Sing Me a Rainbow
Dr. Hook the Medicine Show Lyrics
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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
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
(c)1972 Evil Eye Music Inc.
The lyrics to Dr. Hook's song Sing Me A Rainbow, written by Shel Silverstein, tells the story of a man who has had a long, hard day and has lost his way. When he reaches his destination, he realizes he's too late to meet someone or do something important. The only person who can help him make things right is Josie, who he asks to "sing me a rainbow" and "roll me a song". He believes that she is the only one who can understand the shades of darkness that lie deep inside him.
The man expresses regret that he has spent his time "getting off and getting on" trains and has let go of his dreams. He says he has sold his mind and given his dreams away, and now he needs someone to help him get back on track. He asks Josie to make things right for him, even if it's just for tonight, because things have been wrong for too long. In the end, he asks Josie to sing him a rainbow, if she can.
The song speaks to the universal human desire for comfort and hope. The rainbow, with its varied shades of color, represents the promise of better things to come. The man in the song is asking Josie to help him see that promise, and to give him the courage to keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Josie it's been a long hard day
Dear Josie, I had an exhausting day.
Down the road to where it's at I must have lost my way
During my journey towards the destination, I lost the right path.
When I got there they said I was too late
Upon arrival, I was informed that I missed my opportunity.
Now you're the only one can get me straight
You're the only one who can uplift me and make me feel better.
So won't you sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song
Could you, please, sing me an uplifting song, Josie?
Just tonight make it right 'cause it's been wrong for oh so long
For one night, make everything right as it has been wrong for so long.
There's lots of shades of darkness, Josie deep inside a man
Deep down inside men, there are various degrees of gloom, Josie.
So sing me a rainbow if you can
Therefore, if it's possible, sing me an uplifting song, Josie.
The train I went to meet had come and gone
I arrived late, and the train was already gone.
Seems like I spend all my time gettin' off and gettin' on
It feels like I spend all my time vacillating.
I sold my mind and gave my dreams away
I abandoned my ideas and forfeited my aspirations.
And tomorrow I'll start lookin' 'round for yesterday
Tomorrow, I'll start attempting to retrieve my past.
But 'til then sing me a rainbow Josie roll me a song
However, in the meantime, Josie, could you please sing me an uplifting song?
Just tonight make it right 'cause it's been wrong for oh so long
For this one night, let's make everything right, as everything has been wrong for such an extended period.
There's lots of kinds of hunger Josie you don't understand
Josie, you cannot comprehend that there are various types of hunger.
So sing me a rainbow if you can
Therefore, if it's possible, sing me an uplifting song, Josie.
If you can, if you can
If you are able to do so, of course.
Sing me a rainbow if you can
Please, Josie, sing me an uplifting song if you can.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kmwmom13
I just can't say enough awesome things about this mans voice. I was born in the late 80's and this is probably my all time favorite band, way be for my time, but emotion knows no age.
@annetteriggs5689
I was in 1940 and Dr. Hook has always been my fav. band from the first time I heard them.
@billyijeanclark8887
One of my all time favorite groups been listening to them since the early 70's so many great songs
@richandcris
This is one song that I used to play when I needed time to myself. I love Dr. Hook. I know Ray Sawyer and Billy Francis personally, but never met Dennis. I would love to meet him one day, but I doubt that will happen. A man can dream. Thanks for posting this one. I have this on album, CD, karaoke, and mp3, but it was nice to look it up tonight and hear it. Thanks again!
@psba66
this is one of my favorite albums i've ever owned wish i could find it again and this song used to drive the girls crazy love it lol
@GraeHall
I was looking for something else when I found this song. I've never heard it before. Holy SHIT this guy's voice has character. And the production quality of the mix, it's fantastic. I'm glad I accidentally found this.
@collettedobrocke4518
I love his voice and HIM
@mariahenderson9425
Me too..He is absolutely great . I saw him a few years when he was a solo performer . He was phenominal and sounded as good as the group . My favourite of all time . Amazing harmonies and vocals by georgeous D.L.
@jennywalpole1561
Loved Dr Hook for years, and still finding new tracks by this amazing band!
@lunamala13
Seriously the most emotional vocalist ever.