Varun Sheel’s “Here – Rainy Day Version” Unveils the Heart of Love and Loss

When Varun Sheel released “Here” in its original form, listeners were already immersed in the emotional depths of the song. But with the “Rainy Day Version,” the indie artist strips everything down, revealing a rawness that elevates the track to new emotional heights. This reimagined version of “Here” moves beyond its initial layers of production, offering a much more intimate experience that cuts straight to the heart.

The “Rainy Day Version” of “Here” retains the song’s original poignancy, but where the first iteration carried bold basslines and a futuristic touch, this version removes those elements, exposing the naked emotion at its core. By shedding the excess, Sheel creates a space where every note, every word feels essential, pulling listeners closer to the fragile vulnerability of love and longing.

The song’s inspiration comes from a personal moment of heartbreak and uncertainty. Written on the morning before Sheel had to say goodbye to his wife before the pandemic lockdowns, “Here” encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of not knowing when—if—he would see her again. The original version conveyed that pain with a broader sonic palette, but in the stripped-back “Rainy Day Version,” those emotions come to the forefront with a clarity that’s almost uncomfortable in its sincerity.

“I never wanted this moment to end,” Sheel reflects in his description of the song’s inspiration. The line echoes in the new version’s simple yet powerful arrangement, allowing listeners to feel the ache of time slipping away in a way the more produced version couldn’t capture. The lyrics, like “You and I / We’re fractured hearts / There’s a clock burning away this spark of ours,” hit even harder when there’s nothing to mask their vulnerability.

The song’s stripped-down nature brings Varun Sheel’s voice into sharper focus, giving the lyrics the room they need to breathe. The simplicity of the arrangement, mixed and mastered by Matt Bishop, creates a delicate balance between tenderness and ache. The result is a song that doesn’t just speak of love and longing but makes you feel it. It’s an emotional immersion, a beautiful testament to Sheel’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to connect through raw emotion.

“Here – Rainy Day Version” feels timeless, yet deeply rooted in the present moment. It’s a poignant reflection of the artist’s experience and a universal theme of trying to hold on to what matters most, even as the world changes around us. This reworking is more than just a version of an old song—it’s a reminder of how music can evolve to capture even more of the heart.

Varun Sheel’s ability to draw listeners into such an intimate space is a testament to his artistry. The “Rainy Day Version” proves that sometimes, less truly is more, and in its simplicity, it offers one of the most emotionally raw performances of his career. This reimagined track solidifies Sheel’s place as a master of storytelling in indie music, reminding us all of the fleeting, yet lasting nature of love and connection.