Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Here Comes That Rainbow Again” is one of Kris Kristofferson’s most beloved narrative songs, originally released on his 1981 album To the Bone. Known for its simple yet powerful storytelling, the song recounts a moment of kindness and innocence against the backdrop of hardship. Inspired by John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath, it paints a vivid picture of struggling travelers in the Great Depression, and the unexpected generosity that can shine through even in times of scarcity. With its stripped-down style and universal message, the song stands as one of Kristofferson’s most poignant contributions to the folk-country tradition.
Origins of the Song
Kristofferson wrote “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” after being deeply moved by Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. The novel’s depiction of migrant families struggling through poverty resonated with his own worldview and his compassion for the marginalized. In particular, a scene where children demonstrate kindness in a diner provided the inspiration for the song.
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By the early 1980s, Kristofferson was in a reflective period of his career. He had already built his reputation as a truth-teller, writing songs about politics, injustice, and personal struggle. “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” allowed him to return to narrative songwriting, weaving literature, history, and moral reflection into a compact, emotionally charged ballad.
Why Kris Kristofferson Released “Here Comes That Rainbow Again”
Kristofferson released the song because it perfectly embodied his belief in music as a vehicle for truth and humanity. Rather than writing about political battles or personal turmoil, he focused on the small, human gestures that reveal the best of us.
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By including it on To the Bone, he reminded listeners that stories of kindness could be as powerful as songs of rebellion. The track also reflected his respect for the folk storytelling tradition, where songs often served as vessels for preserving the memory of hardship and resilience.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” is one of compassion, innocence, and hope.
Key themes include:
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Kindness Amid Hardship: Even in the harshest conditions, people are capable of acts of generosity.
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Innocence of Children: The children in the story remind adults of the purity and goodness that often gets lost in struggle.
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Hope and Renewal: The metaphor of the rainbow suggests beauty and relief after a storm, signaling that better days can come.
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Universal Resonance: Though rooted in the Depression era, the song speaks to timeless truths about human dignity.
The song’s simplicity makes it powerful—there is no need for elaborate moralizing, only the quiet truth of a story well told.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
The recording of “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” reflects its narrative simplicity.
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Vocals: Kristofferson’s warm, weathered voice delivers the lyrics with tenderness, making the listener feel like they are being told a story firsthand.
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Instrumentation: Sparse acoustic guitar dominates, with minimal accompaniment. This stripped-back arrangement reinforces the intimacy of the song.
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Mood: Gentle, reflective, and hopeful, tinged with melancholy.
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Style: Folk-country storytelling ballad, rooted in the tradition of Woody Guthrie and the American folk canon.
The restrained musical setting ensures that the story remains the centerpiece.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” was not a major hit, but it gained recognition as one of the highlights of To the Bone. The album itself was not a commercial breakthrough, but this song stood out for its lyrical depth and narrative clarity.
Culturally, the track earned praise for its ability to distill Steinbeck’s epic themes into a three-minute song without losing emotional weight. It reinforced Kristofferson’s reputation as a songwriter who could balance political conviction with deep empathy. The song has since been covered by other artists, including Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, further cementing its place in the folk-country tradition.
Legacy of “Here Comes That Rainbow Again”
Today, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” is regarded as one of Kristofferson’s finest narrative songs. While not as famous as “Help Me Make It Through the Night” or “Why Me,” it remains a treasured piece of his catalog for fans who admire his ability to tell human stories with humility and grace.
For Kristofferson’s legacy, the song highlights his literary sensibility and his deep compassion for the downtrodden. It shows that he was not only a rebel and activist but also a poet capable of capturing the small, quiet moments that reveal our shared humanity.
More broadly, the song continues to resonate as a timeless parable. Its themes of kindness, innocence, and hope transcend historical context, making it relevant in any era. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, simple acts of generosity can light the way forward.
Decades later, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” stands as a testament to Kristofferson’s artistry and empathy. It proves that sometimes the most powerful songs are the simplest ones, carrying truths that remain long after the music fades.