Kris Kristofferson – What Really Happened With That Apple Pie and the Rainbow?

Kris Kristofferson and “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” – A Simple Story with Profound Meaning

There are country songs that entertain, and then there are those that leave a mark on your soul. “Here Comes That Rainbow Again” by Kris Kristofferson belongs to the latter. It’s not just a song—it’s a story, a moral, and a reminder of humanity’s quiet acts of kindness.

Originally released in 1981 as part of the album To the Bone, this song was inspired by a scene in John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath. It captures a small but touching moment: two hungry children enter a diner and ask if they can get some apple pie for a few cents. The waitress starts to say no—rules are rules—but in a fleeting decision of empathy, she and the truck drivers silently offer kindness without fanfare.

On the surface, it’s a simple anecdote. But Kristofferson’s choice to tell this story through song becomes a powerful metaphor for compassion during hard times. The “rainbow” that arrives at the end is more than just a post-storm visual—it’s a symbol of hope, of decency, and of the unexpected beauty that can emerge from everyday acts of goodwill.

Musically, the song is bare and slow-paced, a deliberate choice that draws the listener’s focus to the lyrics. Kris’s gravelly, understated delivery makes it feel less like a performance and more like a friend quietly telling you something that matters. It’s storytelling at its finest, stripped of polish, rich in emotion.

What makes this song stand out is its moral resonance. In a world often obsessed with big gestures and spectacle, Kristofferson reminds us that true humanity lies in the small choices: the quiet generosity, the decision to care even when nobody’s watching.

“Here Comes That Rainbow Again” has been covered by greats like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, further testament to its timeless relevance. Each rendition reinforces the same core message: kindness, no matter how small, can change everything.

Kristofferson doesn’t preach. He doesn’t dramatize. Instead, he lets a modest story unfold, trusting that listeners will hear the deeper truths. And they do. For many, this song serves as a gentle wake-up call to look for those “rainbows” in their own lives—not in grand events, but in the quiet corners of everyday interactions.

As you revisit or perhaps discover this song for the first time, take a moment to truly listen—not just with your ears, but with your heart. Because behind the modest chords and plain-spoken words lies a wisdom that is as relevant today as it was four decades ago.