Somewhere over the Rainbow
Over the Rainbow
In 1956, our family snuggled together to watch the debut of the Wizard of Oz on TV. It is estimated that 45 million others turned their channel to CBS to see the movie for the first time. The movie was released in theaters 1939 but had never been shown on TV. Those who watched in 1956 only saw it in black and white and many did not see it in color until they were adults.
The song "Over the Rainbow" was almost cut from the movie, The studio was concerned that it slowed the momentum too early in the movie. Thank goodness they didn't. An entire generation who watched the movie that night, fell in love with the song. It became the anthem for all young adults who wished that they could be somewhere else, a place where they were appreciated. The song is no less powerful today for any one who is longing for a happy, trouble-free world. If it has bluebirds and rainbows, so much the better.
Judy Garland - Song from the movie
Why, Oh why can't I?
Lyrics from "Over the Rainbow"
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?
The book and the movie
L Frank Baun wrote this book in 1900. For several years librarians banned this book as being unqualified as important juvenile literature.
Meet the creators of "Over the Rainbow" - Official Websites
- Poet and lyricist for Over the Rainbow - E. Y. Harburg
In a career spanning over fifty years, E. Y. "Yip" Harburg (1896-1981), lyricist and poet, a self-styled "fellow who followed a dream," wrote the words to over 600 songs, including all of the lyrics in the 1939 motion picture classic The Wizard of Oz - Composer for "Over the Rainbow" - Harold Arlen
HAROLD ARLEN (Born Hyman Arluck) February 15, 1905 - April 23, 1986 His music is everywhere! You have probably heard, and maybe even hummed, a Harold Arlen song today and didn't even know it! Though he is most noted for composing the songs for the f
I wonder how many people have wanted to fly over the rainbow?
Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
This is a great version of the song and at the end are scenes of scattering his ashes in the sea. Although he only lived to 38, he gained much recognition for his talent as a performer. This version is well worth a listen.
"IZ"
Celtic Women - Over the Rainbow
Do you want to fly over the rainbow?
When I was little, The Wizard of Oz was the ONLY television event for which we were always allowed to stay up late :) Plenty of oh-so-wonderful memories wrapped up in a great movie! I love it that you mention the Brother Iz cover of this song, as well... one of my all-time favorite covers by an artist we lost too soon.
I love Somewhere Over The Rainbow and sure enjoyed this visit.
I love Israel's version.
My sister chose Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole 's recording of Somewhere Over the Rainbow to have at her husband's funeral. Very touching.
Nice Lens, it was an amazing film. Great Videos.
Ah, this brings back such nice memories.
*blessed*;)
When I was a child, The Wizard of Oz was aired on TV once a year (spring). I didn't see it in color until I was an adult. When my kids were little we bought a VHS tape of it. They loved it as much as I did.
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