I Can See Clearly Now – English Lyrics

• By: Jimmy Cliff

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a joyful journey, and Jimmy Cliff's "I Can See Clearly Now" is a perfect starting point for English learners. The lyrics are simple, repetitive, and full of positive affirmations, making them easy to follow and remember. This iconic song, with its uplifting reggae beat, not only teaches you optimistic vocabulary but also immerses you in a story of hope and resilience that is universally understood. Let the bright, sunshiny message of this song illuminate your path to learning English.

[English]

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

...

I can see all obstacles in my way

...

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

...

Ooh, yes, I can make it now the pain is gone

All of the bad feelings have disappeared

...

Here is that rainbow I've been praying for

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

...

(Ooh) look all around, there's nothing but blue skies

Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

...

Here is that rainbow I've been praying for

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

Bright (bright) bright, bright sunshiny day, yeah

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day, yeah

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshiny day

Bright (bright) bright, bright sunshiny day

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
see /siː/ A1	verb - to perceive with the eyes
rain /reɪn/ A1	noun - water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
gone /ɡɒn/ A2	adjective - having gone away; no longer present
dark /dɑːrk/ A1	adjective - with little or no light
clouds /klaʊdz/ A2	noun - visible masses of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere
bright /braɪt/ B1	adjective - giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining
sunshiny /ˈsʌnʃaɪni/ B2	adjective - bright and cheerful like sunshine
pain /peɪn/ A2	noun - physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury
bad /bæd/ A1	adjective - of poor quality or a low standard
feelings /ˈfiːlɪŋz/ A2	noun - an emotional state or reaction
rainbow /ˈreɪnboʊ/ A2	noun - an arch of colors formed in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain
praying /ˈpreɪɪŋ/ B1	verb - addressing a solemn request or expression of thanks to God or another deity
skies /skaɪz/ A2	noun - the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth
obstacles /ˈɒbstəkəlz/ B2	noun - a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.
disappeared /ˌdɪsəˈpɪərd/ B2	verb - cease to be visible

Key Grammar Structures

• I can see clearly now the rain is gone

  ➔ Adverb of time "now" with present tense.

  ➔ The adverb "now" emphasizes the present state of clarity after a period of difficulty. "The rain is gone" uses the present tense to describe the current condition.

• I can see all obstacles in my way

  ➔ Use of "can" for ability. Use of prepositional phrase "in my way".

  ➔ "Can see" indicates the ability to perceive, now that clarity has been achieved. "In my way" is a common prepositional phrase meaning obstructing progress or hindering someone's path.

• Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

  ➔ Inversion for emphasis ("Gone are..."). Relative clause "that had me blind". Past perfect tense "had me blind" implying a state in the past.

  ➔ Inversion places "Gone" at the beginning for emphasis. The relative clause clarifies which dark clouds are being referred to. The past perfect indicates the clouds caused blindness before the present clarity.

• It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day

  ➔ "Gonna" (going to) for future prediction. Adjective order (opinion adjective before descriptive adjective).

  ➔ "Gonna be" expresses a strong belief about the future. "Bright sunshiny day" follows the correct order of adjectives, with "bright" expressing an opinion and "sunshiny" describing the day.

• Here is that rainbow I've been praying for

  ➔ Inversion with "Here is". Use of present perfect continuous "I've been praying for".

  ➔ Inversion emphasizes the appearance of the rainbow. "I've been praying for" indicates a prayer that started in the past and continues up to the present moment.

• look all around, there's nothing but blue skies

  ➔ Imperative mood "look". Use of "nothing but" for emphasis (meaning "only").

  ➔ "Look" is a direct instruction to observe. "Nothing but blue skies" emphasizes that there is *only* clear weather, with no signs of rain or darkness.