“The Rainbow Connection” kicks off the Muppets’ cinematic adventures in grand style in The Muppet Movie, with its lyric/melody forever linked with Jim Henson’s creations. Anyone who grew up during the 1970s or 1980s found tremendous inspiration in the song — and still does. That’s not to say that it didn’t resonate with all age groups, but for fertile minds back then, Muppet melodies like this one had an immeasurable impact. After Henson died far too young in 1990, the song’s optimism became something bittersweet. But the ultimate message of “The Rainbow Connection” of pursuing your dreams remains. Now if only I could make it through a listen without bawling my eyes out. Then again, that kind of proves the song’s enduring power, wouldn’t you agree?
