21 Best Songs About Rainbows

The best songs about rainbows capture the beauty and vibrancy of this natural phenomenon and use it as a vivid symbol of humanity’s hopes and dreams. 

Rainbows have also inspired singer-songwriters through the ages to compose touching love songs that incorporate this visual imagery into the lyrics. 

This playlist covers the best rainbow songs you can listen to from various perspectives and genres to bring a little color and joy into your life. 

The 21 Best Songs About Rainbows 

Rainbows offer a powerful visual that has inspired many beautiful songs that explore the literal and symbolic nature of this phenomenon. 

For this playlist, we’ve explored decades of music history to bring you a diverse selection of classic and modern songs that celebrate rainbows in all their glory. 

Without further ado, here’s our playlist of the 21 best songs about rainbows. 

21. “Chasing Rainbows” – Robot Orchestra 

Robot Orchestra approaches the topic of rainbows with a wonderfully lo-fi instrumental song, “Chasing Rainbows.” 

The song takes its inspiration from the idea of rainbows representing the end of a crisis and working hard to achieve one’s goals. 

“Chasing Rainbows” was featured on the Robot Orchestra EP of the same name and is one of the more relaxing songs about rainbows you can listen to.

20. “Rainbow” – Kacey Musgraves 

Kacey Musgraves’ song, “Rainbow,” serves as a powerful song in support of LGBT rights, becoming something of an anthem for the movement. 

It’s a beautiful upbeat country tune with soft lyrics and a message of hope for anyone struggling through difficult times. 

Kacey Musgraves indulged in her love of treats in “Biscuits,” a great song about food that will help you build an appetite.

19. “Rainbows & Waterfalls” – Pretty Lights 

Pretty Lights served up a delightful retro-style dance hit with their track “Rainbows and Waterfalls,” using rainbows as a symbol of diversity. 

“All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn’t shine,” the lyrics sing, continuing, “Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind.” 

It’s an iconic song that instills feelings of anticipation and optimism in the listener and highlights how rainbows can symbolize great potential after a storm.

18. “Gravity’s Rainbow” – The Klaxons 

The Klaxons’ contribution to this playlist, exploring the best rainbow songs you can listen to, takes its title from the stream-of-consciousness novel by Thomas Pynchon, released in 1973. 

“Gravity’s Rainbow” features lyrics as ambiguous as the themes explored in the novel from which it takes its name, set to blazing rock guitars. 

Also featuring some incredible drumming, “Gravity’s Rainbow” blends quirky lyrics with the distinct music style the Klaxons were highly regarded for.

17. “Make Me Rainbows” – Ella Fitzgerald 

Ella Fitzgerald explored many subjects throughout her career, from the best songs about spring to this beautiful rainbow song. 

“Make Me Rainbows” reflects the American singer at her very best, with wonderfully expressive, sweet, and uplifting vocals. 

As with so many songs about rainbows, it’s also a great romantic song that reflects Fitzgerald’s insightful approach to her music.

16. “Look To The Rainbow” – Kate Baldwin 

Kate Baldwin collaborated with several influential artists for the song “Look to the Rainbow,” including Cheyenne Jackson and Jim Norton. 

It was featured in the Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow, with the original song performed by Ella Logan back in 1961. 

Kate Baldwin’s version came out in 1993 and was released through Columbia Records to critical and commercial acclaim.

15. “Rainbowland” – Miley Cyrus (Featuring Dolly Parton) 

Two titans of the world of music came together for the song “Rainbowland,” which united pop singer Miley Cyrus with country music icon Dolly Parton.

Miley Cyrus wrote “Rainbowland” about her desire to be in a loving relationship with her godmother Dolly Parton offering a different take on the topic. 

Dolly Parton has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, winning ten Grammy Awards with an astonishing fifty-three nominations.

14. “Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows” – Lesley Gore 

Great songs about rainbows have been written over many years, with the hit song from Lesley Gore, “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows,” among the best-known of them all. 

It’s a gorgeous summer anthem in which Gore sings, “Everything that’s wonderful is what I feel when we’re together, brighter than a lucky penny.” 

Despite its age, the song “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” is instantly recognizable to this day thanks to being featured in many commercials and movies.

13. “Rainbow” – Jessie J 

Jessie J’s song “Rainbow” was featured on her debut album, Who You Are, and is another LGBT anthem about equality and respect. 

This pop hit reminds the listener to view everyone equally and share life’s experiences from the perspective of love and compassion. 

It’s a theme also reflected in her song “The Man With the Bag,” one of the best Christmas songs, originally written in 1950.

12. “Rainbow” – Sia 

Like Jessie J, Sia opted for the simple title of “Rainbow” for her song on the subject, which was featured in the 2017 movie My Little Pony. 

“I can see a rainbow in your tears as they fall on down,” Sia sings, continuing, “I can see your soul grow through the pain as they hit the ground.” 

It’s another example of rainbow songs that use powerful imagery to convey a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity.

11. “Rainbow Connection” – Kermit The Frog 

On a lighter note, “Rainbow Connection,” sung by Kermit the Frog, is a much-loved tune that earned widespread attention when released in 1979. 

Written and recorded for The Muppet Movie’s official soundtrack, “Rainbow Connection” is a breezy tune that became a surprise chart hit in the United States. 

If you’re looking for an uplifting tune that kids can enjoy as much as adults, “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog is essential listening.

10. “Rainbow” – Kesha

Rainbows are often symbolic of positivity in the aftermath of dark events, which Kesha explores in her song “Rainbow.”

This is a happy song that proudly celebrates the vibrant colors present in rainbows, and it’s an empowering anthem for women around the world. 

“Rainbow” was taken from the third studio album of the same name by Kesha, which was released in 2017 and picked up several award nominations.

9. “What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong 

“What a Wonderful World” is often associated with the greatest songs about gratitude, but it is also one of the best rainbow songs you can listen to. 

The famous lyrics explore the imagery of clouds and sunshine that pave the way for the arrival of rainbows with beautifully poetic symbolism. 

Louis Armstrong wrote “What a Wonderful World” to urge people around the globe to take responsibility for the planet and protect and cherish it no matter what.

8. “At The Rainbow’s End” – Hank Snow 

Canadian-American singer Hank Snow offers a more obscure entry into this playlist of songs about rainbows with “At the Rainbow’s End.” 

In this song, Snow sings about the long journey he took through life to realize his dreams, with gorgeous lyrics and classy instrumentation. 

Hank Snow was highly regarded for his songs relating to travels and his many experiences on the road, with “At the Rainbow’s End” as a fine example of his style.

7. “Red, Gold And Green” – Burning Spear 

The colors mentioned in the song “Red, Gold and Green” by Burning Spear reflect the vibrant appearance of a beautiful rainbow after a storm. 

It’s a wonderful song released in 1975 that urges the listener to “Meet me at the bank of the beautiful river.” 

Burning Spear released “Red, Gold and Green” as part of their album Marcus Garvey, named after the famous Jamaican political activist and writer.

6. “Pocketful Of Rainbows” – Elvis Presley 

“Pocketful of Rainbows” is one of the most well-known songs by Elvis Presley and was originally featured in the G.I. Blues official movie soundtrack. 

This is a powerful and uplifting tune from Elvis Presley that reminds us all that no matter how bad your day might be, there’s a strong chance things will improve in the future. 

It’s a great Elvis song that sits nicely alongside many songs from his discography, which includes some of the best karaoke songs of all time loved by amateur vocalists.

5. “She’s A Rainbow” – The Rolling Stones 

While the Rolling Stones released many chart-topping hits throughout their career, “She’s a Rainbow” is among their lesser-known songs. 

Featuring some wonderfully arranged strings and taking a more sugary and family-friendly approach than other works from the Rolling Stones, it’s a worthy addition to this list of rainbow songs. 

The Rolling Stones featured “She’s a Rainbow” on their album Satanic Majesties Request, which was released in 1967 and helped define the emerging psychedelic rock trend.

4. “Rainbow (Interlude)” – Mariah Carey 

Mariah Carey is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in the music industry, with many number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts to her credit. 

Her song “Rainbow (Interlude)” is an exception to the rule, as a much more obscure entry in her discography that served as a break between more popular releases on the album. 

It was featured on her 1999 album Rainbow, and while it’s a relatively minor song for the singer, it nevertheless captures the essence of her effortless vocal style.

3. “Rainbow Country” – Bob Marley 

Jamaican singer-songwriter and guitarist Bob Marley led the way when it came to reggae, which is apparent when you listen to his song “Rainbow Country.” 

It’s a great reggae song from the man responsible for some of the best songs of all time and a powerful expression of the need for freedom and diversity in a changing world. 

Bob Marley worked with his band, The Wailers, on “Rainbow Country” and released the track on his album of the same name, which was released posthumously in 1991.

2. “Double Rainbow” – Katy Perry 

Another of the great songs about rainbows to have emerged from America’s vibrant mainstream pop music scene is “Double Rainbow” by Katy Perry. 

She recorded this sweet song in 2013, claiming the experience was a cathartic aspect of her songwriting process that allowed her to release pent-up feelings creatively. 

In the song, Perry describes her view of her partner’s love, with the music reflecting her passion and dedication to finding the true love of her life.

1. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” – Judy Garland 

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is usually the first piece of music that springs to mind when thinking about the best songs about rainbows, and it was performed by Judy Garland in 1939. 

Featured in the classic children’s movie The Wizard of Oz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” features sweet vocals accompanied by incredibly lush instrumental arrangements. 

A powerful reminder to everyone to seek out new and exciting life experiences, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland fully deserves its reputation as a timeless classic. 

Summary 

There you have it, our comprehensive playlist covering some of the most beautiful and highly regarded songs about rainbows you can listen to. 

In addition to forming the basis of popular music from many family movies, rainbows have inspired countless great love songs over the years. 

With the rainbow also the adopted symbol of the LGBT movement, its ever-present status in the music industry is unlikely to change any time soon. 

What songs about rainbows do you listen to when you want to feel optimistic? Leave a comment below.