Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Music-Themes Lyrics
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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
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Away above the chimney tops,
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?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?
The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a classic, beloved by people all over the world since it debuted in 1939. The song describes a magical place "over the rainbow," beyond the mundane world of daily life where dreams come true, and everything is beautiful and perfect. It's a wistful song that speaks to the human desire for a better life, and this is why it has remained so popular for such a long time.
The opening lines of the song describe the place over the rainbow, where everything is beautiful and perfect, and the blue skies are a source of joy and wonder. It's a place where people are free to dream and create, and where all of their hopes and dreams can come true. This magical place is described as being "way up high," and it's a place that the singer has heard of only in a lullaby.
The second verse goes on to describe how the singer longs to be in this magical place, where troubles disappear like magic, and everything is perfect. They describe wishing upon a star to transport them to this place, where they will be free from the cares and worries of the world. The singer longs to be high above the world, where they can be happy and carefree, and this is where they will be found. The final lines of the song hold an important question, asking why birds can fly over the rainbow, but the singer cannot. This speaks to the universal feeling of longing that everyone experiences at one point or another and ties the whole song together.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high,
Up high in the sky, there is a place beyond our reach that I long for.
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
In a quiet moment, I remember hearing about a magical place that exists only in a dream.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue,
Above the clouds, the sky is always clear and the sun is always shining.
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
When you have the courage to pursue your imagination, your hopes and wishes can actually be fulfilled.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
One day, I will make a heartfelt wish upon the brightest star in the sky.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
When I awaken from my slumber, the troubles that once weighed me down will no longer cloud my thoughts.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
In this magical place, the difficulties of everyday life simply disappear like a sweet candy melting.
Away above the chimney tops, That's where you'll find me.
High above the rooftops of the city, I will exist in this idyllic setting.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly.
In the imaginary world beyond our reach, there exist joyful creatures like bluebirds that freely soar through the sky.
Birds fly over the rainbow, Why then -- oh, why can't I?
If these beautiful creatures can traverse beyond the horizon, why can't I follow my dreams as well?
If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh, why can't I?
It's sad to think that even though these little bluebirds can soar towards their dreams wherever it may be, I still can't reach that for myself.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CLAIRE LOUISE WHITTLESTON, E Y HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind