About the song
“Over the Rainbow,” also known as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” is a timeless ballad penned by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg. This iconic song was created for the 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz*, where it was beautifully performed by Judy Garland in her role as Dorothy Gale. Garnering the Academy Award for Best Original Song, it swiftly became Garland’s signature piece, cherished for its poignant lyrics and emotive melody.
The song appears in a pivotal scene about five minutes into the film. Dorothy, disheartened after a conflict involving her beloved dog Toto and the stern Miss Gulch, seeks solace. Her aunt advises her to find a place where she won’t get into trouble, prompting Dorothy to embark on a solitary journey with Toto. As they ponder the existence of a trouble-free place, Dorothy muses aloud, “Someplace where there isn’t any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It’s not a place you can get to by a boat, or a train. It’s far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain,” before breaking into the enchanting melody of “Over the Rainbow.”
The creation of this beloved song was a collaborative effort between composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg. Harburg drew inspiration from a vision of a ballad for a troubled girl yearning to escape the dreariness of Kansas, while Arlen crafted a melody that perfectly captured the longing and hope expressed in Harburg’s lyrics. The song’s composition was somewhat serendipitous, with Arlen finding the melody unexpectedly during a leisurely drive with his wife.
Originally composed in A-flat major, “Over the Rainbow” features a distinctive bridge section inspired by a child’s piano exercise. In the film, the accompaniment included a renowned Stradivarius violin, adding a layer of richness and emotion to Garland’s heartfelt rendition.
Interestingly, the song has drawn comparisons to the theme of Pietro Mascagni’s opera *Guglielmo Ratcliff*, noted for its harmonic and melodic similarities. This connection highlights the universal appeal and musical depth of “Over the Rainbow,” which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending generations with its message of optimism and dreams.
In conclusion, “Over the Rainbow” remains a masterpiece of musical storytelling, encapsulating the yearning for a better place and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Its legacy is firmly entrenched in both cinematic history and the hearts of listeners, a testament to the enduring magic of its creators, Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, and the unforgettable voice of Judy Garland.
Video
Lyrics
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh, why can’t I?
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh, why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?