About the song
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” by Alan Jackson is a nostalgic and reflective country ballad that beautifully encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of a young artist pursuing a career in country music. Released in 1990 as the second single from his debut album “Here in the Real World,” this track offers a glimpse into the hopeful beginnings of a journey fueled by passion and the allure of the stage. It’s more than just a song about chasing a dream; it’s a relatable narrative about ambition, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in one’s calling.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man leaving his small-town roots with a guitar and a heart full of hope, determined to make his mark in the world of country music. The “neon rainbow” serves as a potent metaphor for the bright lights and alluring promise of Nashville and the music industry. The narrator acknowledges the sacrifices and uncertainties involved in pursuing such a path, but his unwavering dedication to his dream shines through. Alan Jackson’s vocal delivery in “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” is characterized by a warm sincerity and a touch of youthful optimism. His smooth baritone carries the weight of the narrator’s aspirations, and the understated emotion in his voice conveys the depth of his commitment. He approaches the song with a quiet earnestness, making the listener believe in the authenticity of his pursuit.
Alan Jackson’s vocal style, known for its clear, traditional country tone and his unpretentious delivery, imbues “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” with a sense of authenticity and heartfelt conviction. He doesn’t need dramatic flourishes to convey the emotion; instead, he delivers the lyrics with a direct honesty that resonates deeply with listeners who understand the power of dreams and the determination required to chase them. The instrumentation, typically featuring a classic country arrangement with acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and fiddle, creates a warm and uncluttered sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s theme of hopeful ambition. The arrangement is simple and elegant, allowing Jackson’s voice and the sincere message of the lyrics to take center stage.
The enduring appeal of “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” lies in its universal theme of pursuing one’s dreams with passion and perseverance. While specifically set within the context of country music, the emotions and aspirations it conveys are relatable to anyone who has embarked on a challenging journey driven by a deep-seated belief in their potential. The song’s straightforward lyrics and Jackson’s sincere delivery struck a chord with audiences who appreciated a more authentic and relatable portrayal of ambition in country music.
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” is more than just an early hit for Alan Jackson; it’s a timeless anthem for dreamers and a poignant reflection on the hopeful beginnings of a remarkable career. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal power of ambition and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passions.
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Lyrics
Daddy won a radio, he tuned it to a country show
I was rocking in the cradle to the crying of a steel guitar
Mama used to sing to me
She taught me that sweet harmony
Now she worries ’cause she never thought I’d ever really take it this far
Singing in the bars and chasing that neon rainbow
Living that honky-tonk dream
‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and sing
Just trying to be somebody
Just wanna be heard and seen
I’m chasing that neon rainbow
Living that honky-tonk dream
An atlas and a coffee cup
Five pickers in an old Dodge truck
Heading down to Houston for a show on Saturday night
Well, his overhead is killing me, half the time I sing for free
When the crowd’s into it, lord it makes this thing I’m doing seem right
Standing in the spotlight and chasing that neon rainbow
I’m-a living that honky-tonk dream
‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and sing
Just trying to be somebody
Just wanna be heard and seen
I’m chasing that neon rainbow
Living that honky-tonk dream
Daddy’s got a radio
He won it 30 years ago
He said, “Son I just know we’re going to hear you singing on it some day”
Well, I made it up to Music Row
Lord, don’t the wheels turn slow?
Still, I wouldn’t trade a minute and I wouldn’t have it any other way
Just show me to the stage, I’m chasing that neon rainbow
I’m-a living that honky-tonk dream
‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and sing
Just trying to be somebody
Just wanna be heard and seen
I’m chasing that neon rainbow
Living that honky-tonk dream
Oh, I’m chasing that neon rainbow
Living that honky-tonk dream
