Somewhere 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.

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?

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.