Rainbow (Kacey Musgraves song)
Rainbow is a song written and performed by American country music artist Kacey Musgraves. It is the closing track of her fourth studio album, Golden Hour (2018).
Composition and Lyrical Content
"Rainbow" is a piano-driven ballad characterized by its gentle melody and hopeful message. Lyrically, the song addresses listeners struggling with difficult times, offering encouragement and reminding them that "there's always been a rainbow hanging over your head." The song emphasizes resilience and the promise of brighter days to come after periods of hardship. Musgraves has described the song as a message of hope for her younger self and for anyone facing challenges. The lyrics touch upon themes of acceptance, perseverance, and optimism.
Release and Reception
"Rainbow" was released as part of the Golden Hour album in March 2018. While not released as a single initially, the song gained popularity through streaming and radio airplay. It resonated with listeners due to its universal message of hope and its vulnerable, heartfelt delivery. The song has been praised for its simple yet powerful lyrics and its uplifting tone. It is often considered one of the standout tracks from Golden Hour.
Live Performances and Cultural Impact
Kacey Musgraves has performed "Rainbow" at numerous concerts and live events, often using the song as a centerpiece of her performances. The song's message has resonated particularly strongly with the LGBTQ+ community, who often find its themes of acceptance and hope to be empowering. Musgraves has also performed the song at benefit concerts and events supporting social causes. "Rainbow" has become a staple in her discography and is frequently requested by fans.
Awards and Nominations
While "Rainbow" itself was not specifically nominated for major awards, the album Golden Hour, which features the song as its closing track, won Album of the Year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. The song's contribution to the overall success and critical acclaim of the album is widely recognized.