Song Meaning
The lyrics open with a poignant return from war, immediately setting a tone of relief and anticipation. Amidst this journey, the narrator spots an impossible "rainbow at midnight" over the ocean. This striking image instantly transforms a simple homecoming into something miraculous, hinting at profound personal significance.
The core tension lies in this fantastical vision emerging from a context of hardship. The "war was over," suggesting trauma and separation, yet the narrator's mind is consumed by a luminous, impossible sight. This "rainbow at midnight" isn't just a pretty picture; it's a direct conduit to the loved one, as the narrator sees "your face in this rainbow," making the extraordinary vision deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
The most compelling craft choice is the sustained metaphor of the rainbow itself. It begins as a literal (albeit impossible) sighting, then evolves into a symbol for a shared future. The narrator envisions building a home, having children named "after the rainbow," and even an afterlife in "the land of the rainbow." This progression elevates a fleeting moment of wonder into the very foundation of an entire life, and beyond, for "we two."
These lyrics are effective because they fuse the extraordinary with the deeply human desire for peace and connection. The impossible rainbow becomes a tangible manifestation of hope and unwavering devotion, a beacon guiding the narrator from the darkness of war to a future filled with domestic bliss and eternal love. It suggests that true love can conjure its own light, even in the deepest night, making the commitment feel both magical and profoundly real.