How gentle is the rain, that falls gently on the meadow;
Birds high upon the trees serenade the flowers with their melodies.

The Supremes’ “Lover’s Concerto” is a bit of a cheat, since it is based upon one of the best classical songs of all time: Bach’s Minuet in G. If this song sounds familiar, that is why. There are slight differences in the tempo but it is still recognizable.

I am actually surprised this is not done more often. The only other times I can recall hearing something like this is I heard a bunch of people riffing on Canon in D.  I also heard Alicia Keys write a song to Moonlight Sonata and Barry Manilow will appear later on this list with a take on a classical melody. Neither was as successful as this song.

This is a “happy new love” song. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, flowers are blooming; everything is grand. There is a place for these songs but back in the 50s and 60s pop scene they were much more abundant than they are today. This is one of the best examples of this genre in terms of melody. And the lyrics fit the theme well.

Bach’s “Minuet in G” for Comparison:

Lover’s Concerto Lyrics

How gentle is the rain
That falls softly on the meadow?
Birds, high up in the trees
Serenade the flowers with their melodies

Oh, see there beyond the hill
The bright colors of the rainbow
Some magic from above
Made this day for us just to fall in love

Now, I belong to you
From this day until forever
Just love me tenderly
And I’ll give to you every part of me

Oh, don’t ever make me cry
Through long, lonely nights without love
Be always true to me
Keep this day in your heart eternally

Someday, we shall return
To this place upon the meadow
We’ll walk out in the rain
Hear the birds above singing once again

Oh, you’ll hold me in your arms
And say once again you love me
And if your love is true
Everything will be just as wonderful

You’ll hold me in your arms
And say once again you love me
And if your love is true
Everything will be just as wonderful

You’ll hold me in your arms
And say once again you love me
And if your love is true
Everything will be

Songwriters: Sandy Linzer / Denny Randell