A melancholy lament about dreams that don’t come true, 1918.
words by Joseph McCarthy
music by Harry Carroll
The haunting melody which is used for the chorus theme is found in Frederic Chopin’s 1834 Fantaisie-Impromptu, middle section. Otherwise this song is quite different in character. The lyrics in this lament seem to have inspired the song “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” about a year later. It gives a reality check concerning dreams, reminding us that we are not all equally successful in our pursuits.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment track:
Lyrics
At the end of the rainbow there’s happiness
And to find it how often I’ve tried
But my life is a race, just a wild goose chase
And my dreams have all been denied
Why have I always been a failure
What can the reason be?
I wonder if the world’s to blame
I wonder if it could be me?
Chorus
I’m always chasing rainbows, watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams, ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometime
I never even make a gain, believe me
I’m always chasing rainbows
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
Sung here by Fred Feild: