Celebrating over eight decades since The Wizard of Oz premiered on August 25th, the iconic song “Over the Rainbow” continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. This exploration delves into the history of this beloved rainbow song, its creators, and its lasting impact across generations, solidifying its place as a timeless anthem of hope and dreams.
Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, the talented duo behind the music and lyrics of “Over the Rainbow,” infused their own backgrounds and aspirations into this masterpiece. Coming from Jewish households, both songwriters understood the concept of yearning for a better world, what Harburg described as a “rainbow world.” He once reflected on their shared vision:
“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.”
The captivating melody of this famous rainbow song was conceived by Arlen during a drive along Sunset Boulevard. Initially, Harburg considered the tune too grand for the film’s context. Nevertheless, he penned the lyrics, and together, they presented “Over the Rainbow” to MGM. Surprisingly, the song faced rejection not once, but thrice. Studio executives deemed it too sophisticated for Dorothy and feared it would impede the film’s pacing. It’s almost unimaginable to consider a world without this song, yet it was nearly lost. Fortunately, Judy Garland’s compelling performance and heartfelt interpretation proved crucial in saving “Over the Rainbow” and ensuring its place in cinematic and musical history.
This remarkable song not only survived but thrived, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Further cementing its legacy, in 2001, the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts honored “Over the Rainbow” as the number one song of the 20th century, recognizing its profound cultural significance and enduring appeal.
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 rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is more than just a performance; it’s an emotional experience that resonates deeply with listeners. A primary theme explored within this rainbow song is escapism – the desire to transcend current realities and journey towards a realm brimming with opportunity, where “dreams that you dare to dream” materialize. Garland’s delivery encapsulates both a profound longing and an unwavering sense of hope. This duality is key to the song’s universal relatability, captivating audiences across generations since its debut in 1939. Despite countless covers spanning eight decades, “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.”
This iconic rainbow song evokes a sense of yearning for something more, a better place, a brighter future. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hopeful destination “over the rainbow,” a place free from earthly troubles and filled with the promise of dreams fulfilled. This resonates universally with the human desire for hope and happiness, particularly during challenging times.
Beyond escapism and hope, “Over the Rainbow” can also be interpreted on a deeper, spiritual level. The “land that I heard of once in a lullaby,” “behind the sun,” and “beyond the rain” can be seen as metaphors for a heavenly home, a place of ultimate peace and joy. In this interpretation, the rainbow becomes a symbol of divine promise and comfort, assuring us of a better place beyond our earthly struggles. This adds another layer of meaning to the rainbow song, offering solace and hope in times of grief and loss.
In conclusion, “Over the Rainbow” is far more than just a song from a beloved movie. It is a cultural touchstone, a timeless ballad that speaks to the universal human longing for hope, dreams, and a better world. Its enduring magic lies in its ability to evoke profound emotions and offer comfort, reminding us that even when “the world is a hopeless jumble,” the promise of a “rainbow highway” and a brighter future remains. This rainbow song continues to inspire and uplift, solidifying its place as one of the most cherished songs of all time.
