The Chicago-born singer-songwriter, was discovered by Kris Kristofferson. He collaborated with close friend John Prine throughout his career. His superb guitar ability (honed at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music) and creative songwriting ability led him to success in the 1970s folk scene. Often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always unpredictable, Steve Goodman was the consummate performer whether in a small Chicago venue, Austin City Limits, or opening for Steve Martin (and often stealing the show!). Steve is probably best known for his song "City of New Orleans", which was later covered by Arlo Guthrie among others. He has also been covered by Jimmy Buffett and many others. Steve was the ultimate suffering Chicago Cub fan, writing the songs "Go, Cubs, Go" and the unfortunately very true "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request".
Steve's life was cut short in 1984 by leukemia, but fortunately an extensive catalog remains, including the recently released, "Live at the Earl" as well as the DVD "Steve Goodman Live at Austin City Limits and More."
Rainbow Road
Steve Goodman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all of 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 my chance came along
A man heard me singing and playing these old songs
He bought me fine clothes
Sent me on my way down Rainbow, Rainbow road
And then one night, a man with a knife
Pushed me 'til I had to take his life
Fast as falling all my friends were gone
That old judge traded me a sentence for a song
Just living with this ball and chain
I had to wear a number 'fore they ever heard my name
Like the dream I'm growing old
But we still sing about Rainbow, Rainbow road
Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road.
The song Rainbow Road by Steve Goodman is about the journey of a poor man who dreams of a better future on the "Rainbow Road". Despite having to endure a life of hard work and struggles, the singer finds solace in his music and sings his way through life. His dream comes true when he is discovered by a man who suggests he take the Rainbow Road. However, fate takes a cruel turn when the man is forced to defend himself against an attacker, resulting in the loss of his friends and freedom. Despite this setback, the singer remains optimistic and continues to sing about his dream of the Rainbow Road, despite the reality of living with a ball and chain.
The lyrics of the song are a reminder that despite the hardships and setbacks we face, it is important to hold on to our dreams and aspirations. The Rainbow Road represents the hope for a better future, a brighter and more prosperous path, that we all strive for in life. The singer's story is a testament to this idea, showing that hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, can help us achieve our dreams and overcome even the darkest of obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born a poor, poor man
From the moment I came to this world, I was poor and had nothing. Financial struggles were a part of my life ever since.
And all of my life I've had hard working hands
Throughout my life, I worked hard with my hands. It was my way of making a living and providing for myself.
But I sang my song as I carried my load
Despite the difficulties I faced, I never gave up on my dream of becoming a musician. So, I would often sing my song while carrying my load to keep my spirit high.
'Cause I had a dream about Rainbow, Rainbow road
I held onto the dream of performing on the big stage someday. It was the Rainbow road that led to a world of fame and fortune.
Then one day my chance came along
I got lucky when an opportunity arrived. Someone noticed me singing and playing my songs and offered me a chance.
A man heard me singing and playing these old songs
I was discovered performing my old songs, which reflected my life experiences and struggles.
He bought me fine clothes
The man who discovered me not only gave me a chance but also helped me buy good clothes. He believed in my ability and wanted me to succeed in every way possible.
And paid the money I owed
In addition to buying me clothes, the man also cleared my debts, which helped me start fresh and concentrate on my music.
Sent me on my way down Rainbow, Rainbow road
He paved the way for me and helped me get on the journey towards my dream of performing on the big stage.
And then one night, a man with a knife
Despite my newfound success in music, my problems were not over. One night, a man threatened me with a knife.
Pushed me 'til I had to take his life
I had to face the man and defend myself till the point where I had to take his life. That trauma haunted me for life.
Fast as falling all my friends were gone
As an aftermath of my traumatic experience, I lost all my friends. They disappeared quickly from my life.
That old judge traded me a sentence for a song
I was sentenced for the crime and ended up in prison. However, music came to my rescue yet again. I started playing music for the judge, which ultimately helped me trade my sentence for a song.
Just living with this ball and chain
I was living with the burden of being in prison with a ball and chain tied to my leg every moment of my life.
I had to wear a number 'fore they ever heard my name
In prison, I was no longer referred to by my name. Instead, I was a number. This stripped away my identity, and I felt like I was invisible to the world.
Like the dream I'm growing old
As time passed by, the dream of becoming an artist began to fade away. I was growing old, and it felt like it was another lifetime, far far away from me.
But we still sing about Rainbow, Rainbow road
Despite everything, music remained my constant companion. It was a way to keep the dream alive and preserve my hope to perform on the big stage.
Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road.
The song ends with the repetition of the Rainbow Road, the path to fame and fortune. It is the hope that the journey will be continued and the dream will be fulfilled someday.
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.