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Rainbow Road
P J Proby Lyrics
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All my life I've had hard working hands
But I sang my song as I carried my load
'Cause I had a dream about rainbow
Rainbow road
Then one day a man came along
Heard me playing and singing my songs
Sent me on my way down rainbow
Rainbow road
Then one night a man with a knife
Pushed me till I had to take his life
Fast as falling all my friends were gone
That old judge traded me a sentence for a song
Now I'm living with this ball and chain
I had to wear a number before they ever heard my name
And like the dream I'm growing old
But we still sing about rainbow
Rainbow road
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
In P J Proby's song "Rainbow Road," the singer tells the story of his life, which has been filled with poverty and hard work, but also with a dream of a bright and colorful future symbolized by a rainbow road. One day, a man hears him singing and playing his songs, and offers him clothes and pays off his debts, which sends the singer on his way down the rainbow road towards success. However, this dream is short-lived, as the singer is forced to take someone's life in self-defense and is subsequently incarcerated. Despite the hardships he has faced, the singer still holds onto his hope for a better future, and he and his fellow prisoners continue to sing about that elusive rainbow road.
One interpretation of this song is that it speaks to the American Dream, and the idea that hard work and perseverance can result in success, no matter how humble one's beginnings. However, it also acknowledges that the journey towards success is often filled with obstacles and the possibility of failure or tragic circumstances. The rainbow itself is a symbol of hope and promise, but it is also fleeting and sometimes unattainable.
Overall, "Rainbow Road" is a poignant and moving song about the struggle to achieve one's dreams, and the often unpredictable and difficult path that lies ahead. It acknowledges the harsh realities of life, but also celebrates the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born a dirt poor man
Since my birth, I have always been poor and lived a humble life.
All my life I've had hard working hands
Throughout my life, I have been accustomed to working hard to earn a living.
But I sang my song as I carried my load
Despite the hardships I faced, I carried on and sang my heart out.
'Cause I had a dream about rainbow
Rainbow road
I held on to the hope of a better future, represented by the metaphor of a rainbow road.
Then one day a man came along
Heard me playing and singing my songs
On a fortunate day, a man noticed my musical talent.
He bought me clothes and paid up every debt I owed
Sent me on my way down rainbow
Rainbow road
The man provided me with financial support, freeing me from debt and setting me on a path towards my dream.
Then one night a man with a knife
Pushed me till I had to take his life
I was forced to defend myself against a violent attacker.
Fast as falling all my friends were gone
That old judge traded me a sentence for a song
I lost the support of my friends and was sentenced to prison, where I continued to sing and perform.
Now I'm living with this ball and chain
I had to wear a number before they ever heard my name
I am now serving my time in prison, with a criminal record.
And like the dream I'm growing old
But we still sing about rainbow
Rainbow road
Despite growing older and being in prison, I hold on to the hope of a better future and continue to make music about it.
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
Rainbow road, Rainbow road
The metaphor of the rainbow road continues to symbolize the hope for a better future that I cling to through my life's journey.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONNIE FRITTS, DAN PENN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind