Introduction:
“Rainy Days and Mondays” is a classic song by the Carpenters, released on April 23, 1971, as the lead single from their self-titled third album. The track was penned by the prolific songwriting duo Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, who had previously written the Carpenters’ hit “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
The song’s melancholic lyrics and haunting melody resonated with listeners, capturing the universal feelings of loneliness and melancholy that often accompany rainy days and the beginning of the workweek. Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocal delivery, combined with Richard Carpenter’s meticulous arrangement, featuring a distinctive saxophone solo by Bob Messenger, contributed to the song’s enduring appeal.
Upon its release, “Rainy Days and Mondays” achieved significant commercial success. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending seven weeks in the Top 10, and was kept from the number 1 spot by Carole King’s “It’s Too Late”/”I Feel the Earth Move.” Additionally, it became the Carpenters’ fourth consecutive top-five single on the Billboard Hot 100 and their fourth number 1 single on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of 500,000 copies in the United States.
Internationally, the song also performed well, reaching number 3 on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart and number 1 on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart. However, it did not chart in the United Kingdom until a reissue in 1993, when it reached number 63.
“Rainy Days and Mondays” has since become one of the Carpenters’ signature songs, showcasing Karen Carpenter’s rich contralto voice and the duo’s ability to convey deep emotion through their music. The song remains a staple on soft rock and adult contemporary playlists, reflecting its lasting impact on popular music.