RAINBOW
Dr.StrangeLove Lyrics

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(Shel Silverstein)

Josie it's been a long hard day
Down the road to where it's at I must have lost my way
When I got there they said I was too late
Now you're the only one can get me straight

So won't you sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song

Just tonight make it right 'cause it's been wrong for oh so long
There's lots of shades of darkness, Josie deep inside a man
So sing me a rainbow if you can

The train I went to meet had come and gone
Seems like I spend all my time gettin' off and gettin' on
I sold my mind and gave my dreams away
And tomorrow I'll start lookin' 'round for yesterday

But 'til then sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song
Just tonight make it right 'cause it's been wrong for oh so long
There's lots of kinds of hunger Josie you don't understand
So sing me a rainbow if you can

If you can, if you can
Sing me a rainbow if you can

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dr. Strangelove's song "Rainbow" are written by Shel Silverstein and tell the story of a man named Josie who is the only one that can bring the singer out of his darkness. He has had a long hard day and is feeling lost and alone, having missed the train he was supposed to take. He sold his mind and gave away his dreams, and is now searching for a way to find happiness in the present. He turns to Josie for help, asking her to "sing me a rainbow," meaning to bring him some light, color, and joy in his life.

The lyrics are both poignant and hopeful, as they show the singer's desire to find his way back to happiness and the possibility that Josie can help him find it. The use of the metaphor of a rainbow is a powerful one, evoking images of beauty and hope. Overall, the song is a tribute to the human spirit and the idea that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of light and joy if we are willing to seek it out.

Line by Line Meaning

Josie it's been a long hard day
After a grueling day, Josie is the only one who can give me peace.

Down the road to where it's at I must have lost my way
I seem to have lost my path somewhere in-between.

When I got there they said I was too late
The destination has already been reached without me and I'm too late for it.

Now you're the only one can get me straight
I need Josie to help me find my way once again.

So won't you sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song
Please sing me a song, Josie, to bring color into my life.

Just tonight make it right 'cause it's been wrong for oh so long
Correct the wrongs in my life tonight, even if just for tonight.

There's lots of shades of darkness, Josie deep inside a man
Inside a person, there is a multitude of hidden, dark emotions that can be difficult to navigate.

So sing me a rainbow if you can
Please try to add some light to my life, even if it seems impossible.

The train I went to meet had come and gone
I missed my chance to go somewhere important.

Seems like I spend all my time gettin' off and gettin' on
I'm stuck in a cycle of constantly changing and not getting anywhere.

I sold my mind and gave my dreams away
I gave up on my hopes and aspirations because of life's struggles.

And tomorrow I'll start lookin' 'round for yesterday
I am constantly dwelling on the past and searching for a way to go back.

But 'til then sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song
Until I can find a way to look forward instead of back, Josie, please keep singing to me.

There's lots of kinds of hunger Josie you don't understand
There are many types of desires that cannot always be fulfilled.

So sing me a rainbow if you can
Even if it seems impossible, Josie, please bring some light to my life.

If you can, if you can
If it's possible, please help me see the world through a more colorful lens.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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