This hymn is especially appropriate for Affirming Ministries. The hymn draws on rainbow and rainbow-coloured imagery in the Bible, and the imagery of light which is composed of rainbow colors. The hymn suggests that Affirming Ministries have a badly needed  light which they can proudly share with the world.

This hymn has been published by the Hymn Society in the US and Canada in an online hymnary called "Songs for the Holy Other"; click here to access this resource. It is available on the Singing the Faith Plus website hosted by the Methodist Church in the UK; click here to see this resource which includes a commentary and worship suggestions. It is also available in "God Welcomes All", a new supplement published by the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) and at #30 in the 2025 United Church of Canada publication, Then Let Us Sing! 

NOTE: there is a typo in the TLUS version; the C/G chord in the verse should be a C/E.

The Convergence Music Project website states that "This beautiful contemporary hymn seems destined to be a powerful and joyful anthem for congregations committed to honoring the diversity, promise, and Extravagant Welcome that is at the heart of the Gospel. This song makes powerful use of the biblical symbol of the rainbow as a sign of God's sustaining Love and a call for the church to be a diverse people of the full range of Divine Love and Light. CMP is convinced that Canadian composer David Kai has hit a home run with this song, and that this song will be a joyful gift to open and affirming congregations in particular." 

To watch a video of the latest 2025 version of this hymn as found in Then Let Us Sing! click here.

To download an SATB arrangement of the 2025 version as found in Then Let Us Sing! click here.

To watch a video of the 2018 hymn version, click here.  An instrumental version suitable as a backing track can be found at this link. 

The hymn may be used without charge with your congregation. Please report any use to CCLI or One License.

To download the lyrics, click here. For USA lyrics, click here.

To download a lyrics and chords version, click here.

To download a ChordPro version, click here.

To download the newest 2 stave melody/accompaniment version, click here, This version has slightly less syncopation for ease of congregational singing.

To download the lead sheet, click here. For the USA version, click here.

To download the accompaniment version, click here. For the USA version, click here.

To download the SATB hymn version, click here. For the USA version, click here.

A SATB anthem version is also available. A $15 licensing fee allows you to copy the anthem for your church choir. 

To see a sample or to purchase the USA version of the anthem through Sheet Music Plus, click here.

To see a sample or to purchase the Canada/UK version of the anthem through Sheet Music Plus, click here.

Discounts may be available for Canadian customers: contact David Kai at davidwkai@gmail.com for details.

To see a sample of an octavo version of the anthem graciously prepared by David Jafelice, Music Director at Northlea United Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, click here. If you are interested in expert music engraving, please contact David at davidjafelice@gmail.com

Please report any congregational use to One License or CCLI.

To read more about the background of this hymn, click here.

Click here to listen to the 2018 version on Apple Music.

Click here to listen to the 2018 version on Spotify.

Click here to listen to the 2021 version on Apple Music.

Click here to listen to the 2021 version on Spotify.

Click here to listen to the 2023 version on Apple Music with updated lyrics.

Click here to listen to the 2023 version on Spotify with updated lyrics.

This song is also available on many other streaming sites.

WE ARE A RAINBOW    Words and music by David Kai

Chorus:

We are a rainbow, sign of covenant and peace,

For the flood of tears will finally cease to be,

Come shine your rainbow, splash your hues across the sky,

Paint the world in colours proud and bold and free.