overture
Gypsy - Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra Lyrics


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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
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Away above the chimney tops
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
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?
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Away above the chimney tops
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
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?




Happy little bluebirds fly
Oh, why, oh, why can't I?

Overall Meaning

The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a classic ballad from the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. It is a dreamy and hopeful song that talks of a land beyond the horizon, where the skies are always blue and the grass is always greener. In the first stanza, the singer describes this distant land and how it was mentioned to her in a childhood lullaby. She then talks about how in this place, the dreams that she dreamed will come true.


In the second stanza, the singer expresses her longing for this faraway land and how she wishes to be transported there. She talks about wishing upon a star to be taken to where the clouds are far behind and where the troubles of life vanish. She hopes to find herself above the chimney tops, where everything is carefree and joyous. In the last two lines of the stanza, she repeats the phrase "Why then, oh, why can't I?" which conveys her disappointment at the thought of not being able to reach this magical place.


In conclusion, the song speaks of hope, wonder, and the longing to escape the trials of life. It captures the universal desire to be taken away from one's troubles and to find a place of peace and joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow
Beyond the horizon, there must be a place of hope and happiness.


Way up high
This optimistic viewpoint can only be achieved by looking beyond everyday realities.


There's a land that I heard of
I've been told about this idealized place where people are free from social or economic constraints.


Once in a lullaby
This magical location was revealed to me in a time of peace and rest.


Skies are blue
The sky in this place of myth isn't dark and grey, but light and vibrant.


And the dreams that you dare to dream
What's remarkable is that the dreams one imagines while there may come true.


Really do come true
It's an actual possibility worth believing in.


Some day I'll wish upon a star
I'll have faith, and despite its unlikeliness, I'll believe it can come to pass.


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
I'll finally achieve my highest hopes and aspirations.


Away above the chimney tops
I'll be in a new place that's foreign to the one I'm leaving behind.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops
The future's potential is much less heavy and oppressive than present circumstances.


That's where you'll find me
For this is ultimately where I'll feel truly content.


Bluebirds fly
The bluebirds soaring in this mythical realm represent the essence of happiness.


Birds fly over the rainbow
Those flying over-the-rainbow birds may represent people who have already achieved this cherished goal.


Why then, oh, why can't I?
I want to know what's preventing me from experiencing the same happiness.


Happy little bluebirds fly
This again mentions the happiness that can exist in this dreamt-about location.


Oh, why, oh, why can't I?
Yet the artist is still left wondering why they can't grasp it




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FREED ARTHUR, BROWN NACIO HERB

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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