The Highwaymen – Here Comes That Rainbow Again

The Highwaymen and their wistful ballad, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again.” Now, this particular track, nestled within their self-titled debut album from 1985, offers a gentler, more reflective side to the legendary outlaw quartet of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. While they were known for their tales of rambling men and life on the fringes, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” delves into themes of hope, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and eventual respites. It’s a song that speaks to the enduring human capacity to find light even after the stormiest of times, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who have weathered a few seasons themselves.

The beauty of The Highwaymen lay not just in their collective star power, but in their ability to bring their individual gravitas and experience to each song. In “Here Comes That Rainbow Again,” you can almost feel the weight of their combined years and the wisdom gleaned from a life lived fully. Each voice, distinct and familiar, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the song’s message of renewed hope. Cash’s steady, grounding presence, Nelson’s comforting and melodic tones, Kristofferson’s slightly world-weary yet hopeful delivery, and Jennings’ confident and reassuring resonance all contribute to the song’s overall feeling of seasoned optimism.

The lyrics, penned by the talented Kris Kristofferson himself, are imbued with a poetic simplicity that speaks volumes. The imagery of a rainbow appearing after the rain is a universal symbol of hope and renewal, and Kristofferson masterfully uses this metaphor to explore the cyclical nature of life’s difficulties. The “rain” could represent any hardship, any period of darkness or struggle, while the reappearance of the “rainbow” signifies the inevitable return of brighter days, of peace and solace after the turmoil. There’s a sense of gentle reassurance in the words, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light on the horizon.

Musically, “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” is a classic country ballad, characterized by a gentle melody, understated instrumentation, and harmonies that feel both comforting and heartfelt. The arrangement doesn’t overpower the message; instead, it creates a soothing and reflective atmosphere that allows the lyrics to truly resonate. You can almost picture a quiet moment after a storm, the air still and fresh, as the colors of the rainbow begin to arch across the sky – a visual representation of the song’s core message.

For a mature audience, this song likely carries a particular significance. Having navigated the ups and downs of life, the metaphor of the storm and the rainbow holds a profound truth. There’s a recognition that challenges are inevitable, but so too is the possibility of overcoming them and finding peace again. The song offers a sense of comfort and reassurance, a gentle reminder that even after periods of difficulty, there is always the promise of better times ahead. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.

“Here Comes That Rainbow Again” isn’t a song of grand pronouncements or dramatic declarations. Instead, it’s a quiet affirmation, a gentle whisper of encouragement that resonates with a deep and knowing understanding of life’s rhythms. The Highwaymen, through their seasoned delivery and Kristofferson’s poignant lyrics, offer a timeless message of hope and the enduring promise of renewal. It’s a song that settles comfortably in the heart, a reminder that no matter how dark the storm, the rainbow will eventually appear again, bringing with it the promise of brighter days. It’s a testament to the enduring human capacity for hope and the comforting predictability of life’s cycles.