Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music.
Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences. Songs she has recorded range from jazz standards to MGM/RKO musicals of the 1930s-1950s and Brazilian rhythms such as "Começar de novo".
Monheit released her debut album, Never Never Land in October 2000 and it became an instant success. This was followed shortly by her second album, Come Dream With Me (May 2001) and her third, In The Sun (October 2002).
Her fourth album, Live at the Rainbow Room, was released in December 2003. A similarly-titled DVD was released to complement the CD.
Her fifth album, Taking a Chance on Love, was released in September 2004. It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's traditional jazz chart and entered Billboard's top 100 pop chart the first week it was released. The album included the song Over the Rainbow, which had been included in her previous release recorded at the Rainbow Room, and also in the soundtrack for the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The Taking a Chance on Love DVD was released in March 2005 and contains performances from the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, UK. Monheit released her sixth album, The Season, in October 2005. Her first holiday-themed album, it debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's jazz chart. Monheit told jazzreview.com that it was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's holiday album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.
The singer recently signed a recording contract with Concord Records. Her most recent album, Surrender, debuted at #1 on Billboard's jazz chart.
Rainbow Connection
Jane Monheit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions but only illusions
Rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
But I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
And wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of it and somebody believed in it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that it keeps us star gazing
And what do they think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
All of us under it's spell
We know that it's probably magic
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something I'm suppose to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
The lyrics of "Rainbow Connection" by Jane Monheit explores several themes in a thought-provoking manner. The song begins by questioning the prevalence of songs about rainbows and what is on the other side. It suggests that rainbows are mere illusions and do not have anything to hide. The song further delves into the idea that some people choose to believe that rainbows are nothing more than visions, but the singer knows that they are wrong. The chorus explains that someday, they will find the rainbow connection, meant for the lovers and dreamers.
The song then brings in the concept of wishing on a star, highlighting that somebody thought of it and believed it. The song seems to marvel at the idea of what people could be thinking of when they gaze upon the stars. The final verse focuses on the personal experience of the singer with the rainbow connection. They have been half asleep and heard voices calling their name and had an unshakeable feeling that they are supposed to be something. The song ends with a resounding chorus about the universal search for the rainbow connection.
Overall, the song "Rainbow Connection" offers a layered interpretation of the search for meaning and connection. It questions the illusions that people accept in life, and raises awareness towards the potential for magic and intuition.
Line by Line Meaning
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
There's a lot of songs about the beauty, mystery, and wonder of rainbows
And what's on the other side?
People wonder about what's beyond the rainbow
Rainbows are visions but only illusions
Rainbows seem real, but they're just optical illusions
Rainbows have nothing to hide
Rainbows are pure and reveal their colors to everyone
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
People have been told that rainbows are just illusions, and some people agree with that
But I know they're wrong, wait and see
The singer believes that rainbows are more than just illusions, and time will prove it
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The singer believes that there's a deeper meaning to rainbows, and one day we'll understand it
The lovers, the dreamers and me
The singer thinks that those who are passionate and have big imaginations will be the ones to discover the true meaning of rainbows
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
Some people believe that all wishes will come true
And wished on the morning star
People have traditionally made wishes on stars, especially in the morning
Somebody thought of it and somebody believed in it
Someone came up with the idea of wishing on a star, and others adopted it as a belief
And look what it's done so far
Wishing on stars has led to many positive outcomes
What's so amazing that it keeps us star gazing
People are fascinated by the idea of wishing on stars and looking up at the night sky
And what do they think we might see?
People wonder about what they might discover in the stars and the sky
All of us under it's spell
Everyone is captivated by the magic of the night sky
We know that it's probably magic
Although science might explain why stars and rainbows exist, they still feel magical
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
The singer is alluding to moments of waking dreams or hearing something that seems unreal
I've heard them calling my name
The singer has experienced this sense of other-worldliness
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The singer is drawing a connection between the surreal quality of dreams and the seductiveness of adventure
The voice might be one and the same
The singer thinks that the magical qualities of the night sky, dreams, and adventure are all connected
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
The singer can't ignore the call of adventure and the other-worldly, even if they're skeptical about it
It's something I'm supposed to be
The singer feels that they have a destiny, a calling to pursue something beyond the ordinary
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
Once again, the singer believes that the mystical aspects of the universe are interconnected
The lovers, the dreamers and me
The same people who are drawn to adventure and dreaming will find a connection between all the magical aspects of the universe
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kenny Ascher, Paul Hamilton Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Angela Richardson
This is such a pretty rendition. I love it. :-)
goinxnginx
Thanks for posting this beautiful rendition. Jane Monheit is absolutely wonderful, and your fading in of her visage is a perfect touch for the song.
sergio verissimo
Jane Monheit is the best jazz singer of all time ..................... I want to repeat this forever
Gaia Grace
I can't agree more! I have seen her perform numerous times! Absolutely stunning voice!
TD Pina
Beautiful...Love this song!
musicAMjm
Love this music to the ears 5*****
milee23ful
beautiful song! amazing artist...
Wade Lee Torres
I "Absolutely LOVE❤ This Beautiful Hit of ALL Time."😊
Jackie Mcmeekin
A beautiful rendition of a passionate, melodic song. Who wrote this? 🥰
Sirens Meadow
"Rainbow Connection" is a song from the 1979 film The Muppet Movie, with music and lyrics written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher.