Over the Rainbow
Mort Weiss Quartet 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" is a classic and well-loved tune written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg that has been covered by countless artists over the years. The song presents a powerful message of hope and encourages listeners to dream big and pursue their desires, no matter how out of reach they may seem.


The opening lines, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high / There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby," suggest a sense of longing for a brighter and better future. The childlike imagery of the "land" being heard of "in a lullaby" reinforces the idea of an idealized, dreamlike destination that may not be immediately accessible.


The second stanza further emphasizes the theme of wishing for a better life with the lines, "Someday I'll wish upon a star / And wake up where the clouds are far behind me." The mention of the "lemon drops" and "chimney tops" adds to the whimsical, fantastical feel of the song, contrasting with the idea of leaving behind real-life troubles.


The last stanza sees the introduction of blue birds, which symbolize happiness and freedom. The question of "why, oh why can't I?" speaks to the frustration of feeling held back from achieving one's dreams, even as others seem to be able to reach their own goals.


Overall, "Over the Rainbow" is a timeless song that has inspired hope and comfort for generations, reminding us to never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There is an imaginary place high above the sky that is so beautiful and exotic.


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
The land over the rainbow is not a myth and it exists as it was sung in a lullaby.


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
The sky over this place is uniquely blue and exceptional beyond belief.


And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true.
The dreams that people dream of here actually become a reality and are not limited to imaginary thoughts.


Someday I'll wish upon a star
There will be a time when I shall make a life-changing wish on a twinkling star.


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
When my deepest desires are granted, I will find myself in an area far away from any troubles.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops, High above the chimney tops, That's where you'll find me.
When I reach this paradise, all my problems will melt away like lemon drops, above all the rooftops, and that's the location where you'll find me.


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Over this place, there are blue birds floating around with good luck and fortune.


Birds fly over the rainbow
These birds are capable of flying all over this territory and experiencing all of its wonders and beauty.


Why then, oh why can't I?
Why am I not capable of experiencing this paradise as these birds are capable of?


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds are able to fly away to this magical place, then I too should have access to this wonderland.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Mort Weiss

Now, as I come to the sunset of my years, I look back on things like this rendition of a ode to the sublime in wonderment - as in "did I really do that? At my age now of eighty three years - All I can say is that I'm glad that I did. Mort Weiss

W. Royal Stokes

Beautifully rendered by a master on his instrument! Splendid solos by guitar and bass and very sensitive support by drums.

Mort Weiss

Thank you W. Royal Stokes. U made my day. Mort

Briandaplumber

Wonderful. Could listen to that quartet all day.

LMS Tactical Backup

My very favorite rendition of the song. I never tire of listening to you play it.

Mort Weiss

:)  Dad

LMS Tactical Backup

Thank YOU for the gift of music 🎶 that you give to the world 🌍

Mort Weiss

thank you son. dad

Mort Weiss

It's now July 2018 and this one is still one of my most watched you tubes. Mort Weiss

BGJ

Every Ron Eschete piece I find, is always the highest quality, a lifetime of obvious love and dedication, the bar at which excellence resides...

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