Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Ray Charles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
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

Some day, I'll wish upon a star,
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Way up above the chimney tops
Thats where you'll find me

I know somewhere over the rainbow
The blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I

Ohh Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly




Birds fly over the rainbow
Why and why can't I

Overall Meaning

Ray Charles's rendition of the classic song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" offers a powerful and emotional interpretation of the song. The song is rich in symbolism and imagery that convey a sense of hope and optimism. The song talks about a world way up high, in the skies, a land that we've heard of once, a land that's only reachable in dreams, and in a lullaby.


The song goes on to talk about how in this mystical land, the skies are always blue, and the dreams can come true. The imagery of a sky always being blue symbolizes a world without any conflicts or problems. When the song says "the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true," it speaks about the courage to dream against all odds, and the possibility of hard work and dedication to make those dreams a reality.


The song then talks about the desire to escape from reality and move to this special place where "troubles melt like lemon drops" and everything is perfect. This simple and child-like imagery of troubles melting like lemon drops creates a striking contrast with the harsh realities of the world we live in. The song ends with a poignant question, "why can't I?" which shows the frustration of someone who wants the same opportunities, but can't find them.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow
There is a place far away that seems to exist only in the imagination.


Way up high
It is high up in the sky, out of reach of everyday life.


There's a land, that I heard of once,
This place is known to exist, but is not commonly known about.


In a lullaby
It is often referenced in calming songs and stories.


Skies are blue
The atmosphere of this place is serene and peaceful.


And the dreams
One's aspirations and hopes.


That you dare to dream
Those that are seen as risky or uncertain, yet still hold value.


Really do come true
There is potential for these dreams to materialize and become reality.


Some day, I'll wish upon a star,
At some point, one will make a wish for this place to become a reality.


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Upon arrival, the negative aspects of everyday life will no longer be a factor.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
All of the problems and difficulties in life will become much easier to overcome.


Way up above the chimney tops
This place is still high up in the sky, far from any disturbance.


Thats where you'll find me
This is where one's true self will be found.


I know somewhere over the rainbow
Despite not being able to see it, I am certain this place exists.


The blue birds fly
There are beautiful things that exist in this place.


Birds fly over the rainbow
Like everyone, birds also yearn for something that is out of reach.


Why then, oh why can't I
Wondering why it's so difficult for humans to reach the untouchable.


Ohh Somewhere over the rainbow
Vocally expressing the desire to reach this ideal place.


Why and why can't I
Questioning why it's impossible to reach it.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jasonkasdiran2193

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?



All comments from YouTube:

@geraldthezamboniguy

Ray Charles could sing the phone book and make it go platinum if you agree give me an AMEN !

@shanjayaweera3036

Amen

@Senator_Senart

AMEN❣️

@cyndie-anjellvernet4114

Music has never been the same since his absence.

🥀R.I.P Mr. Charles, you’ve left a beautiful mark in this world that can never be wiped off.

@manuelorozco7760

I was 11 when he died and I know how you feel. When the movie came out, I felt bad he never lived to see Jamie Foxx bring his music to life.

@josephcarter5101

This man could take any song and make it his own.

For someone who could not see nobody had such great vision.

Legend who will live as long as mankind does!

@mikeholton9876

ray could sing anything and make it special. Earth misses you Ray.

@thepearlatelier4256

I heard this from Sleepless in Seattle, Mr Ray Charles, one of the most magical voices that ever graced us.

@ameliaburger6120

My first time hearing this version of the song, was on my favorite movie Sleepless in Seattle. Hearing Ray's rendition of this song, makes you forget that someone else originally wrote it. He definitely makes it his own. Rest in peace Ray 💕

@manuelorozco7760

Sleepless in Seattle is why I’m here

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