“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Sometimes, the simplest stories carry the deepest truths. “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” by Kris Kristofferson is one of those songs—a quiet, heartfelt narrative that speaks volumes through its gentle melody and poignant lyrics. Inspired by a scene from John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath, the song tells a small yet profound story that unfolds in a diner along Route 66, where human kindness and compassion shine brightly amidst the grim backdrop of the Great Depression.
The song starts with a humble, unassuming tone, painting a vivid picture of two poor children walking into a diner, their faces marked with the hardship of the times. They have no money, but they approach the counter anyway, simply asking for candy. The waitress, moved by their innocence and seeing their need, offers them more than they can afford. Then comes the moment of quiet heroism: an older truck driver, sitting nearby, silently pays for their candy, refusing to take credit for his act of generosity.
What makes “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” so powerful is its subtlety. Kristofferson doesn’t preach or over-dramatize the scene; instead, he lets the simple gestures of kindness speak for themselves. The song’s strength lies in how it captures the beauty of selflessness in the most ordinary moments—no grand gestures, just small acts that ripple through the lives they touch. It’s as if Kristofferson is whispering a reminder: “Sometimes, the smallest kindness can bring a rainbow into someone’s life.”
The gentle strumming of the guitar, paired with Kristofferson’s gravelly, emotive voice, wraps the lyrics in warmth and sincerity. There’s a bittersweet quality to the melody—a mix of melancholy and hope that lingers long after the song ends. Just like the rainbow that appears after a storm, the song suggests that, even in the darkest times, there’s still light and color if you know where to look.
But what truly sets this song apart is its ability to resonate on such a deep, human level. It’s not just about the Depression-era scene it describes; it’s about the universal, timeless themes of compassion and the quiet impact of doing the right thing. We’ve all encountered these small yet powerful moments, whether we’re the ones in need or the ones who have a chance to lend a hand. Through this song, Kristofferson reminds us that no act of kindness is too small—and that even in tough times, we have the power to make a difference.
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