Rocks Off just walked outside and saw something we almost didn't recognize: Rain clouds that look like they might, you know, rain. We'll believe it when we see it.

Even if we do get some relief in the next couple of days, it won't be enough. Rocks Off forgets the exact number - we do music, not weather - but so little rain has fallen in the Houston area since Hurricane Ike that we would need the equivalent of another Tropical Storm Allison to catch up to normal levels. Or something like that.

Not that we're asking for it, but things have gotten so bad in Texas that people have started throwing around the D-word - not Depression (that's the rest of the country), Dust Bowl. With all due respect to Woody Guthrie's "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues," we figured there were plenty of songs from more recent years that express how very, very badly we would like to see the sky crying just one more time.

Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson, "Heartland"

"There's a well where the water's so bitter nobody can drink" - nope, even that one's dry.

Find It: Across the Borderline, 1993

PJ Harvey, "Water"

From the Dry album, naturally.

Find It: Dry, 1992

The Flatlanders, "Homeland Refugee"

"Leaving California for the Dust Bowl." You're here.

Find It: Hills and Valleys, 2009

Blind Melon, "No Rain"

At this point, we would put up with that damn bee girl for a little relief.

Find It: Blind Melon, 1992

Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"

Yes, John, we have. In books, on TV, in the movies...

Find It: Pendulum, 1970

Robert Earl Keen, "Not a Drop of Rain"

Go long enough without it, and your soul can become as parched as the land.

Find It: Gravitational Forces, 2001

The Byrds, "You Don't Miss Your Water"

Dear Gram Parsons, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, et al.: Bite me.

Find It: Sweetheart of the Rodeo, 1968

The Temptations, "I Wish It Would Rain"

Doesn't sound strange at all around these parts, guys.

Find It: Wish It Would Rain, 1968

Gary Allan, "Songs About Rain"

About as helpful as tits on a boar these days.

Find It: See If I Care, 2003

Jason D. Williams, "You Look Like I Could Use a Drink"

Said the lawn to its owner, expectantly.

Find It: Killer Instincts, 2010

BONUS TRACK

True Believers, "The Rain Won't Help You When It's Over"

Maybe not, but it sure would now.

Find It: Hard Road, 1994