Rainbow Connection
"The Rainbow Connection" is a popular song originally performed by Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) in The Muppet Movie in 1979. By extension, as evidenced in the TV special, The Muppets at Walt Disney World, the song has come to epitomize the ideals and artistic spirit of Henson and his company as much as "When You Wish Upon a Star" represents Walt Disney and his company.
It has been covered by artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, The Dixie Chicks, Justin Timberlake, The Carpenters, Kiki and Herb, Jason Mraz, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Caroline's Spine, Dresden Dolls, Willie Nelson (who is actually often incorrectly credited with penning the song), and many others. The song was written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher.
Chart success
Kermit's version of "The Rainbow Connection" reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of 1979; the song remained in the Top 40 for 7 weeks total.
Oscar nominations
Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams received Oscar nominations at the 1979 Academy Awards both for the entire song score for the movie and for this unlikely radio hit which Kermit sings with all the dreamy wistfulness of a short, green Judy Garland. Actually, "The Rainbow Connection" serves the same purpose in this film that "Over the Rainbow" serves in The Wizard of Oz, with nearly equal effectiveness: an opening establishment of the characters' driving urge for something more in life. The song was also nominated for the Golden Globes for "Best Original Song" in 1979.
The song was recorded by the original voice of Kermit, Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets.
The popular song's name has been used by a number of charitable organizations wishing to evoke its message, including a children's charity similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation[1], a summer camp for seriously ill children[2], and a horseback riding camp for people with disabilities[3]. It is also the name of a suspender and tie store[4]
Notable lines from the song
- Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.
- Why are there so many songs about rainbows?
- I've heard it too many times to ignore it
- All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic
- Rainbows are visions, but only illusions
In popular culture
- In the "The Convict", an episode of The Office, Andy Bernard performs "The Rainbow Connection" for Pam Beesly on his banjo, with the titular phrase sung in Pig Latin.
- The comedy troupe the Capitol Steps did a parody of the song about Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp and Paula Jones called The Bimbo Connection.
- In the 2006 film "The Break-Up"'s alternate ending, the song is performed a cappalla by Justin Long and John Michael Higgins as part of a group called "The Tone Rangers"
Lyrics
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, and look what it's done so far. What'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 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 calls 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. La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa (Alternate: La, da da dee, da da doh, la la, da da da dee da dooooh)