Introduction:
Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow, a classic country song released in 1990 by the iconic country music artist Alan Jackson, is a powerful anthem that captures the allure and ambition of pursuing a dream in the world of country music. While not on his debut album, it was featured on Jackson’s sophomore studio album, Here in the Real World, which solidified his place as a rising star following the success of his first record.
The song, co-produced by Jackson himself alongside Keith Stegall, tells the story of a small-town dreamer with a burning desire to trade in his ordinary life for the bright lights and big crowds of Nashville. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this yearning, using evocative imagery and relatable emotions that resonate with anyone who has ever felt a calling beyond their current circumstances. Jackson’s characteristic vocals deliver the heartfelt message with a sincerity that connects deeply with listeners.
Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, being held off the top spot by another country legend, George Strait. It also climbed to number five on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. This widespread acclaim not only propelled Jackson’s career further but also helped solidify the song’s place as a country music staple.
Beyond the critical praise and chart success, Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow continues to resonate with fans because it speaks to a universal human experience. The yearning for a better life, the pursuit of a dream, and the hope for success are all relatable themes that transcend genre and generation. This enduring connection with listeners ensures that Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow will remain a beloved country song for years to come.
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Lyrics:
Daddy won a radio, he tuned it to a country showI was rocking in the cradle to the crying of a steel guitarMama used to sing to meShe taught me that sweet harmonyNow she worries ’cause she never thought I’d ever really take it this farSinging in the bars and chasing that neon rainbowLiving that honky-tonk dream‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and singJust trying to be somebodyJust wanna be heard and seenI’m chasing that neon rainbowLiving that honky-tonk dreamAn atlas and a coffee cupFive pickers in an old Dodge truckHeading down to Houston for a show on Saturday nightWell, his overhead is killing me, half the time I sing for freeWhen the crowd’s into it, lord it makes this thing I’m doing seem rightStanding in the spotlight and chasing that neon rainbowI’m-a living that honky-tonk dream‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and singJust trying to be somebodyJust wanna be heard and seenI’m chasing that neon rainbowLiving that honky-tonk dreamDaddy’s got a radioHe won it 30 years agoHe said, “Son I just know we’re going to hear you singing on it some day”Well, I made it up to Music RowLord, don’t the wheels turn slow?Still, I wouldn’t trade a minute and I wouldn’t have it any other wayJust show me to the stage, I’m chasing that neon rainbowI’m-a living that honky-tonk dream‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted is to pick this guitar and singJust trying to be somebodyJust wanna be heard and seenI’m chasing that neon rainbowLiving that honky-tonk dreamOh, I’m chasing that neon rainbowLiving that honky-tonk dream