Rainbow
Keith Jarrett / Charlie Haden / Paul Motian 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

In Keith Jarrett's rendition of the classic song "Over The Rainbow," he transports us to a place beyond the boundaries of reality. The opening lyrics, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby" sets the tone for a whimsical journey. The song speaks of a place beyond the mundane, where anything is possible and dreams do come true.


The lyrics emphasize the importance of holding onto your dreams, no matter how far away they may seem. "And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true" reminds us that we have the power to manifest our greatest desires. The song also touches on the idea of feeling stuck in a particular moment and looking for a way out. "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." This line speaks to the idea of hope, reminding us that with perseverance, our limitations can be overcome.


The song finishes with the question, "If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can't I?" leaving the listener with a sense of longing and wonder. Keith Jarrett's interpretation of the iconic song takes us on an emotional journey and reminds us to hold onto hope, even in the darkest of times.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There is a place high above, somewhere beyond this current reality.


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
This place beyond is a distant memory, but one that has never been forgotten.


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this place, the sky is always blue, representing peace and calmness.


And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true.
This place is one where your wildest dreams can become a reality through courage and determination.


Someday I'll wish upon a star
The artist acknowledges that they don't currently possess the courage and determination to go after their dreams, but they hope to one day.


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
This place beyond is a utopia, free from pain, suffering, and the burdens of reality.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops, High above the chimney tops, That's where you'll find me.
The singer is saying they will reside in this alternate reality where the worries and struggles of life no longer exist.


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh why can't I?
The artist is questioning why they can't seem to reach this place beyond, like the bluebirds that fly over it.


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I?
The artist again acknowledges their lack of courage and determination, suggesting that if happy little bluebirds, who have no trouble spreading happiness, can find this place beyond, then there's no reason why they can't find it too.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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