“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Kris Kristofferson has always been a master of storytelling, and “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” is no exception. Inspired by a passage in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath, the song captures a fleeting moment of kindness between strangers during one of the most difficult periods in American history: the Great Depression. In just a few lines, Kristofferson manages to weave a story of empathy, generosity, and the way small gestures can light up even the darkest days.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid scene: two hungry children walk into a roadside café, eyeing the pies and sweets on display but clearly lacking the means to afford them. They’re noticed by a kind-hearted waitress who, with a subtle nod and a gentle gesture, lowers the price so the kids can enjoy a small treat. It’s a moment that could easily pass by unnoticed, but Kristofferson turns it into a powerful narrative of human connection and quiet heroism. What makes the song even more compelling is its simplicity—the melody is straightforward, almost like a folk ballad, and the arrangement is kept minimal to let the story shine.
There’s an authenticity in Kristofferson’s voice that brings a layer of warmth and truth to this song. When he sings “Here comes that rainbow again,” you can almost feel the soft, healing light breaking through the clouds. It’s a beautiful metaphor for how small acts of kindness ripple through life, even in times of great suffering. Unlike many songs that focus on grand, sweeping emotions, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” finds beauty in the ordinary, showing us that hope often shows up quietly, in simple acts of generosity and understanding.
Beyond the song’s lyrical depth, it’s the emotional punch that hits hardest. The melody has a bittersweet quality, like a lullaby mixed with a nostalgic reminiscence. Every note seems to say, “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t underestimate the power of kindness.” It’s no wonder that “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” has resonated with so many listeners over the years. It’s a reminder that, no matter how difficult life gets, there’s always room for grace and compassion.
If you’ve ever faced hard times or felt overwhelmed by the weight of the world, this song feels like a small but potent reminder that even in bleak moments, there’s always a bit of light—sometimes it’s just one kind gesture away. In the end, it’s not about the grand heroic acts but the small, seemingly insignificant ones that can turn a person’s day around. Just like the rainbow in the song, those acts of kindness can be fleeting, but their impact can linger long after the storm has passed.
Video
Lyrics
The scene was a small roadside café
The waitress was sweepin’ the floor
Two truck drivers drinkin’ their coffee
And two okie kids by the door
“How much are them candies?” They asked her
“How much have you got?” She replied
“We’ve only a penny between us”
“Them’s two for a penny, ” she lied
And the daylight grew heavy with thunder
With the smell of the rain on the wind
Ain’t it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again
One truck driver called to the waitress
After the kids went outside
“Them candies ain’t two for a penny”
“So what’s it to you?” She replied
In silence they finished their coffee
Then got up and nodded goodbye
She called, “Hey, you left too much money”
“So what’s it to you?” They replied
And the daylight was heavy with thunder
With the smell of the rain on the wind
Ain’t it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again