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pennies from heaven

A long time ago, a million years BC
The best things in life were absolutely free
But no one appreciated a sky that was always blue
And no one congratulated a moon that was always new

So it was planned that they would vanish now and then
And you must pay before you get them back again
That's what storms were made for
And you shouldn't be afraid for

Every time it rains it rains
Pennies from heaven
Don't you know each cloud contains
Pennies from heaven

You'll find your fortune falling all over town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love

You must have showers
So when you hear it thunder
Don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me

- Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston

The song was immortalized in Dennis Potter's television series 'Pennies from Heaven' (1978), still a highpoint in the history of the small screen, where story (a daring tale of frustrated naivety) and form (Potter's unique brand of musical) fit each other perfectly.

There's a collection of song and dance clips from the series online - great appetizers for (re)watching the whole thing.

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