Over the Rainbow

Judy Garland

About Over the Rainbow

"Over the Rainbow" is a ballad composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg. It was written for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and was sung by actress Judy Garland in her starring role as Dorothy Gale. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature song. About five minutes into the film, Dorothy sings the song after failing to get Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and the farm hands to listen to her story of an unpleasant incident involving her dog, Toto, and the town spinster, Miss Gulch (Margaret Hamilton). Aunt Em tells her to "find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble". This prompts her to walk off by herself, musing to Toto, "Some place 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...", at which point she begins singing. 


Year:
1996
2:49
53 
#1

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Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've 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,
Way above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds 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?

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Judy Garland

Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969) was an American actress, singer and vaudevillian. Described by Fred Astaire as "the greatest entertainer who ever lived" and renowned for her contralto voice, she attained international stardom throughout a career that spanned more than 40 years as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage. Respected for her versatility, she received a Juvenile Academy Award and won a Golden Globe Award as well as Grammy Awards and a Special Tony Award. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the remake of A Star is Born and for the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg. She remains t… more »

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Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin and Inspiration
"Over the Rainbow" was written by Harold Arlen and EY "Yip" Harburg in 1938 for the iconic movie The Wizard of Oz. Harburg was reportedly inspired by a photograph of a rainbow piercing through dark clouds.
National Recognition
In 2001, "Over the Rainbow" was voted the top song of the 20th century in a poll by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Oscar Winner
The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1940. The Oscar was collected by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg.
Signature Song
It became Judy Garland's signature song. Garland performed the song for 30 years after it first appeared in The Wizard of Oz.
Rescue from Cutting Room Floor
"Over the Rainbow" was nearly cut from The Wizard of Oz because it was thought to slow down the film's pace. A second reprise of the song was indeed cut from the final production but the song itself fortunately made it.
Cultural Significance
"Over the Rainbow" has transcended its original context and is seen as an anthem of the 20th century, often linked with the LGBT community symbolizing the hopeful longing for a world where one can freely express their identity.
Later Interpretations
Many artists have covered the song since its creation, including Eva Cassidy and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, who merged it with Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World'. Kamakawiwo'ole's version became so popular that it has often been confused as the original.
UNESCO Recognition
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole’s version of "Over the Rainbow" was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in the United States in 2017, signifying its cultural, historical, or artistic significance.
Famous Performance
Judy Garland performed "Over the Rainbow" for servicemen as part of the Hollywood Canteen during World War II.
Judy's Last Performance
Judy Garland's last performance of "Over the Rainbow" was on a Copenhagen TV show less than a month before she died in 1969.

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