Over the Rainbow
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
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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?
The lyrics to "Over the Rainbow" by Aretha Franklin describe the yearning for a better life, one that is beyond the current circumstances. The song has an ethereal quality to it, with a sense of longing and hope. The opening lines "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby" suggest that the place where our dreams come true is elusive but not impossible to reach. The lullaby reference creates a sense of nostalgia and innocence, invoking a time when the world was filled with possibilities and magic.
As the song progresses, the lyrics take on a more personal note, focusing on the singer's aspirations. When she sings "Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me," it's a clear reference to the hope of attaining one's wildest dreams. The comparison of troubles with lemon drops and a world where happy bluebirds fly over the rainbow showcases the sheer contrast between our mundane lives and the place where dreams come true.
At its core, the song is a message of hope and reminds us that, though the world can be dark and unsettling, there's always a light somewhere that we can follow. It encourages us to never give up on our dreams and to always strive towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Far away in the sky, there is a magical place.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby
The place is known to us from stories we heard.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In that distant land, the sky is always blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
The dreams one has in that magical place become a reality.
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
One day, by making a wish upon a star, we could escape from all our troubles to this heavenly land.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Colorful birds soar high in the skies of that magical place.
Birds fly over the rainbow
The birds fly a path over the rainbow to reach this land.
Why then, oh why can't I?
One wonders why they cannot also reach that place, just like the birds.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
Seeing that the happy little birds can reach the magical land, we ponder why we can't do the same.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt Turn
Aretha's Columbia Years were not a waste. She made some of the most beautiful music. Her Columbia Years shows that she could sing anything that was given to her. She was just a gifted and anointed singer. God truly blessed her with the gift of singing. Thank God she shared her gift with the world. I know now that she's singing with the saints in heaven. Amen!
Mark Wood
I'm really looking forward to the movie and series coming up about her.
Dion
@Mark Wood the movie will not mention columbia, or indeed the jazz stuff , i guarantee you. i am not a massive fan of jhud. i just hope she does Ree justice!
Crystal Parks
Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!! ❤❤❤
Crystal Parks
I am feeling this rendition in my soul!! Jesus…♥️♥️♥️♥️
Nicole Clinkscales
This might be my newest favorite version of my all time favorite song!! Aretha this is beautiful!
Leslie Throckmorton
No words can define her voice singing this to me simply perfection
Stephanie Jeannot
Just like a serious lullaby. Beautiful!!!
Fdizzle Brown
Perfect description
Teyan THUNY
She was born to be the best singer in the world. It’s not even her fault at this point.