Over the Rainbow
Doris Day 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 song Over the Rainbow by Doris Day is a hopeful and sentimental ballad that speaks to the longing for a better life, beyond the limits of reality. It describes a place somewhere over the rainbow, high up in the sky, where the dreams of the singer can come true. The opening lines of the song paint a picture of a magical land that the singer has only heard of in a lullaby. This place is an escape from the troubles of life and a representation of a better future.


The second verse describes the singer's wish to escape her troubles by reaching this magical place, where the clouds are far behind her and her troubles melt like lemon drops. She longs to be high up above the chimney tops, in a place where she can find true happiness. The third verse continues with the same message and brings in the imagery of blue birds flying over the rainbow. The singer wonders why she can't be like the happy little birds and reach this magical place.


The song Over the Rainbow is a poignant and heartfelt message that speaks to everyone's desire to escape their daily struggles and reach a better life beyond their current reality. Through the use of magical imagery and emotional language, the song gives hope to those who need it and inspires them to continue dreaming.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Somewhere far beyond the reach of my eyes lies a place where my hopes and dreams can come true.


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
I have been told of this mystical land where everything is perfect and the impossible can be achieved.


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this magical place, the sky is luminously blue, probably brighter and more beautiful than what my eyes have ever experienced.


And the dreams that you dare to dream,
The possibilities here are endless, and you can pursue every dream you desire without any limitations.


Really do come true.
In this place, the impossible becomes possible with enough perseverance and determination.


Someday I'll wish upon a star
I hold on to a hope that someday even when hopelessness surrounds me, I will make my dreams come true.


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
I will wake up in the land beyond the rainbow where nothing can hold me back, and everything is possible.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
In this magical world, all the problems and obstacles in my life dissolve quickly without leaving a trace.


High above the chimney tops,
This wonderful place is high above the mundanity and struggles of everyday life, leaving me free to dream, fly and create.


That's where you'll find me.
This amazing place is where I belong and feel fulfilled more than I ever imagined.


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Over this rainbow, beautiful bluebirds soar freely, enjoying the freedom and wonder offered by this enchanted place.


Birds fly over the rainbow
Birds, like others, are free to live and flourish in this magical place, living with purpose and intention without obstacles.


Why then, oh why can't I?
I can’t help but wonder why obstacles always appear, holding me back from my dreams and the life I want to live.


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
If tiny, seemingly insignificant birds can fly over the enigmatic rainbow, free and gleeful as ever, then why can't I too?


Why, oh why can't I?
Even though I know there isn't an easy way, nothing will stop me from aiming high and achieving my dreams one day.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@iamsherk2605

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 care 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…



@lazurastogi7639

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 care 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 way 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 over the rainbow
Why oh why can't I?



All comments from YouTube:

@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820

I never thought there could exist more than one perfect version of a song until the first time I heard this. I know it’s a common cliche that nothing can ever match the original, but I would have to say this is an exception: both Doris and Judy Garland sang this so beautifully. And now I’m just imagining a 17 year old Doris Day in Wizard of Oz. Man, that would’ve been something…

@Amourtendresse

Quelle voix merveilleuse ! 🎶💓🎶

@Cappello101

Doris Day is a true gem!

@mareahawkins8172

beautiful

@daisymay2u

Absolutely beautiful, Doris sings with such feeling, Thanks for posting this beautiful song. ♥ 

@joebranagan2206

Brooks and shields

@tina8796

The prettiest version I've ever heard. Dois had the voice of an angel. Speaking and singing. Her versions of all the songs are better than the originals. I love you Doris Mary Kapplehoff 🤍The world is darker without your bright light ☀🌞☀🌞. A cheerful and "sunny" person ☀

@barbaraleggett4466

Such a beautiful voice . I love that song and all she sings.

@alexandrewanderleiy9383

OH , I LOVED ! Not even Judy does this the entry , Doris really nailed it !

@TheCissero

Her voice is from heaven. Love ❤️ this version.

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