"Why are there so many songs about rainbows?" I can't think of one, besides Rainbow Connection.

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Bold As Love

And probably 15 other Jimi Hendrix songs.

billstevejim, Monday, 5 April 2021 15:03 (three years ago) link

Still thinking about this, I found a website that thought about it more than me, with some great comments:

As such, there are likely many more songs about “rainbows” out there which could come under the title of dreams, wishes, inspiration, and the like. To extend this, wishful and inspirational songs could also said to be about rainbows. It would seem that the vast majority of songs would fall under these banners, and the question of “Why are there so many songs about rainbows?” is a question of the human condition and the ways we use to express it.

Why do we make wishes and seek to be inspired? If those wishes are granted and our inspirations are gained, what do we achieve? In asking “what’s on the other side” of a rainbow, perhaps Kermit continues to question the human condition by posing the question of whether or not we can ever truly be satisfied.

Kermit may also be alluding to even darker aspects of the human condition. Whilst rainbows are beautiful in their intangibility, it is only from specific angles and conditions that they are visible. A rainbow then is a rare occurrence and is ultimately an illusion. If dreams and inspirations are the same, what does it say about one of the finer things about humanity? Why do we chase such things if they can never be caught?

Clearly Kermit thinks too much. It’s not easy being green.

And

I’ve always been fascinated by the chorus.

“Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.”

Note that Kermit is excluding himself from both groups. Obviously he isn’t a lover yet, as he hasn’t met Miss Piggy. And he is also not yet a dreamer. In about two minutes Dom Deluise is going to show up and inspire him to go to Hollywood. So what rainbow is he singing about for himself?

The third verse makes it clear. Dreamers are people who desperately want something, be it greatness or fame or to cure people. At the opening of the movie, Kermit doesn’t want to do anything but sit on his log and play his banjo and catch flies. But Fate has a plan for him. The Universe needs him, because the Universe needs The Muppets and whether he wants to look for a rainbow or not, the rainbow is looking for him.

Which is why finding fame brings him happiness, instead of the misery it seems to inflict upon so many of those who actively seek fame and success. Kermit never needed it in the first place. He cares more about making sure his friends succeed with him than himself. He would never leave to pursue a solo career.

Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 8 April 2021 14:05 (three years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF35PUE1KZo

maf you one two (maffew12), Thursday, 8 April 2021 14:16 (three years ago) link

Stereolab - "Rainbo Conversation" comes to mind, although it probably isn't really about rainbows

Mr. Cacciatore (Moodles), Thursday, 8 April 2021 14:19 (three years ago) link

are rainbows really even rainbows?

maf you one two (maffew12), Thursday, 8 April 2021 14:20 (three years ago) link

The End of the Rainbow by Richard. & Linda Thompson

Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 8 April 2021 14:26 (three years ago) link


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