As the classic film The Wizard of Oz recently marked its 82nd anniversary, the iconic song “Over the Rainbow” resonates more deeply than ever. This beloved tune, a cornerstone of American musical history, invites us on a magical journey to explore its origins, its profound impact, and its enduring message for generations.
The Genesis of a Timeless Classic: Arlen and Harburg’s Masterpiece
The task of crafting the music and lyrics for “Over the Rainbow” fell to the talented duo of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Both artists, hailing from Jewish backgrounds, brought their personal experiences of longing and aspiration to the song. Harburg himself described their shared vision as striving for a “rainbow world” within their music, a world representing hope and a brighter future. He poignantly stated, “We worked for in our songs a sort of better world, a rainbow world. Now, my generation unfortunately never succeeded in making that rainbow world, so we can’t hand it down to you. But we could hand down our songs, which still hang on to hope and laughter… in times of confusion.”
Interestingly, the melody for this legendary song came to Arlen spontaneously during a drive with his wife on Sunset Boulevard. Despite Harburg initially considering the melody too grand for the film’s context, he penned the evocative lyrics. Unbelievably, “Over the Rainbow” faced repeated hurdles, being cut from The Wizard of Oz not once, but three times by MGM executives. They deemed the song too mature for young Dorothy and feared it would impede the film’s pacing. It’s almost unimaginable to consider a world without this song, but thankfully, Judy Garland’s heartfelt performance and powerful interpretation ultimately saved it. “Over the Rainbow” went on to win an Academy Award, and decades later, in 2001, it was declared the number one song of the 20th century by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts, solidifying its place in music history.
When all the world is a hopeless jumble
And the raindrops tumble all around,
Heaven opens a magic lane.
When all the clouds darken up the skyway
There’s a rainbow highway to be found,
Leading from your window pane
To a place behind the sun,
Just a step beyond the rain.
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?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,
Why, oh why can’t I?
Over the Rainbow, music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, 1939
Judy Garland’s Iconic Performance and Universal Themes of Escapism and Hope
Judy Garland’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is more than just a song performance; it’s an emotional embodiment of longing and hope. The song’s central theme revolves around escapism – the desire to transcend current hardships and journey to a place brimming with opportunity, where “dreams that you dare to dream” materialize. This yearning for something better, delivered with Garland’s poignant vocals, is what has resonated deeply with audiences across generations since the film’s 1939 release. While countless artists have covered this classic, “Over the Rainbow” remains inextricably linked to Judy Garland. She herself understood the song’s profound impact, stating, “The song has become a part of my life. It is symbolic of everybody’s dream and that’s why people get tears in their eyes when they hear it.”
A Personal Connection to “Over the Rainbow”: Finding Deeper Meaning in Loss and Remembrance
In a deeply personal reflection, the song took on a new significance during a challenging time. Upon learning of a grandmother’s hospitalization, “Over the Rainbow” emerged as a source of solace and comfort. This grandmother, affectionately considered the “Dorothy” in their life, had always embodied the spirit of home and belonging, even receiving Dorothy-themed gifts in recent years.
Through this experience, a deeper interpretation of “Over the Rainbow” surfaced – a vision of returning to a Heavenly Home, a serene realm “behind the sun” and “beyond the rain,” where “clouds are far behind” and “troubles melt like lemon drops.” This place is envisioned as free from pain and struggle, filled with endless blue skies and birds in flight. A recent recording of the song became a healing tribute, fostering a sense of connection to the grandmother’s enduring positivity and resilience. Since her passing, rainbows have appeared, serving as gentle reminders of her continued presence and love. The song’s comfort deepened, transcending the initial joy of childhood viewings of The Wizard of Oz.
The Enduring Legacy of Hope: “Over the Rainbow” in Times of Confusion
Revisiting the film recently brought forth a wave of emotion during Judy Garland’s performance, a new experience imbued with both grief and the comforting knowledge of a loved one finding peace. This personal journey highlights a powerful realization: hope in an eternal home can bolster optimism even amidst life’s uncertainties. Perhaps those who have passed are not truly distant, but instead act as guiding pillars, offering strength during stormy times and revealing rainbows as assurances of brighter days and dreams still attainable.
Embracing this hope allows us to shine as beacons of joy for others. If “Over the Rainbow” holds a special meaning for you too, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
