Marty Robbins – Put A Little Rainbow In Your Pocket: A Sun-Drenched Invitation to Carry Joy Through the Seasons of Life
For those of us who remember when the world felt a little wider and the pace of life a little slower, the music of Marty Robbins has always been a reliable compass. In 1966, amidst an era of profound cultural shifts, Marty released the album “The Drifter,” a collection that explored the wandering spirit of the American West. Tucked within this evocative journey was “Put A Little Rainbow In Your Pocket,” a track that offered a bright, optimistic counterpoint to the lonely trails of the “drifter” persona. While it didn’t chase the high-noon drama of his famous gunfighter ballads, its presence on an album that reached the top tiers of the Billboard Country charts provided a much-needed splash of color for listeners seeking a bit of light in a changing world.
To listen to this song today is to rediscover the simple, unadorned charm of the mid-sixties Nashville Sound. It evokes memories of Saturday mornings when the radio was the centerpiece of the home, and a song could make the chores feel lighter. Marty’s voice, as supple and warm as a summer breeze, delivers the lyrics with a playful sincerity that reminds us why he was so beloved. It is a song for the resilient—for those who have lived through enough rainy days to appreciate the value of keeping a bit of sunshine tucked away for a “cloudy afternoon.”
The Story Behind the Brightness
The history of “Put A Little Rainbow In Your Pocket” is a testament to Marty Robbins’ incredible range as an entertainer. Written by the seasoned songwriter Paddy Roberts, the song was originally recorded by British artists, but Marty gave it an unmistakable Western soul. Recorded at the Columbia Records studios in Nashville, the session captured a moment of pure, lighthearted creativity. At a time when many country artists were leaning into “hard country” or protest songs, Marty chose to record a piece of “musical medicine.” He understood that his audience—many of whom had lived through the hardships of the Depression and the War—needed a melody that celebrated the power of a positive spirit. The arrangement, featuring a gentle, galloping rhythm and a cheerful backing chorus, was designed to be hummed along to, creating a sense of community between the singer and the listener.
A Reflection on the Treasures of the Heart
The meaning of the song is a profound, yet simple, philosophy for aging gracefully. It suggests that happiness isn’t something we find at the end of a rainbow, but something we carry with us—a “pocket-sized” reserve of hope and good humor. For a reader who has navigated the long decades, the lyrics resonate with the wisdom of experience. We know that life will bring its share of storms, but Marty reminds us that we have the power to choose our internal weather. It is a song about the “wealth of the spirit”—the idea that a cheerful heart is a treasure that no one can take away.
As we revisit this track, it stirs a powerful, sweet nostalgia for the innocence of our younger years. It reminds us of the importance of a smile, the comfort of a catchy tune, and the dignity found in staying optimistic despite the challenges we face. Marty Robbins didn’t just sing a song; he gave us a small, musical souvenir to carry in our own pockets. “Put A Little Rainbow In Your Pocket” remains a timeless reminder that while we cannot control the clouds, we can always choose to carry the light. It is a song that tells us to keep our heads up, our hearts open, and our spirits bright, no matter how many miles are left on the trail.