Introduction
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” a foot-tapping anthem penned by Alan Jackson and Jim McBride, wasn’t just a song on Jackson’s debut album, Here in the Real World (1989), it was a declaration of dreams and the pursuit of country music stardom.
Released in September 1990 as the album’s fourth single, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” captured the hearts of aspiring singers and songwriters across America. The song’s vibrant title reflects the allure of Nashville’s music scene, a place where dreams shimmered like the neon lights lining Broadway.
Jackson, a native of Newnan, Georgia, wasn’t a stranger to chasing dreams. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a young man leaving behind the familiar comfort of home (“said goodbye to mama and daddy”) to chase his musical aspirations in the big city. It wasn’t always easy – “hungry guitar sayin’ it’s time to be fed” – but the determination to make it on the stage fueled his journey.
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” became an instant classic, resonating with anyone who dared to dream big. It wasn’t just about the glitz and glam of country music stardom; it was about the unwavering pursuit of passion, the challenges faced along the way, and the unwavering belief in the power of chasing that dream, no matter how distant it may seem.
So, as the opening chords of “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” ring out, get ready for a journey – a journey filled with hope, determination, and the unmistakable twang of a dream waiting to be realized.