Born on 28th January 1929 in Pensford, Somerset, christened Bernard Stanley Bilk, he has been one of the world's best known clarinettists since the late 1950s. His trademark goatee, bowler hat, and striped waistcoat are almost as recognisable as his breathy, vibrato-rich, middle-register clarinet style. Although playing mainly jazz in Dixieland and trad styles, he became famous for his 1961 hit "Stranger on the Shore", with which he became mainly associated in the public mind.
sadly this delightful man died 2nd November 2014, aged 85. Will be missed.
Over The Rainbow
Acker Bilk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a land that I've 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.
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds 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?
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've 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,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds 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?
Acker Bilk's song "Over the Rainbow" is a classic rendition of the iconic song from the movie "Wizard of Oz." The lyrics are crafted expertly to highlight the desire for an idyllic utopia, away from the mundanity of real life. The singer is dreaming of a land "somewhere over the rainbow," where the skies are blue and the dreams that one dares to dream really do come true. This dreamland is captured beautifully in the subsequent verses, where the singer describes the troubles melting like lemon drops, and where the happy bluebirds fly. The song's message is that anyone can achieve their dreams, and that hope can lead us to reach new horizons.
The song has been interpreted in many ways, including as a metaphor for the LGBTQ+ community, where the rainbow represents diversity and acceptance. Another interpretation is that the rainbow represents a path to spiritual enlightenment or a higher power. The song's message is one of hope and the desire to transcend the limits of our mundane existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There exists a faraway place above the sky, beyond our reach.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
This magical land appears only in dreams and songs.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this enchanted place, the sky is always bright and clear.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Your wildest and most daring dreams can actually materialize in this place.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
The dreamer desires to escape from the mundane and reach the magical land.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
The land is a carefree paradise, far from the stresses of everyday life.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
In this magical land, even the birds are of a lovely blue color.
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
The dreamer ponders why they cannot also reach this wonderful place.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
The dreamer is perplexed by the fact that even small, happy birds can reach the magical land, yet they themselves cannot.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LoveTheOConnor
Absolutely gorgeous, Jim!! Wonderful version by Acker Bilk.Your backgrounds, pictures and clips are all so perfect! Outstanding as always, my friend! Thanks for the day brightener! :)
Jymster46
I'm so glad you liked it, Heather! Your comments brightened my day, for sure! Thank You For That, my Friend! The movie is so special that I don't know what my childhood (or adulthood) would have been like without it. Thanks so much for watching! Jim
Jymster46
Many, many Thanks to You for the very nice response! I loved Mr. Bilks rendition the first time I heard it and it inspired me to put this together. The film and the song are timeless, in my opinion and works of art that will always be a touching reminder of youth and simpler times. Thank you so much for your great comments! Jim
Jymster46
You are very welcome, Les! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! When Ms. Garland sings it in the film, I get emotional. One of the most touching scenes in film history, in my opinion. Thanks so much for watching! Jim
Isrek1
Excellent video. Great number by Acker Bilk of "Stranger On The Shore" fame. The color, picture selection, and general ambience of the video fit the song and this version perfectly. Beautiful and worth listening on a rainy day. Thank you Sir.
Jymster46
You are very welcome. "Stranger On The Shore" is a masterpiece, for sure. Thank You so much for watching and commenting on this one. Jim
Jymster46
Oh, Thank You! I'm glad you noticed it! The lyrics of the song are magical, in my opinion. Jim
agustabell206
Nobody plays the clarinet so lovely like Mr. Ackerbilk. The sound of his instruments opens every heart
Jymster46
I agree. Gives me chills every time I hear this and "Stranger On The Shore". Thank you so much for your comment.
Jim
CIB67
05/16/12 ~ HEY JIM ~ I AGREE WITH HEATHER WHAT A GREAT INSTRUMENTAL OF THIS GREAT SONG ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES! ~ YOUR VIDEO IS ABSOLOTLY AWESOME! ~ YOU ARE A MASTER! ~ THANKS MUCH FOR SHARING THIS ONE ~ LES ~ COLLINGSWOOD, NJ ~