The Rainbow Connection

By Paul Williams & Kenneth Ascher
1979

This one's a bit out of my usual jurisdiction in terms of time-frame, but I truly believe this song to be a modern classic that has, without question, become a standard. Written for The Muppet Movie, in which it was sung by Jim Henson as the voice of Kermit the Frog, it stands alongside "Over the Rainbow" and "When You Wish Upon a Star" among the all-time iconic songs derived from children's fantasy film. Wistful, beautiful, timeless.

Lyrics:

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows,
And what's on the other side?
Rainbow's are visions,
They're only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.

So we've been told and some chose to believe it,
But 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,
And look what it's done so far.

What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing?
What do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it:
That Rainbow Connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Have you been half asleep,
And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Are these the sweet sounds
That called the young sailors?
I think they're 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.

Recorded By:

Johnny Mathis
Vonda Shepard
Jason Mraz
Sarah McLachlan
The Carpenters