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Tess Elam

Professor Tyler

English Composition 1201

13 February 2021

The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me

“Rainbow Connection,” originally written in 1979 by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher

filled the hearts of people all around the country when they wrote “Rainbow Connection” to star

in the Muppet Show. Furthermore, it was intended to be a soul-searching moment for Kermit the

Frog (Jim Henson) while appealing to younger children. Although covered, remixed, and

collated by many, musician Willie Nelson released his own version of this breathtaking song

while delivering a similar deep meaning. “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog and

“Rainbow Connection” by Willie Nelson both manifest the beauty in having faith and following

people’s dreams while using pathos to appeal to their different audiences. Although Willie

Nelson uses the same aesthetic as “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog, his version

appeals to a larger audience.

The original song written by Williams and Kenneth was inspired by the iconic Muppet

Show and puppeteer Jim Henson. While writing many different songs that made appearances

in the Muppet Movie, “Rainbow Connection” brought whole new happiness to the show. The

listener is introduced to a world of questioning as Kermit begins with, “why are there so many

songs about rainbows and what's on the other side (Disney Movie, 0:18)?” This begins to hint

at the beauty of wonder as Kermit gazes at the sky above. As he continues to sit on a log in the

middle of a swamp, he uses many childish references to engage with the younger audience,

“all of us under its spell we know that it's probably magic (Disney Movie, 2:06).” This
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original song is meant to engage the younger audience into a land of fairytales, using rainbows

to reference the stronger beauty in the questions, even when the answer is unknown. To

continue, by using a puppet to perform this message it appeals to children and appears less

realistic. Kermit appeals to the younger audience through the use of pathos. Furthermore, the

various questions he sings to himself makes it seem he is soul-searching while still caring

what others may think.

In Willie Nelson’s performance of “Rainbow Connection,” he applies a more realistic

meaning behind the song while using different elements. To begin, the first minute of this

music video is videos from black and white into color. These vary from children, adults, and

nature with only a faint instrumental background. Nelson’s version appears more realistic, as a

result of his tone, age, and setting. The video consists of him sitting on a park bench, singing

to himself as the park community gathers around. To continue, Nelson as many know was in

his late sixties when he released this song making the tone of the song raspy. Furthermore,

connecting the fairy tale lyrics to Nelson’s tone makes the song appear more serious and

appeal to a wider audience. Additionally, his older age makes him more credible and can

attract a more diverse audience. Nelson uses pathos to appeal to people of all ages not only by

his similar soul-searching approach but his age and tone.

Kermit the Frog’s version of “Rainbow Connection” appeals to younger audiences and

has a vaguer main claim. Furthermore, Kermit wants the younger audience to see the beauty in

having faith and chasing your dreams. By his approachable, fairy tale appearance, this claim is

intended to influence children. Willie Nelson’s version of “Rainbow Connection” appeals to a

broader audience and gives a deeper meaning to the main claim. Furthermore, Nelson uses the

same lyrics but instills imagery, self appearance, and reputation to show the reality of the
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beauty of having faith and chasing your dreams. Nelson’s age makes the childish aspect of the

lyrics less apparent encouraging an experienced lifespan, using visual ways to make it more

realistic. By his older, less childish appearance he appeals to a larger audience.

The main claim of these two versions of the same song appears quite similar, although

Kermits appears less realistic. Kermit’s plot takes place in the middle of a swamp by himself

singing about chasing his dreams. He fails to mention hardships or life experiences related to

this making it harder for older audiences to relate to. Additionally, Kermit is a green frog

puppet which makes him less credible. Nelson sings this song alone but is in the center of a

community park accompanied by people all around. Not only does he sing the same lyrics but

uses the same rhythm. By the raspy tone of his worn voice and credible appearance, he appeals

to a wider audience. Further, he gives a realistic representation of an aged artist who has

experienced the beauty of faith and following his dreams. Willie Nelson’s version of

“Rainbow Connection” and Kermit the Frogs version of “Rainbow Connection” use the same

lyrics but different visual elements to approach different audiences.

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Works Cited

Henson, Jim (Kermit the Frog). “Rainbow Connection.” Disney Movies. Youtube. 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEnC5gwNAN0. Accessed 14 February 2021.

Nelson, Willie. “Rainbow Connection.” Willie Nelson. Youtube. 2009.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deebKNI-dTE. Accessed 14 February 2021.