Over The Rainbow
Dizzy Gillespie Lyrics


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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?

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?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dizzy Gillespie's song Over the Rainbow capture the essence of the human desire to escape from the hardships of reality and find a place where dreams come true. The song is a contemplative piece that is both melancholic and optimistic at the same time.


The opening lines evoke an imaginary place "somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby." The imagery used in these lyrics suggests that the place is inaccessible, but the mere idea of it brings a sense of comfort and hope. The line "skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true," signifies the possibility of turning aspirations into reality.


The second verse continues with the idea of wishing "upon a star and waking up where the clouds are far behind me," indicating that the singer longs for a place that is free of troubles and difficulties. The "lemon drops" and "chimney tops" suggest a dreamlike land that is far away from the harsh realities of life. The repeated refrain "why, oh why can't I?" indicates that the singer is frustrated with the limitations of reality and desires to escape.


Overall, the song Over the Rainbow is a beautiful expression of human longing and hope. It captures the essence of the human desire to transcend reality and reach a place where dreams come true.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Beyond what we see in front of us, lies a place up in the sky


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
There is a place that may only exist in my imagination


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this ideal place, the sky is always blue


And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Your deepest desires and aspirations


Really do come true.
Can actually come to fruition


Someday I'll wish upon a star
There is something magical about making a wish on a star


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
In this place, my troubles are gone


Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Difficulties disappear like candy on your tongue


High above the chimney tops,
This place is even above the hustle and bustle of daily life


That's where you'll find me.
This is where I belong


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
In this place, even the birds are happier


Birds fly over the rainbow
This place is not limited to just humans


Why then, oh why can't I?
Why can't I also experience this happiness?


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
If other creatures can find happiness in their own way


Why, oh why can't I?
Why can't I find my own path to happiness?




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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