The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
From Northenden to Partington, it?s rain
From Altrincham to Chadderton, it?s rain
From Moss Side to Swinton, hardly Spain
It?s a picture postcard of 'Wish they never came'
And whilst that deckchair in the garden it makes no sense
It doesn?t spoil the view or cause offense
Those Floridas, Bavarias and Kents
Make gentlemen wear shorts but don?t make gents
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
From Cheetham Hill to Wythenshawe, it?s rain
Gorton, Salford, Sale, pretty much the same
As I?m caught up without my jacket once again
The raindrops on my face play a sweet refrain
And as winter turns reluctantly to spring
For the clouds above the city there?s one last fling
Swallows build their nests, chaffinch sing
And the sun strolls into town like long lost king
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
And the mood of this whole sodden place is melancholy
Like the sun came out to play, shone through the clouds
But dropped its lolly
And everyone looks so disappointed, so, so sorry
Like the rain blew into town, kidnapped the sun
And stole its brolly
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
From Altrincham to Chadderton, it?s rain
From Moss Side to Swinton, hardly Spain
It?s a picture postcard of 'Wish they never came'
And whilst that deckchair in the garden it makes no sense
It doesn?t spoil the view or cause offense
Those Floridas, Bavarias and Kents
Make gentlemen wear shorts but don?t make gents
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
From Cheetham Hill to Wythenshawe, it?s rain
Gorton, Salford, Sale, pretty much the same
As I?m caught up without my jacket once again
The raindrops on my face play a sweet refrain
And as winter turns reluctantly to spring
For the clouds above the city there?s one last fling
Swallows build their nests, chaffinch sing
And the sun strolls into town like long lost king
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
And the mood of this whole sodden place is melancholy
Like the sun came out to play, shone through the clouds
But dropped its lolly
And everyone looks so disappointed, so, so sorry
Like the rain blew into town, kidnapped the sun
And stole its brolly
So convertible stay garage bound
Save after sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater
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Aww she doesn't mention Oldham.
Isn't it about the weather?