She was the first American singer to record at Abbey Road Studios in England. Her fan base even included Asia and the Philippines. She had 7 top hits, including "Why Don't You Believe in Me?", "Your Cheating Heart," "Almost Always," and "Have You Heard?"
She married composer Tony Acquaviva in 1956. In 1964, she dropped out of the public eye to take care of him and did so until 1986, when Mr. Acquaviva passed away. She began to tour again in the 1990's. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over the Rainbow
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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?
"Over the Rainbow" is a song first featured in the 1939 American classic film, "The Wizard of Oz" and later recorded by numerous artists such as Joni James. The song is an iconic part of American popular culture and has become an anthem of hope and inspiration for generations. The opening lines of the song, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby" evoke a feeling of magic and wonder. The singer of the song imagines a place where dreams come true and where troubles don't exist. This place is beyond the rainbow, which symbolizes the boundary between the mundane world and the realm of fantasy.
The singer of the song longs to escape from reality and travel to this land of dreams. The line "Where troubles melt like lemon drops" is a poignant expression of the desire to leave behind all worries and experience a carefree existence. The singer hopes that someday they will "wish upon a star" and find themselves in this magical world where everything is possible. The final refrain, "If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, Why, oh why can't I?" emphasizes the singer's longing for a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There exists an imagined place, located far above the ground where one looks up to the sky.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
This place is known only through a dreamy song and the familiar sentiments of a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
The sky in this place is an unspoiled blue color, without the polluting grays, whites or blacks caused by human activity or objects.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
The desires and aspirations you have, which may seem impossible or daring.
Really do come true.
Are capable of being achieved and fulfilled.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
At some point in time, I will make a heartfelt request to an astronomical body, which is believed to have magical qualities.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
When I do this, I will find myself in a place free of cloudy, uncertain or troubled circumstances.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
In this place, all problems or issues disappear quickly, much like lemon drops dissolve away easily in one's mouth.
High above the chimney tops,
This place is located high up, beyond or above the physical objects or structures of human civilization like chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.
I can be found in this imaginary place, where my wildest dreams are realized and everything is perfect and carefree.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
In this place above the ground, there are birds that are blue in color and fly freely through the sky.
Birds fly over the rainbow
These birds soar overhead in this fantastical place above the rainbow's arc.
Why then, oh why can't I?
Despite the existence of this seemingly perfect place, I am limited by my human condition and earthly existence, and unable to experience it.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Even though I am not able to go to this perfect world, I am aware of others who can fly over the rainbow and experience that world.
Why, oh why can't I?
Despite my knowledge of others who can go to this perfect world, I am still limited by my humanness and unable to escape it.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaytaylor3211
Judy Garland was indeed lovely, and the movie clips enchanting. As was the vocal by Miss James. Thank you.
@nipstertunes
You are very welcome. I'm so happy you liked it. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Very much appreciated.
Jim
@rodbutler8069
This movie was made in 1937 and released in 1938 but was overlooked because of the blockbuster Gone With The Wind same year. It is now recognized by young and old alike as a masterpiece. Joni James does it justice with her unique voice and style.
@LoveTheOConnor
Gorgeous version of this one, Jim, and a beautiful video by you! Love all the pictures and clips. Thanks so much for sharing, this was a day brightener :)
@nipstertunes
I'm so glad it brightened your day a little, Heather! I thought it was a beautiful version of this beyond classic song. Thank you so much for watching, listening and commenting!
Jim
@johncariaga4470
when i grew up i was secretly in love with joni
@jamessiple5629
nice
@nipstertunes
Thanks so much for watching!
Jim
@perlitaloria9092
james sip