Another Rainbow

Song Meaning

Chris de Burgh's "Another Rainbow" isn't just sentimental; it's a keenly observed reflection on ambition, friendship, and the diverging paths life carves for us. The opening lines, soaked in shared wine and youthful bravado, paint a familiar picture: friends plotting a revolution, convinced of their combined genius. But the core of the song meaning lies in the bittersweet acknowledgement that those shared dreams often fracture under the weight of reality. The image of chasing "another rainbow" becomes a potent metaphor for the pursuit of aspirations, knowing full well that the pot of gold might remain elusive. The song subtly contrasts two divergent fates. The narrator, despite facing "darkness days," ultimately finds his own form of success, navigating metaphorical stars to discover his purpose. The other friend, however, becomes a "jack of trades, ace of all and king of none," a poignant image of someone spread too thin, their initial brilliance diluted by the relentless grind. The "hands that hurt from knocking on so many doors" are a stark reminder of unfulfilled potential and the quiet desperation that can accompany a life of constant striving without a clear win. Ultimately, "Another Rainbow" offers a message of enduring friendship and a gentle nudge towards resilience. The repeated refrain, "it is better to have tried in vain than never try at all," becomes less a naive platitude and more a hard-earned wisdom. It's an acknowledgement that even when dreams don't materialize as envisioned, the act of pursuing them holds its own intrinsic value. And perhaps most importantly, the song suggests that these shared histories, these "rainbows" chased together, create bonds strong enough to withstand the inevitable disappointments and shifting tides of fortune.