie about notorious 1890s train robbers was initially met with resistance.
The film’s director, George Roy Hill, was skeptical about this creative choice. However, Bacharach’s determination won him over, introducing a playful musical scene featuring Paul Newman on a romantic bike ride with Katherine Ross. This bold decision not only softened the rugged crime tale but also won universal acclaim.
The song’s acclaim was cemented as it won the Oscar for Best Original Song, while Bacharach nabbed the Best Original Score award.
Intriguingly, BJ Thomas wasn’t the first choice for this song. Originally, Burt Bacharach offered the tune to Ray Stevens, a Grammy Award-winning artist known for novelty hits. Stevens, however, dismissed the song, a decision that would soon become a major regret as Thomas stepped into the spotlight.
Despite suffering from an acute case of laryngitis, BJ Thomas persevered, recording the song multiple times until perfection was achieved. His efforts paid off spectacularly: “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, reigning for four weeks straight. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and conquered charts in countries like Canada and South Africa.
This smash hit remains one of BJ Thomas’ greatest achievements, immortalized by heartfelt lyrics that continue to touch souls:
“Raindrops are falling on my head… but that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red. Crying’s not for me… Because I’m free, nothing’s worrying me.”
The song’s timeless message and captivating melody have embedded themselves into the very fabric of classic pop culture, captivating the hearts of both the young and the old alike. The unlikely journey of a song—from rejection to Oscar glory and commercial triumph—is a testament to the power of belief and persistence in the face of doubt.
