Song Meaning
This song paints a vivid picture of a group of seven individuals, each presenting themselves as a distinct "color" in a "rainbow." The central tension lies in the narrator's plea for one of these seven to be chosen, specifically for romantic attention. The lyrics directly ask "Which one do you like?" and emphasize the difficulty of making this choice, stating "It's hard to decide." The repeated "Rainbow, rainbow / Color of love, color" reinforces the idea that each member is a unique, desirable option in a romantic context.
The imagery of a rainbow after the rain, with its seven distinct colors, serves as a direct metaphor for the seven individuals. The lyrics list "Red, orange, yellow (of light) / Green, blue, indigo, purple (prism)," mirroring the spectrum of a rainbow and, by extension, the diverse personalities or appeals of the group members. This visual metaphor grounds the abstract concept of romantic choice in a natural, beautiful phenomenon, suggesting that the choice, while difficult, is about appreciating a spectrum of beauty.
The song's effectiveness stems from its playful yet earnest portrayal of romantic indecision and desire. The narrator's direct address, "Look closely, / Closer still," and the plea "Don't cheat!" inject a sense of urgency and personal connection. The shift from the "rainbow" metaphor to the direct question about the "first kiss" and the "love's arrows" that "disappear in an instant" highlights the fleeting nature of opportunity and the intense, immediate feelings associated with young love. The final lines, "Until my wish comes true," underscore the persistent hope and longing driving the narrator's plea for selection.