Recently, a controversy arose at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where a few first graders were banned from singing Miley Cyrus’ song “Rainbowland” at their school’s concert. The school’s board believed that the song had a political association with LGBTQ+ rights and removed it from the setlist along with “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog.
In this article, you will discover the true Rainbowland lyrics meaning with our in-depth analysis of Miley Cyrus’ hit song featuring Dolly Parton, and learn about the message behind the lyrics. Find out why it was banned and what the controversy was all about. Get all the insights you need on Rainbowland’s deeper meaning here.
Rainbowland song
“Rainbowland” was released on September 29, 2017, and is the third track on Miley Cyrus‘ sixth studio album, “Younger Now.” The song features Dolly Parton, who is Cyrus’ godmother and an accomplished singer and songwriter in her own right.
While Cyrus has mentioned that the song was inspired by the colorful walls of her recording studio, Parton has described it as a message of “hope and positivity in dark times.” Speaking to Taste of Country Nights, she said, “It’s really about if we could love one another a little better or be a little kinder, be a little sweeter, we could live in Rainbowland. It’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better. It’s a good song for the times right now.”
The decision to ban the song at Heyer Elementary School highlights the ongoing debate over the role of music and the arts in schools, as well as the perceived political undertones of certain songs. However, it’s important to note that the song’s message of diversity and unity is a valuable lesson that could benefit young children, and its removal from the setlist could be seen as a missed opportunity to promote these values.
Rainbowland lyrics
[Dolly Parton:]
Hey, Miley
It’s me, I’m in Nashville
I’m on my way to Dollywood, busy as you are
Can’t get enough stuff to do, can’t
But anyway, I’m excited about singing with you
So I’m just gonna turn my CD player on with you singing
I’m gon’ put this on a cassette
Sing along with it, and then I’ll run you off a CD later
Oh, I’m so high tech
I got a flip phone too
But anyhow, see what you think
And mmm, here I go
Come on
[Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton:]
Livin’ in a rainbowland
Where everything goes as planned and I smile
‘Cause I know if we tried, we could really make a difference in this world
I won’t give up or sleep a wink
It’s the only thought I think
You know where I stand
I believe we can start livin’ in a rainbowland
Livin’ in a rainbowland
Where you and I go hand in hand
Oh, I’d be lyin’ (I’d be lyin’), if I said this was fine
All the hurt and the hate going on here (hate going on here)
We are rainbows, me and you
Every color, every hue
Let’s shine through
Together we can start livin’ in a rainbowland
Living in a rainbowland
Where skies are blue and things are grand
Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to live in paradise
Where we’re free to be exactly who we are
Let’s all dig down deep inside
Brush the judgement and fear aside
Make wrong things right (all things right), and end the fight
‘Cause I promise ain’t nobody gonna win
(C’mon)
Livin’ in a rainbowland
Where you and I go hand in hand
Oh, I’d be lyin’ (I’d be lyin’), if I said this was fine
All the hurt and the hate going on here (hate going on here)
We are rainbows, me and you
Every color, every hue
Let’s shine through
Together we can start livin’ in a rainbowland
Livin’ in a rainbowland
Where you and I go hand in hand together (let’s do it together)
Change things forever (forever)
I know there’s got to be a greener plan
We are rainbows, me and you
Every color, every hue
Let’s shine through (shine my head)
Together we can start livin’ in a rainbowland
[Dolly Parton:]
Hey, Miley
Look, I know it sounds scrambled when I’m singing it with you
But [?] do a little bit better
At least, I may not get it all the way through
‘Cause I’m not sure of the structure without you
But I think this could work well, don’t you?
If not, like I said
I’ll write that love song for you
You probably wrote it about some boy you loved, didn’t you?
Well…
Lyrics meaning
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton’s “Rainbowland” is a vibrant and optimistic song that encourages listeners to look beyond the divisiveness of the world and embrace diversity. The song starts with a conversation between the two singers, where Dolly expresses her excitement about singing with Miley and how she plans to practice using a CD and a cassette player. The playful banter sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is all about the power of positivity and unity.
The chorus, “Livin’ in a rainbowland, where everything goes as planned and I smile,” sets the tone for the song’s message. It’s a place where people of all colors and creeds can come together and celebrate their differences. Miley and Dolly invite us to join them in this place where everything is possible, and anything can happen.
Throughout the song, Miley and Dolly emphasize that there is too much hate and hurt in the world. They encourage listeners to brush aside their judgments and fears and work towards making the wrong things right. They believe that by joining hands and shining their individual colors, they can create a world where everyone is free to be who they truly are.
“Rainbowland” is a call to action. Miley and Dolly want their listeners to be agents of change, to end the fighting and start building a better future. They believe that together, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, and where every voice is heard. It’s a powerful message, and one that feels particularly relevant in today’s divisive climate.
The song’s upbeat tempo, combined with the powerful message of hope and unity, makes it an instant classic. Miley and Dolly’s voices blend seamlessly, and their chemistry is palpable. It’s clear that they both deeply believe in the song’s message, and their passion is infectious.
Meanwhile, it is possible that the song may have been controversial or faced criticism for its message of diversity and unity. It’s important to note that songs can be interpreted and received differently by different people and communities, and there may be instances where certain groups or individuals take issue with a particular message or theme in a song.
Rainbowland meaning
Rainbowland can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context and perspective of the person using the term. Generally, Rainbowland can be understood as a mythical or imaginary place where all races, genders, and sexual orientations coexist in harmony and equality, without any form of discrimination or prejudice.
Some people use Rainbowland as a metaphor for a society or community that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where people can be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution. In this sense, Rainbowland represents an ideal world where differences are respected and embraced, and everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
However, it is essential to note that the concept of Rainbowland can also be criticized for being overly utopian and unrealistic. In reality, discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, and sexual orientation are still prevalent in many parts of the world, and achieving true equality and inclusion remains a challenging goal.
Moreover, some people might argue that using the term Rainbowland can oversimplify the complex issues related to diversity and inclusion. For instance, it could be argued that focusing solely on promoting diversity without addressing systemic inequalities and power imbalances may not be enough to achieve real change.
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Remarks
Without taking any negative vibe from the song, “Rainbowland” is a beautiful and powerful song about the power of unity and diversity. Miley and Dolly’s message is clear: we can create a better world if we come together, embrace our differences, and work towards a brighter future. It’s a message that we can all learn from and one that we need now more than ever.
While Rainbowland can be a useful metaphor for imagining a more inclusive and equitable world, it is essential to recognize that achieving this goal requires continuous effort and critical reflection on the systemic issues that contribute to discrimination and inequality.