Looking for the Rainbow

There is a song I remember from my childhood. Okay, there are several songs, but this one in particular always comes to mind on rainy days. No, it’s not “Tomorrow” belted out at the top of lungs in the stairwell with fantastic reverb—it’s a little ditty that goes something like this: “When it rains, look for the rainbow…” so I don’t remember all the words and had to look them up.

When It Rains Look for the Rainbow
You can watch clouds go by and be glad
When it Rains Look for the Rainbow
It will show up so, no need to be sad, feel bad

© 1982 Sparrow Song/Cherry River Music Co

That got me thinking about rain and sunshine and more rainbows. Turns out, there are several songs out there about rainbows.

Rainbow by Jack Johnson
I woke up this morning A rainbow filled the sky Yes I woke up this morning A rainbow filled the sky Well that was God telling me Everything is gonna be alright


Rainbow as sung by Colbie Caillet
I'm still feelin the rain fall And bouncin off my skin How long do I have to wait for The sun to shine again Come on paint me the rainbows I can follow it I don't know where it'll take me But I like wonderin
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby. Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true. Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far Behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops. That's where you'll find me. Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow, Why then - oh, why can't I? If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, Why, oh, why can't I?

And let us not forget the famous and handsome, Kermit the Frog singing

Rainbow Connection
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.

When it rains, I do look for the rainbow-- literally and figuratively. There just is no other choice. Sometimes I spend so much energy and time looking down and trying to avoid the puddles from the rain. But what if I looked up? What if I allowed myself to step in the puddles? Sometimes you just cannot avoid them and your shoes get soaked and your pant legs get wet. You’ll be uncomfortable for a little while but you'll dry out, eventually. But rainbows are so unique and rare—if I’m looking down, I might miss one! I might miss something beautiful. The rainbow is my promise that even on the darkest day, there is beauty to be seen.
“Even when the rain falls and the floods start rising.”
Even when my shoes get all slushy and my pants are soaked.
Even when I forget the blasted umbrella and I’m completely soaked to the core.
Even then, there is something beautiful coming, something beautiful to see.

So I hold on to the hope planted in my heart. I tightly grip the promises I’ve been given and I don’t let go. I can’t let go. I can’t keep looking down. (Yeah, I might run into something, but I do that anyway- I’m clumsy like that.) I just don’t want to miss the chance to see my rainbow! These rainy, cloudy days get me down. But the promise of rainbows is life changing.

When it rains, look for rainbows, my friend, and don't give up, even when the rain falls.



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