About The Song
“Rainbow Connection” is a song performed by Willie Nelson, released in 2001 on his album Rainbow Connection on Island Records. Written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher in 1979 for The Muppet Movie, the song was first performed by Kermit the Frog, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. Nelson’s version, a tender country cover, was not released as a single but served as the title track of the album, which peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The 4:29 track reflects on hope and dreams, with lyrics like: “Why are there so many songs about rainbows / And what’s on the other side?”
Nelson recorded the song in 2000 at Pedernales Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, produced by Danny Davis and Fred Mollin. The session featured The Family band, with Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Jody Payne on guitar, and Bobbie Nelson on piano, alongside a small string section arranged by Mollin. The arrangement emphasizes Nelson’s acoustic guitar, Raphael’s harmonica, and a gentle piano line, creating a warm, nostalgic tone that complements the song’s whimsical nature. The album Rainbow Connection, a mix of covers and originals, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Album in 2002 and sold over 200,000 copies by 2003, per RIAA records.
The song’s selection came as Nelson sought to explore songs with universal appeal, connecting with its message of optimism and wonder. Nelson had long admired the Muppets and chose the song to open the album, setting a reflective tone. In a 2001 interview with Country Weekly, Nelson said: “It’s a song about chasing dreams, and I’ve always been a dreamer.” The track gained exposure through its inclusion in the 2001 television special Willie Nelson: Live from Austin, aired on PBS, featuring a live performance with Raphael’s harmonica prominently featured.
Covers of the song include the 1979 original by Kermit the Frog and a 1992 version by The Carpenters on From the Top. Nelson’s rendition inspired later takes, such as a 2005 recording by Sarah McLachlan on For the Kids Too! and a 2011 version by Jason Mraz on The Green Album, per SecondHandSongs. A live performance from a 2002 Austin City Limits episode was released on the 2010 album Live at Austin City Limits: 2002. The song appeared in the 2011 film The Muppets, where Nelson’s version was used in a montage, and in a 2019 episode of This Is Us, featured during an emotional family scene.
Nelson included “Rainbow Connection” in his live sets, notably at the 2001 Fourth of July Picnic in Fort Worth, Texas, where he performed it acoustically. A 2004 duet with Kermit the Frog was recorded for the album Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws and Angels, released that year. The song was performed at Farm Aid 2002, Nelson’s benefit concert for farmers, and featured in a 2018 documentary, Willie Nelson: Dreamer’s Songbook, aired on PBS, exploring his cover songs. The track remains a fan favorite in Nelson’s performances, often paired with other whimsical or reflective pieces.
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Lyric
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 hideSo 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 meWho 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 farWhat’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and meAll of us under its spell
We know that it’s probably magicHave you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I’ve heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the sameI’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 meLa-da-da-dee-da-da-doo
La-da-da-da-da-dee-da-doo