BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Lyrical Journey

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Series 1

Exploring the relationship between much-loved songs and the places which inspired them

Series exploring the mysterious relationship between much-loved songs and the places which inspired them

Lyrical Journey: Series 1

Lyrical Journey: Series 1: Episode 3: Raintown

Factual

Episode 3

Episode 3: Raintown

Raintown

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Lyrical Journey, Series 1, Raintown

Why did Deacon Blue's song 'Raintown' become such a loved Glasgow anthem?

Jonathan Maitland explores why Deacon Blue's 1987 song, 'Raintown', has become such a beloved Glasgow anthem. From June 2011.

Deacon Blue's 'Raintown' (from the album of the same name) has a special place in the hearts of many Glaswegians. Released in 1987 at the start of a great period of change for the city, it has come to symbolise home, and a particular attitude.

Ricky Ross is the the band's lyricist and singer - he explains to presenter Jonathan Maitland that his association of Glasgow with rain was inspired partly by shock - shock at how wet the weather was in the city when he moved there from Dundee, and that it is something of a surprise that the name 'Raintown' has come to mean so much to him and others. To find out why this should be the case, Jonathan looks at other representations of rain in Glasgow and discovers that there have been surprisingly few artists and writers who have wanted to dwell on the damp. Many Glaswegians think that carrying an umbrella means you are paying the weather too much attention.

As a finale - Ricky performs a special acoustic version of the song at a piano bar in the city centre; he's joined in the audience by a new Glasgow band who have named themselves after the song, and a music journalist who feels that the song literally changed her life.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

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Episode 3: Raintown

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