About the song
Released in 1967 as part of The Rolling Stones’ *album Their Satanic Majesties Request, “She’s A Rainbow” stands out as one of the band’s most unique and experimental tracks. Known for its vibrant mix of rock, psychedelia, and baroque pop, the song represents a departure from the more straightforward rock sound that The Rolling Stones had been known for up to that point. Amidst the cultural upheaval and experimentation of the late 1960s, “She’s A Rainbow” captures the kaleidoscopic nature of the era with its lush orchestration, vibrant imagery, and a sense of lightness that contrasts with the darker, edgier side of the band’s typical work.
Musically, “She’s A Rainbow” is often praised for its rich, textured arrangement, which features prominent piano, strings, and a prominent, layered production that invokes the feeling of a musical landscape. The track opens with a striking piano part, played by Nicky Hopkins, and continues with the kind of lush orchestral arrangements that were so in vogue during the psychedelic period of the late 1960s. Mick Jagger’s vocal delivery is softer and more melodic than many of the band’s other songs, contributing to the dreamy, almost whimsical quality of the track. The string section, combined with the vibrant keyboard, creates a sense of color and movement, bringing the lyrics’ imagery to life.
Lyrically, “She’s A Rainbow” is an ode to a woman who is depicted as an embodiment of beauty, vibrancy, and diversity. The song uses a series of vivid, colorful images—”She comes in colors everywhere / She combs her hair / She’s like a rainbow”—to paint a picture of a woman whose presence is as striking and varied as the colors of the rainbow. The imagery invokes a sense of admiration for the subject’s uniqueness, hinting at the 1960s counterculture’s celebration of individuality, freedom, and love. The song’s lyrical simplicity, paired with its colorful musical backdrop, creates a sense of both innocence and awe.
From a societal perspective, “She’s A Rainbow” is a reflection of the optimism and experimental spirit of the late 1960s, a time when the boundaries of music and art were being pushed in new directions. The Rolling Stones were known for their provocative and rebellious spirit, but on this track, they took on a more whimsical and artistic approach. The song fits well within the broader context of the Satanic Majesties Request album, which was a deliberate response to the rise of psychedelic rock and the band’s desire to experiment with new sounds. The album itself was both a commercial and critical departure from their previous work, influenced by the cultural shifts of the time, including the expanding use of psychedelics and the desire for artistic exploration.
Despite not being released as a single, “She’s A Rainbow” became a favorite among fans and has remained a standout track in the Rolling Stones’ discography. The song has endured as one of the band’s most beloved pieces, often appreciated for its ethereal, almost magical atmosphere. Its playful, colorful nature set it apart from the band’s darker, more rebellious anthems, giving it a timeless quality that resonates with listeners of all ages. In later years, the song was embraced as an example of the band’s versatility and willingness to venture outside the conventions of rock.
In conclusion, “She’s A Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones is a stunning example of the band’s ability to experiment with new sounds and styles while still maintaining their core identity. Released in 1967 as part of Their Satanic Majesties Request, the song captures the psychedelic spirit of the time with its lush orchestration, vivid lyrics, and whimsical energy. While it may not have been a major commercial hit, “She’s A Rainbow” has become a beloved part of The Rolling Stones’ legacy, representing both their artistic growth and their ability to tap into the colorful, experimental spirit of the 1960s. Through its musical innovation and vivid imagery, the track continues to stand out as a timeless and enchanting piece in the band’s catalog.
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Lyrics
She comes in colors ev’rywhereShe combs her hairShe’s like a rainbowComing, colors in the airOh, everywhereShe comes in colorsShe comes in colors ev’rywhereShe combs her hairShe’s like a rainbowComing, colors in the airOh, everywhereShe comes in colorsHave you seen her dressed in blue?See the sky in front of youAnd her face is like a sailSpeck of white so fair and paleHave you seen a lady fairer?She comes in colors ev’rywhereShe combs her hairShe’s like a rainbowComing, colors in the airOh, everywhereShe comes in colorsHave you seen her all in gold?Like a queen in days of oldShe shoots colors all aroundLike a sunset going downHave you seen a lady fairer?She comes in colors ev’rywhereShe combs her hairShe’s like a rainbowComing, colors in the airOh, everywhereShe comes in colorsShe’s like a rainbowComing, colors in the airOh, everywhereShe comes in colors