“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Here Comes That Rainbow Again” by Kris Kristofferson is a hidden gem that resonates deeply with anyone who appreciates songs that carry more than just melody—they tell stories. Inspired by John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath, this song is a delicate, heart-warming tale of human kindness. It’s not just a song; it’s a short, vivid story set to music, reminding us of the power of compassion, even in the bleakest of times.
In the song, we meet two travelers—children, really—who wander into a roadside café. They’re clearly poor and barely scraping by. The waitress, seeing their situation, does something quietly profound: she offers them candy without charging them the full price. The simplicity of this act speaks volumes. It’s a gesture that reflects how small acts of kindness can bring light in moments of hardship. And the title itself, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again,” isn’t just about literal weather—it’s symbolic. The rainbow represents hope, a break in the storm, the promise that no matter how tough life gets, there’s beauty to be found, often through the kindness of others.
The song is stripped down, just like the story it tells. Kristofferson’s gentle delivery complements the minimalism, allowing the lyrics to stand out. This isn’t a track filled with grand gestures or dramatic crescendos. Instead, it’s a simple, folk-country tune that touches your heart by painting a picture of ordinary people in an extraordinary moment.
What makes “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” special is how relatable it feels. The kindness the waitress shows to the boys is the kind of compassion we all hope to either give or receive when life gets hard. Kristofferson’s storytelling brings you right into that café with them, and you can almost feel the warmth of that moment wash over you, like the rainbow after a storm. This song reminds us that the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact, often when they’re least expected.
Kristofferson was always known for writing songs that were more than just music—they were reflections of life. This song is no different. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it stays with you long after the last note fades, like the memory of a quiet but significant moment in your life. It’s these kinds of songs that reveal the depth of Kris Kristofferson’s genius—not in their complexity, but in their ability to tell a complete story, evoke deep emotions, and make you think about life in a different way.
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