Mandolin Rain

The melody of Mandolin Rain evokes that bittersweet feeling of longing, as if the sound of the mandolin were trying to capture the memories of someone who is no longer here. Co-writer, John Hornsby, described the lyrics as an attempt to move on even though everything—a melody, a ferry's whistle, and especially a summer storm—brings that person to mind. The production, described as having an "emotional acoustic flavor," captures that melancholic atmosphere.

This piece, released in late 1986, became a notable hit. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1987, following in the wake of the title track from their debut album, The Way It Is. Additionally, it topped the adult contemporary chart for three weeks and peaked at number two on the Mainstream Rock Tracks for two weeks, all in early 1987. The track also charted on the country charts, reaching number 38. The recording of Mandolin Rain took place in 1985, and its defining genre is heartland rock. Producer Bruce Hornsby, along with Elliot Scheiner, also handled the recording engineering. The track was co-written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby, and featured David Mansfield, a member of The Range, on the mandolin that gives the song its title.