On 2 September 1996, US country star Clint Black released "Like the Rain" as the lead single from his Greatest Hits album, and the track went on to become his tenth number one on the country singles chart. The song is notable for departing from the Bakersfield Sound-influenced, Telecaster-driven formula that had defined his hits since his 1989 debut, instead favouring piano, acoustic guitar and drums that placed greater emphasis on his vocals. Its success demonstrated that Black could move away from his established sound without losing his commercial appeal.

"Like the Rain" spent three consecutive weeks at number one after topping the chart in late October 1996. Like most of his hits, it was co-written with his longtime songwriting partner and bandleader Hayden Nicholas; Black has written or co-written all 13 of his singles to reach number one on the Hot Country Songs chart. In interviews, Black has attributed his songwriting ability to a strong work ethic forged by a gruelling teenage door-to-door sales job, as well as what he describes as an inherited, almost intuitive feel for lyrics.