At The Rainbow’s End

Bob Nolan
Original copyright: March 16, 1936

I’ve traveled this whole world over and now
I’m going down to the rainbow’s end.
From twilight till dawn a-trudgin’ on and on
Till I come to the rainbow’s end.

I’m weary and tired but I don’t care,
I’m going down to the rainbow’s end.
I have no friends, no home, just a travelin’ alone
On my way to the rainbow’s end.

They say there are treasures of silver and gold
That’s buried down by the rainbow’s end.
But the treasure I’ll find will bring me real peace of mind
When I come to the rainbow’s end.

For someone has waited there all alone
So I will know, at the rainbow’s end,
How it feels to be pressed to an angel’s breast
When we meet at the rainbow’s end.

"At the Rainbow's End" is one of Bob Nolan's most lyrically beautiful compositions and has been recorded several times by the Sons of the Pioneers. In 1934 they recorded it for the Standard Radio transcriptions, and then in 1937 for ARC (American Record Company). For some reason, they didn't choose to include it in their Orthacoustic Symphonies of the Sage transcriptions.

Other entertainers such as Rex Allen and Ken Curtis have recorded beautiful renditions. In 1966, the Sons of the Pioneers recorded it once more for RCA this time featuring Dale Warren. The song was first registered for copyright on March 16, 1936.

The sheet music was included in The Sons of the Pioneers Song Folio No. 1, 1936, CROSS & WINGE. The lyrics are also found in Bob’s repertoire box.
At the Rainbow’s End (American Music, Inc.)
Typed copy of the lyrics from Bob Nolan’s repertoire box

SONS OF THE PIONEERS COMMERCIAL RECORDINGS

Single, side B: Vocalion 04328/LA 1550 (1937)

Single, side B: OKey 04328/LA 1550 (1940)

Sons of the Pioneers Sing Songs of Bob Nolan RCA Victor LPM/LSP-3554 (1966)

SONS OF THE PIONEERS TRANSCRIPTION RECORDINGS

Sons of the Pioneers: Standard Radio transcriptions 08, No. 1692 (1934)

Sons of the Pioneers NBC Thesaurus side B G7-MM-9551-H (1981)

Lucky U Programs (courtesy of Larry Hopper):
- TR 206/207 (January 22, 1952)
- TR 385/386 (May 27, 1952)
- TR 447/448 (July 16, 1952)
- TR 567/568 (November 18, 1952)