His voice became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993. His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was released on his albums Ka ʻAnoʻi and Facing Future. It was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and television commercials. Along with his ukulele playing and incorporating other genres, such as jazz and reggae, Kamakawiwoʻole remains influential in Hawaiian music.
Kamakawiwoʻole was born at Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu to Henry "Hank" Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole, Jr. and Evangeline "Angie" Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole. The notable Hawaiian musician Moe Keale was his uncle and a major musical influence. He was raised in the community of Kaimuki, where his parents had met and married. He began playing music with his older brother Skippy and cousin Allen Thornton at the age of 11, being exposed to Hawaiian entertainers' music, such as Peter Moon, Palani Vaughn, and Don Ho, who frequented the establishment where Kamakawiwoʻole's parents worked. Hawaiian musician Del Beazley spoke of the first time he heard Israel perform when playing for a graduation party. The whole room fell silent on hearing him sing. Israel continued his path as his brother Skippy entered the Army in 1971, and cousin Allen parted ways in 1976 for the mainland.
In his early teens, he studied at Upward Bound (UB) of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and his family moved to Mākaha. There he met Louis Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko. Together with his brother Skippy they formed the Makaha Sons of Niʻihau. A part of the Hawaiian Renaissance, the band's blend of contemporary and traditional styles gained popularity as they toured Hawaii and the continental United States, releasing fifteen successful albums. Kamakawiwoʻole aimed to make music that stayed true to the typical sound of traditional Hawaiian music. During that time period, the songs that many people associated with Hawaii, typically, were not traditional-sounding songs.
The Makaha Sons of Niʻihau recorded No Kristo in 1976 and released four more albums, including Kahea O Keale, Keala, Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, and Mahalo Ke Akua. In 1982, Kamakawiwoʻole's brother, Skippy, died at age 28 of a heart attack[5] related to obesity. In that same year, Kamakawiwoʻole married his childhood sweetheart Marlene. Soon after, they had a daughter named Ceslieanne "Wehi" (born in c. 1983).
The group became Hawaii's most popular contemporary, traditional group with breakout albums 1984's Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha and its follow-up, 1986's Hoʻola. Kamakawiwoʻole's last recorded album with the group was 1991's Hoʻoluana. It remains the group's top-selling CD.
In 1990, Kamakawiwoʻole released his first solo album Ka ʻAnoʻi, which won awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year from the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA). Facing Future was released in 1993 by The Mountain Apple Company. It featured a version of his most popular song, the medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" (listed as "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World"), along with "Hawaiʻi 78", "White Sandy Beach of Hawaiʻi," "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man," and "Kaulana Kawaihae." The decision to include a cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was a last-minute decision by his producer Jon de Mello and Kamakawiwoʻole. Facing Future debuted at #25 on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Catalogue chart. On October 26, 2005, Facing Future became Hawaiʻi's first certified platinum album, selling more than a million CDs in the United States, according to figures furnished by the Recording Industry Association of America. On July 21, 2006, BBC Radio 1 announced that "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (True Dreams)" would be released as a single in America.
In 1994, Kamakawiwoʻole was voted favorite entertainer of the year by the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA).
E Ala E (1995) featured the political title song "ʻE Ala ʻE" and "Kaleohano," and N Dis Life (1996) featured "In This Life" and "Starting All Over Again."
In 1997, Kamakawiwoʻole was again honored by HARA at the Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for Male Vocalist of the Year, Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Island Contemporary Album of the Year. He watched the awards ceremony from a hospital room.
Alone in Iz World (2001) debuted at #1 on Billboard's World Chart and #135 on Billboard's Top 200, #13 on the Top Independent Albums Chart, and #15 on the Top Internet Album Sales charts.
On December 6, 2010, NPR named Kamakawiwoʻole as "The Voice of Hawaii" in its 50 great voices series.
On March 24, 2011, Kamakawiwoʻole was honored with the German national music award Echo. The music managers Wolfgang Boss and Jon de Mello accepted the trophy in his stead.
A 2014 Pixar short film, Lava, features two volcanoes as the main characters. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and his style of music was James Ford Murphy's partial inspiration for the short film.
Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
Clouds high over the rainbow
Makes all your dreams come true, ooh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I? I
I see trees of green and red roses too
I'll watch then bloom just for me and you
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The brightness of day, the dark, say goodnight
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shakin' hands saying, "How's it? How you?"
They're really saying, "I love you"
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than we'll ever know
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
I think to myself, yes
What a wonderful world
I think to myself, yeah
What a wonderful world
Ah-ooh
Oh, what a wonderful world it is
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, na, na, mama
Yeah, yeah, aloha
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole’s “Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” features two classic songs merged together to create a lovely and haunting melody. The lyrics begin with the image of a peaceful land that exists beyond the rainbow, a place where “troubles melt like lemon drops.” This imaginary utopia hints at the desire for an escape from reality, but more significantly, it suggests the power of imagination to create that escape. The chorus of “What A Wonderful World” emphasizes this same message of optimism.
The singer acknowledges the beauty of the world around him, remarking on the colors of the rainbow and the blooming trees. He recognizes the simple joys in life, such as the sight of children growing up and the love between friends. At the heart of this song is the idea that love is the connecting force that binds us all together.
This song has become a beloved classic, both in its original form and in the many covers that have been recorded. The combination of the timeless lyrics with Kamakawiwo'ole’s hauntingly beautiful voice and ukulele playing is a recipe for a magical listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Up high somewhere beyond this world that we can see, there is a place full of magic and unknown beauty.
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
In a soothing melody, I was told of a land far away where dreams come true.
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
The sky is always blue and the sun is always shining in that place beyond our world.
Clouds high over the rainbow
The clouds in the sky of that magical place are above everything else.
Makes all your dreams come true, ooh
All your dreams can be fulfilled once you reach that far away and heavenly land.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
I am going to make a wish upon a star, hoping that it will come true.
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Once my wish comes true, I will be transported away from everything that troubles me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
All of the problems that weighed me down will disappear, like when lemon drops dissolve in your mouth.
High above the chimney top
Way up in the sky, above the rooftops of houses, is where I will find myself.
That's where you'll find me, oh
That is where I will be, unreachable from this world.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Just like that magical place beyond this world, blue birds can fly freely without any restraints.
Birds fly over the rainbow
Birds soar over the magical and faraway rainbow that separates their world from ours.
Why, oh why can't I? I
I wonder why I cannot experience the freedom and wonder that the blue birds can.
I see trees of green and red roses too
Looking at the beauty around me, I can see green trees and red roses, reminding me of the colorful world that we live in.
I'll watch then bloom just for me and you
I will admire the blossoming of nature, which brings joy not only to me but also to other living beings.
And I think to myself
At that moment, I am lost in thought and reflection.
Oh, what a wonderful world
I am filled with wonder and appreciation for the world that surrounds me.
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The clear blue skies above with the white clouds drifting past remind me of the beauty of nature.
The brightness of day, the dark, say goodnight
The daytime gives way to the darkness of the night, which says goodnight to the world.
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
The colors of the rainbow are vivid and pleasant to look at.
Are also on the faces of people passing by
These colors are not only present in the sky but on the faces of people passing by, making the world even more colorful.
I see friends shakin' hands saying, "How's it? How you?"
I see friends greeting each other, asking how they are doing and showing each other kindness.
They're really saying, "I love you"
This greeting is not just a formality, it is a way of expressing love and affection.
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
I hear the sound of babies crying and watch them grow, reminding me of the circle of life.
They'll learn much more than we'll ever know
Babies and children have infinite potential to learn and grow.
And I think to myself
Again, I am lost in thought and reflection.
Oh, what a wonderful world
I am filled with wonder and appreciation for the world that surrounds me.
I think to myself, yes
My thoughts return to the appreciation for the world.
What a wonderful world
The sentiment remains that this world is indeed wonderful.
I think to myself, yeah
I continue to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world.
What a wonderful world
The beauty of the world is reaffirmed yet again.
Ah-ooh
An expression of joy and contentment.
Oh, what a wonderful world it is
The world is indeed a wonderful and amazing place.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of excitement and energy.
Oh, na, na, mama
A catchy tune that adds to the joyful melody of the song.
Yeah, yeah, aloha
The Hawaiian word for "hello" or "goodbye," which adds to the cultural reference of the song.
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kristincaldwell8747
Played this at my son's funeral, July 19th 2020.
Joshua was 30 yrs,
11months and two meeks old.
Today is my birthday and I'm so sad, my heart shattered that day...this is one of the firsts I've been dreading..
Can't stop living , but don't know how to really ..live without him.
Need a miracle ❣
I love you joshie. stay beautiful.
@marinapetrova61
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby ii ii iii
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops thats where you’ll find me oh
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can’t I? i iiii
Well I see trees of green and
Red roses too,
I’ll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark and I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, «How do you do?»
They’re really saying, I…I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them
grow,
They’ll learn much more
Than we’ll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld
Someday I’ll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that’s where you’ll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can’t I? I hiii
@user-zs2gs4wi5m
Ki Ora from
Your no 1 fan
Dr Rev ANDERSON KIRI LEE HERANGI TEMANA TERENGA HOGG TEHE TEPUEA SEARANKE
29
MAORI
BATTALION
MOKOPUNA
T
Ngati Manaipoto Tribal member since 1971.
Thanks for your hard work.
Blessings to you.
From
ANDERSON HOLDINGS
KAWHIIA
CAMBRIDGE
DUNEDIN
@sdb1962
Played this at my son's funeral 6 years ago, he was 28, today is his birthday.
@robertmartin5308
.OMG how do you endure, god bless you.
@edilarteaga8215
R.i.p .very sorry
@jimgrossman5367
Prayers for you and your family. May the Lord of all creation and the one who gave the promise of the rainbow wrap you in his loving arms and bless you with mercies new, afresh every morning. May God keep you, and cause his face to shine upon you
@bosco2023
Happy birthday to your son. This was supposed to be my song when I go. I’m 44 and my dad passed going on 3 years ago of colon cancer. Not trying to weird you out but my dad visits me all the time. And let’s me know what’s going on. He was cremated and he’s over my shoulder as I type. He’s here when he wants to be. Have you had tour son visit?
@crystalhill5367
Thinking of you 💖🌈
@Sadieandkids
My dear husband passed away on July 9, 2023. Right before he passed he said he heard this song and it relaxed him. He said he knew now why I loved the song. He passed away a day and half after telling me this. This was the only song I played at his funeral. 😭 We were together almost 35 years and had 7 Children.
@jayreed9630
God bless you both.
@scottbloom6855
This was the song we played at my Mom's memorial service. She and my dad had been married 11 days short of their 65th wedding anniversary. My dad only lasted 10 months after her passing. H simply could not go on without her, and died of a broken heart.
@KellyBeatty-gw1ku
This was one of my mom's favorite songs