- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-I.mp3
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-I.mp4
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Reggae.mp3
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Reggae.mp4
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Unplugged-Underground-X.mp3
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Unplugged-Underground-X.mp4
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Unplugged.mp3
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-Unplugged.mp4
- At-the-End-of-the-Rainbow-intro.mp3
[Intro]
Did you know…
I’ve been sold
A pot o’ gold
(… at the end of the rainbow)
[Verse 1]
I’m telling you
(Dreams can come true)
All depends
(On your point of view)
[Chorus]
Could you be sold
(On a pot of gold)
At the end of the rainbow
How ’bout to buy
Pie in the sky
(At the end of the rainbow)
[Bridge]
For unattainable goals (they sell their souls)
Leprechaun (induced con)
To the vulture culture
(It comes natural)
[Verse 2]
I’m asking you
(Can dreams come true?)
Not many
(But maybe a few)
[Chorus]
Could you be sold
(On a pot of gold)
At the end of the rainbow
How ’bout to buy
Pie in the sky
(At the end of the rainbow)
[Bridge]
For unattainable goals (they sell their souls)
Leprechaun (induced con)
To the vulture culture
(It comes natural)
[Bridge]
Come for a ride
(To the other side)
Bridge to Asgard
(Marked as starred)
[Chorus]
Could you be sold
(On a pot of gold)
At the end of the rainbow
How ’bout to buy
Pie in the sky
(At the end of the rainbow)
[Bridge]
For unattainable goals (they sell their souls)
Leprechaun (induced con)
To the vulture culture
(It comes natural)
[Outro]
Would you love to know…
(What’s at the end of the rainbow)
The end of the rainbow
ABOUT THE SONG
The phrase “at the end of the rainbow” is often used metaphorically to describe an elusive goal, dream, or reward that is highly desirable but difficult or impossible to attain. It implies something that feels magical or extraordinary but may be unattainable in reality.
Meaning
- Metaphorical Use:
It suggests chasing after something wonderful and fulfilling, such as happiness, success, or wealth, but also acknowledges the challenge or futility of the pursuit since rainbows have no physical “end.” - Associated Ideas:
The phrase often evokes optimism, imagination, and hope, tied to the idea that something beautiful or rewarding is waiting to be found.
Origins
- Celtic Mythology and Folklore:
The association with a “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow stems from Irish mythology. In Irish folklore, leprechauns are said to hide their treasure—a pot of gold—at the end of a rainbow. Since rainbows are intangible and their ends are unreachable, this adds a sense of mystery and unattainability. - Symbolism in Various Cultures:
Rainbows have long been symbols of hope, promise, and divine intervention in many cultures. For example:- In Christianity, the rainbow represents God’s promise to Noah after the flood.
- In Norse mythology, the rainbow (Bifröst) is a bridge connecting Earth to Asgard.
- Modern Literary and Popular Usage:
The phrase gained broader use in literature, poetry, and pop culture over time, evolving from its Irish folklore roots. It is now often disconnected from its mythological origins and used as a general metaphor.
Has It Always Involved a Pot of Gold?
No, the pot of gold aspect is specific to Irish folklore and was not always tied to the phrase. Over time, this imagery became popular in storytelling, adding a tangible reward to the metaphor of the rainbow. However, many uses of the phrase omit the pot of gold entirely, focusing instead on the symbolic pursuit of happiness, fulfillment, or unattainable goals.
Modern Use
Today, “at the end of the rainbow” is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts, from inspiring quotes to cautionary tales about chasing dreams that might not be achievable. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of hope, imagination, and the bittersweet acknowledgment of life’s challenges.