Rainbow Tour

The song 'Rainbow Tour' from the musical 'Evita' captures the mixed reception of Eva Perón's European tour in the late 1940s. The lyrics, performed by various characters including Perón, Che, and aides, reflect the political and social complexities of the time. Eva, often referred to as Evita, was the First Lady of Argentina and a polarizing figure both at home and abroad. The song begins with Perón proudly announcing Evita's tour, symbolically sending 'the Rainbow of Argentina' to Europe, suggesting a message of hope and unity.

Che's commentary throughout the song provides a critical perspective, highlighting the superficial charm and underlying political motives of Evita's tour. In Spain, Evita is celebrated, filling a bull-ring with forty-five thousand spectators, and is seen as a valuable political ally. However, Che's sardonic remark about her being prettier than General Franco underscores the superficiality of her appeal. The chorus, sung by Perón and his aides, celebrates the tour's success, though it is tinged with uncertainty and doubt about its long-term impact.

The narrative takes a turn when the tour reaches Italy, where Evita's reception is less enthusiastic. The Italians, still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, are skeptical of Argentine glory and draw unfavorable comparisons between Perón and Mussolini. Evita's meeting with the Pope results in a mere rosary and kind words, far from the grand recognition she might have hoped for. Che's observations about Evita's waning interest and fatigue in France further illustrate the challenges she faces. The song concludes with a sense of ambiguity, as the aides and Che debate whether Evita's tour was truly successful, reflecting the complex legacy of her public image.