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5 Reasons Why WILLIS' "I Think I Like When It Rains" Is Still Virally Dominating TikTok In 2025

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The Indie Rock anthem "I Think I Like When It Rains" by WILLIS is not just a nostalgic favorite; it is a current global phenomenon, continuing its viral dominance across streaming platforms and social media as of December 21, 2025. Originally released in 2017, this tender, melancholic track has achieved a rare feat: a massive, delayed resurgence fueled by its perfect sonic match for modern internet trends, culminating in an RIAA Platinum certification and securing its place as a generational mood-setter. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to a universal human experience—finding comfort in sadness—a theme that resonates deeply with millions of listeners today.

This deep dive explores the latest updates on the band WILLIS, the true meaning behind the song's cryptic lyrics, and the specific reasons why this sleeper hit from the band's *Locals 2* album has become a perpetual soundtrack for emotional, aesthetic, and nostalgic content on platforms like TikTok and Spotify, making it one of the most successful indie tracks of the last decade.

WILLIS: The Band Behind the Viral Anthem and Their Latest Status

The band WILLIS is an American indie rock outfit that has successfully blended psychedelic and garage rock elements to create their signature sound. The group originally formed in Florence, Alabama, but is now based out of the vibrant music city of Nashville, Tennessee. Their "Locals Only" ethos—a focus on community and authentic connection—has been a calling card for their music, which is why their breakout hit feels so personal and intimate.

Complete WILLIS Band Member Profile

The core of WILLIS is a tight-knit group of four musicians, all contributing to the band's unique, atmospheric sound:

  • Murphy Billings: Vocals & Bass. Billings is the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, whose distinct, gentle delivery is central to the song's emotional impact.
  • Glenn O'Steen: Drums. O'Steen provides the steady, driving rhythm that gives their indie rock sound its backbone.
  • Edward Armstead: Guitar.
  • Trey Murphy: Guitar. Armstead and Murphy are responsible for the track's dreamy, layered, and often psychedelic guitar textures.

The Band's Discography and Recent Activities

While "I Think I Like When It Rains" remains their most well-known track, WILLIS has a growing and critically acclaimed discography, which includes a series of EPs and singles. Their music is characterized by a lo-fi production style and themes of introspection and community.

  • Locals 2 (2017): The EP that features the breakout hit.
  • Fight the Vegans (2018): A notable single showcasing their versatility.
  • Real Estate Sale (2018): Another single release.
  • Locals 3 (2019): A follow-up EP.
  • I Can't Thank You Enough (2023): Their debut album, released following the viral success of their earlier work.

Following the massive viral success of their 2017 track, WILLIS has capitalized on their momentum, completing a fully sold-out national headline tour in 2024, demonstrating their transition from a viral sensation to a legitimate touring act.

The Phenomenon: From Sleeper Hit to RIAA Platinum Certification

Released in 2017, "I Think I Like When It Rains" was a modest success until the power of social media breathed new life into it years later. The song has now amassed hundreds of millions of streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, reaching a level of commercial success few indie tracks ever achieve.

The RIAA Platinum Milestone

The most significant and recent update on the song's status is its RIAA Platinum certification, a monumental achievement that signifies sales of over one million units in the United States alone. This certification confirms that the song's popularity is not a fleeting trend but a solidified cultural moment, cementing its status alongside mainstream hits.

The TikTok Resurgence and Virality

The song's viral explosion is directly tied to its use on TikTok, where its unique blend of melancholy and comfort provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of content. The main trends and use cases on the platform include:

  • Aesthetic Videos: The song is heavily used in "rainy day," "cozy vibes," and lo-fi aesthetic videos, often featuring cityscapes, window views, or late-night drives.
  • Emotional Skits and Narratives: Its bittersweet tone makes it ideal for short-form emotional skits, introspective monologues, and narrative content that deals with nostalgia, heartbreak, or finding peace in solitude.
  • Anime Music Videos (AMVs): The track has gained considerable traction in the anime community, being paired with emotional scenes from popular series like *Jujutsu Kaisen*, further diversifying its audience and reach.

The song’s quiet, building instrumentation—starting with a simple, hypnotic guitar riff and Murphy Billings’ hushed vocals—is perfectly suited for the short-attention-span environment of social media, drawing listeners in immediately.

A Deep Dive into the Lyrics and Meaning: Nostalgia, Sadness, and Comfort

At its core, "I Think I Like When It Rains" is a masterclass in emotional ambiguity. The lyrics, written by Murphy Billings, use the weather as a metaphor for a state of mind, specifically the comfort found in melancholy. The song is not simply about enjoying precipitation; it’s about embracing the sadness and introspection that often accompany it.

The Bittersweet Theme of Nostalgia

The central theme of the song revolves around a profound sense of nostalgia and a desire to return to a simpler, better past. The line "I think I like when it rains" is a concession—an acknowledgment that the current moment might be difficult, but the feeling of the rain (the sadness) is familiar, even comforting.

The lyrics often hint at a past relationship or a lost state of contentment. The "rain" acts as a sonic blanket, a period of forced reflection where the world slows down, allowing the narrator to process complex emotions without the pressure of external happiness. This bittersweet and tender feeling is what makes the song so relatable to a generation grappling with modern anxieties.

Rain as a Metaphor for Emotional Shelter

In the context of the song, the rain serves as a powerful entity, representing various emotional states:

  • Solitude and Safety: Rain often keeps people indoors, creating a sense of isolation that the narrator welcomes. It's a temporary shelter from the pressures of the outside world.
  • Acceptance of Sadness: The title suggests a shift from resisting negative feelings to accepting them. By liking the rain, the narrator is saying they are comfortable being sad or contemplative; they are not letting that feeling define them in a negative way.
  • Catharsis: Just as rain cleanses the earth, the song offers a form of emotional catharsis for the listener, validating their feelings of quiet sorrow or longing.

Topical Authority and LSI Entities for WILLIS

The success of "I Think I Like When It Rains" has positioned WILLIS as a key entity in the modern indie rock landscape, often drawing comparisons to other atmospheric bands. The song's genre is often classified as Indie Psychedelic Rock or Dream Pop, connecting it to a broader musical universe. Key related entities that enhance the topical authority of WILLIS include their other well-received tracks like "Fight the Vegans," "Real Estate Sale," and their full-length album, *I Can't Thank You Enough*. The band's origin in Florence, Alabama, and current base in Nashville, Tennessee, ground their story, while their sold-out US tour and RIAA Platinum certification are the latest markers of their continued mainstream success in 2025.

i think i like when it rains
i think i like when it rains

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