About the song
“Blue Clear Sky,” a signature hit for the “King of Country,” George Strait, wasn’t just another chart-topping song; it was a story with a unique origin. Released in March 1996 as the lead single and title track from his album of the same name, this song quickly ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, solidifying its place in country music history.
The song’s creation, however, was a happy accident. As songwriter Bob DiPiero recounts, the inspiration came from an unlikely source: the movie “Forrest Gump.” During a screening, a line uttered by Forrest, “Out of the blue clear sky,” caught DiPiero’s attention. While grammatically incorrect, the phrase resonated with him. The following day, during a songwriting session with John Jarrard and Mark D. Sanders, DiPiero shared his “backwards idea,” and “Blue Clear Sky” was born.
Even George Strait himself had a moment of doubt. He recalled thinking that the title “Blue Clear Sky” sounded off and that it should have been “Clear Blue Sky.” It wasn’t until a conversation with DiPiero that he understood the origin and meaning behind the title. DiPiero explained how the song was about love appearing when you least expect it, just like Forrest Gump’s Jenny returning “out of the blue clear sky.”
The song’s lyrics beautifully capture this sentiment, painting a picture of a man who has given up on love, only to be surprised by its sudden arrival. The imagery of a “blue clear sky” symbolizes the unexpected nature of love, how it can appear even when the odds seem stacked against it.
“Blue Clear Sky” not only topped the charts but also garnered critical acclaim, with many praising its heartfelt lyrics and Strait’s smooth vocals. The album “Blue Clear Sky” went on to become a commercial success, further cementing Strait’s status as a country music icon. Today, “Blue Clear Sky” remains a fan favorite, a testament to its timeless message and catchy melody. It’s a song that reminds us that love can indeed come when we least expect it, often from a “blue clear sky.”
Video
Lyrics
You swear you’ve had enough
You’re ready to give up
On that little lie they call love
Then out of the blue clear skyFallin’ right into your hands
Like rain on the desert sand
It’s the last thing you had planned
Out of the blue clear skyHere she comes a walkin’ talkin’ true love
Sayin’ i been lookin’ for you love
Surprise your new love has arrived
Out of the blue clear skyAin’t love a funny thing
One day you’re givin’ up the dream
And the next you’re pickin’ out a ring
Out of then blue clear skyHere she comes a walkin’ talkin’ true love
Sayin’ i been lookin’ for you love
Surprise your new love has arrived
Out of the blue clearOut of the blue clear sky
