"allmusic" writer matthew greenwald notes, the song is "led by a striking electric guitar riff" with "the melody [being] woven elegantly around the simple, almost folk-like chord changes". speaking to the lyrics, the critic recalled "the clever use of "rain" and "reign" regarding the power of love is the core here" and thinks that "clapton and bramlett utilize it quite well". regarding the instrumental music work on the title, greenwald finishes his song analysis by stating the "song has some striking instrumental sections, including a lovely, brief section by stephen stills". the song is in the key of d major. the melody has a strong resemblance to stills' own song "questions", recorded by both buffalo springfield and crosby, stills, nash & young.