“She Used to Love The Rain”
Written by Jonathan Helfand
Interview by American Songwriter
Jonathan Helfand scored 1st place in the Session Two 2025 American Songwriter Lyric Contest for his song “She Used to Love The Rain.” American Songwriter caught up with him to get the scoop on the inspiration behind the lyrics and other musings.
What made you decide to enter the American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest?
A couple of my cowriters, Lucy LeBlanc and Brad McKinney did well, and I hoped it might lead
to some helpful connections if I won.
How did you feel when you learned you won?
Thrilled. I’m proud of this song. A songwriter knows when they’ve caught the lightning, and it’s wonderful to know that y’all think so too.
What was the inspiration for your submission? Why did you want to write it?
It was a labor of love. A glass raised to ‘absent friends.’
What’s the story behind “She Used to Love The Rain”?
It’s actually a combination of two people, my late wife Katherine, and my father. It explores
how, regardless of the difficulties at the end of a loved one’s life, what we take
away is the beautiful moments – the love we shared.
Have you written music for this lyric? If so, how would you describe it?
Yes. Soulful country.
How long have you been writing lyrics?
Several lifetimes. While riding my brontosaurus to work in the late Jurassic Period – she knew the way. Documenting campaigns with Genghis Khan, Napoleon and John F. Kennedy. I came up with a couple of real sad ones recuperating in a field hospital after surviving (barely) Pickett’s Charge at Cemetery Ridge.
Wrote one on the Lusitania, two in the Apollo 11 orbiter while Neil and Buzz were walking on the moon. (Great title. Missed it)
Since 1984, American Songwriter’s Lyric Contest has helped aspiring songwriters get noticed and have fun. Enter the 2025 Lyric Contest today before the deadline:
What keeps you motivated as a songwriter?
The strong desire to hear an incredible voice sing a song I’ve written. I sometimes write with a specific voice in mind. I’ve got a Bonnie Raitt song, a Willie Nelson, one for Ronnie Dunn, one for Jellyroll, oh, and a Christmas Song for Michael Bublé.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters, and why?
That would be an enormously long answer. I’ll try to be brief: Jimmy Webb, Neal Hefti, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Craig Wiseman, Allen Shamblin/Mike Reid, Wynn Varble, Sam Cooke, Walt Aldridge, Dozier Holland Dozier, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Bobby Braddock, Chris Stapleton, Chris DuBois, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Clay Mills, Marty Dodson, Mark Irwin, Lisa Carver, Travis Meadows and Michael McDonald – why? Because they’ve all written songs that touched me, moved me, and taught me.
What’s next for you?
Well, I’m hoping this contest might open doors for me. If not, I’ll continue to write every day, ‘til I come up with a song that does.
What would you tell other songwriters who are considering entering the Lyric Contest?
Absolutely do it!
And please don’t be deterred by the trolls who whine about an entry fee. Folks have to sort the entries, listen to them, evaluate them, shortlist them, and then listen again. I don’t work for free. You don’t work for free, why would anyone expect people who judge or work in other capacities to do so for free?
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