Rainbow Connections

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

This has always been one of my favourite songs. When I first heard it from the felt lined mouth of a little green muppet, I fell in love with it. (The song, not the little green muppet [no prizes for guessing but who sang the original?]) It was bittersweet and yet spoke of an optimism that I never needed as a child but realised was integral when I became an adult. I never realised the poignancy of the simple 3 verse song till I rewatched The Muppet Movie in 1997 and the understated power of the song choked me up a little. I think it is one of the rare song that stays with you a lifetime because of its message that transcends time and age. (Having a catchy tune helps as well)

I recently heard The Rainbow Connection while talking to K&L about music for their upcoming wedding. They'd found the song sung by Sarah Mclachlan. I was blown completely away. The beauty of Sarah's voice coupled with the poignancy of the lyrics accompanied with strings, a piano and an understated set of drums was an amazing experience. It was a trip back to a childhood memory, revived to continue its journey in my consciousness. It was beautiful and it was nostalgic. And updated, it sounded like a long overdue reunion with a friend. It was wiser. Mature. Deeper. And it had grown with me.

*igh.