"The Day It Rained" (Chinese: 《那天下雨了》) is a standout track from Son of the Sun (《太阳之子》), the highly anticipated 16th studio album by the King of Mandopop, Jay Chou. Released on March 25, 2026, under JVR Music, the song marks a significant piece in the album that celebrates his milestone 25th anniversary in the music industry.
Clocking in at 3 minutes and 43 seconds, the track is a masterclass in Jay Chou’s signature R&B style. What makes "The Day It Rained" particularly special is the creative synergy behind it:
Pure Jay Chou DNA: The song is completely written, composed, and performed by Jay Chou himself. This solo songwriting approach recalls some of his most introspective and classic hits like Black Sweater (《黑色毛衣》) and Superman Can't Fly (《超人不会飞》), allowing his raw emotions and distinct musical identity to shine through.
The Golden Partnership: The track features arrangement by Michael Lin (林迈可), Jay's long-time collaborator and the mastermind behind many of his legendary hits. Lin’s sophisticated arrangement perfectly complements Jay’s soulful R&B rhythms.
With its nostalgic rainy-day imagery and smooth R&B vibes, "The Day It Rained" delivers a deeply personal and comforting experience, proving once again why Jay Chou remains an irreplaceable icon in the Mandopop scene.
Quick Info
| Song Name | 那天下雨了 (It rained that day.) |
| Original Singer | 周杰倫 Jay Chou |
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Duration | 03:43 |
The Story Behind the Song
Released on March 25, 2026, as part of Jay Chou’s 16th studio album Son of the Sun (《太阳之子》), "The Day It Rained" has taken the Mandopop world by storm. More than just a smooth R&B track, the song has revealed itself to be a deeply emotional sequel to his 2003 legendary masterpiece, "Sunny Day" (晴天), arriving exactly 23 years later.
✨ Lyrical Highlights
那天下雨了
Nà tiān xiàyǔ le
That day it rainedThis simple yet deeply evocative line immediately establishes a melancholic atmosphere, linking the external weather to the internal state of sorrow. In Chinese literary tradition, rain often symbolizes tears or sadness, profoundly setting the scene for a painful memory. It perfectly encapsulates the moment of separation and the associated emotional distress.
眼泪不能说再见
Yǎnlèi bù néng shuō zàijiàn
Tears cannot say goodbyeThis line beautifully personifies tears, highlighting the inadequacy of spoken words to convey the true depth of heartbreak. It profoundly contrasts the formal act of saying goodbye with the overwhelming, unspoken grief that persists. This captures the essence of a breakup where emotions transcend verbal expression.
Key HSK Vocabulary
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | HSK | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 瞬间 | shùn jiān | moment, instant | HSK 7 | |
| 开场 | kāi chǎng | begin, start | HSK 7 | |
| 正面 | zhèng miàn | front, frontage | HSK 7 | |
| 坦克 | tǎn kè | tank | HSK 7 | |
| 对白 | duì bái | dialogue | HSK 7 | |
| 远远 | yuǎn yuǎn | by far, to a large extent | HSK 6 | |
| 恋爱 | liàn ài | love, be in love | HSK 5 | |
| 多年 | duō nián | many years, for many years | HSK 4 | |
| 慢慢 | màn màn | slowly, leisurely | HSK 3 | |
| 天空 | tiān kōng | the sky, the heavens | HSK 3 | |
| 就是 | jiù shì | exactly, precisely | HSK 3 | |
| 为了 | wèi le | for, for the sake of | HSK 3 | |
| 父母 | fù mǔ | parents | HSK 3 | |
| 里面 | lǐ miàn | inside, interior | HSK 3 | |
| 有人 | yǒu rén | anyone, occupied | HSK 2 | |
| 因为 | yīn wèi | because of, on account of | HSK 2 | |
| 刚刚 | gāng gang | just, only | HSK 2 | |
| 出现 | chū xiàn | appear, arise | HSK 2 | |
| 如果 | rú guǒ | if, in case | HSK 2 | |
| 原来 | yuán lái | original, former | HSK 2 |
Grammar Notes
他是在北京出生的。
Tā shì zài Běijīng chūshēng de.
He was born in Beijing. (Emphasizes the place of birth)
请你把门关上。
Qǐng nǐ bǎ mén guānshàng.
Please close the door.
如果你有时间，我们可以一起吃饭。
Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shíjiān, wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ chīfàn.
If you have time, we can eat together.
他笑着对我说再见。
Tā xiàozhe duì wǒ shuō zàijiàn.
He smiled as he said goodbye to me. / He was smiling when he said goodbye to me.