“Somewhere Over The Rainbow Song” is more than just a melody; it’s a cultural touchstone. Often hailed as a “perfect song”, it transcends generations, captivating listeners with its simple yet profound message of hope and longing. While perfection in art is subjective, the enduring appeal and critical acclaim of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” solidify its place as a truly exceptional piece of songwriting.
Indeed, the accolades speak for themselves. Topping the “Songs of the Century” list compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts, and crowned the greatest movie song of all time by the American Film Institute, “Over the Rainbow” holds a unique position in music history. This isn’t merely nostalgia; it’s a testament to the song’s inherent quality and its ability to resonate deeply across time and cultures.
Even today, decades after its creation in 1938 for the iconic film ‘The Wizard Of Oz’, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” remains instantly recognizable and beloved. Much of this enduring popularity is owed to Judy Garland’s definitive rendition. Garland’s vocal performance is often cited as unparalleled, imbuing the song with an emotional depth and sincerity that few have matched. Her voice, filled with youthful yearning and vulnerability, perfectly embodies the song’s core themes.
The brilliance of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” also lies in its masterful construction. Penned by the legendary songwriting duo of Harold Arlen (music) and E.Y. ‘Yip’ Harburg (lyrics) at the peak of their careers, the song exemplifies the classic 32-bar AABA form. This structure, a cornerstone of the ‘Great American Songbook’, provides a familiar and satisfying framework, allowing the melody and lyrics to shine. Despite its structural simplicity, the song achieves a remarkable emotional impact, a hallmark of the greatest American popular songs.
The melody itself is instantly captivating. The opening phrase, marked by the unforgettable octave leap on “Some – where,” immediately draws the listener in. From there, the melody unfolds with grace and beauty, each phrase building upon the last, creating a sense of emotional progression. It’s a melody that feels both simple and sophisticated, accessible yet deeply moving.
However, the true genius of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” arguably resides in its lyrics. It is the lyrical content that elevates the song from a pleasant tune to a deeply resonant anthem of hope. The lyrics, in their directness and simplicity, tap into universal human emotions: the yearning for something better, the belief in dreams, and the hope for a brighter future.
The song’s structure reinforces this lyrical power. In the AABA form, the melody remains consistent across the verses (A sections), placing emphasis on the evolving lyrics to carry the narrative and emotional weight. Harburg’s lyrics masterfully utilize this structure to express the central theme: the desire and conviction that a better world exists “over the rainbow.” Each verse builds upon this idea, painting a vivid picture of this idyllic place.
Let’s examine the verses to appreciate the lyrical craftsmanship:
Verse 1 (A Section):
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
These opening lines immediately establish the song’s dreamlike quality, evoking childhood innocence and the comfort of fantastical stories. The “land that I heard of once in a lullaby” suggests a deeply ingrained, almost primal yearning for a perfect world.
Verse 2 (A Section):
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
This verse expands on the initial idea, painting a more concrete picture of the promised land. “Skies are blue” is a simple yet powerful image of optimism and clarity. The line “And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true” is the heart of the song’s message – a direct and unwavering statement of hope.
Bridge (B Section):
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
The bridge offers a shift in perspective, moving from observation to personal desire. “Someday I’ll wish upon a star” is a classic expression of hope and aspiration. The imagery of “troubles melt like lemon drops” and “away above the chimney tops” is whimsical yet poignant, creating a sense of escape and childlike wonder.
Verse 3 (A Section):
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then oh why can’t I?
This final verse introduces a touch of melancholy and longing. Seeing bluebirds fly “over the rainbow” emphasizes the singer’s own limitations and intensifies the yearning to reach this idyllic place. The repeated question, “Why then oh why can’t I?” adds a layer of emotional depth and vulnerability.
Tag:
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why oh why can’t I?
The tag, a poignant addition to the classic AABA form, further amplifies the feeling of longing and unanswered questions. It leaves the listener with a lingering sense of yearning and a connection to the singer’s emotional journey.
The power of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow song” lies precisely in its straightforwardness. The lyrics are not complex or overly poetic, yet they achieve a profoundly poetic effect. They demonstrate that emotional depth can be conveyed through simplicity, and that plainspoken language can be incredibly expressive when paired with the right melody. The song avoids sentimentality by grounding its hope in a genuine and relatable yearning for something better.
Even as songwriting evolves and musical landscapes shift, the principles embodied in “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” remain timeless. It serves as a constant reminder of the power of simplicity, the effectiveness of clear emotional expression, and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted song that speaks directly to the human heart. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most profound messages are delivered with the simplest of words and melodies, making it, for many, the perfect song.
