In 2002, she starred with Michelle Pfeiffer in White Oleander and in Rob Marshall's Best Picture winning film Chicago opposite Catherine Zeta Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and John C. Reilly. Zellweger earned her second Academy Award nomination as Best Actress, as well as the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Award. In 2004, Zellweger finally received an Academy Award, this time as Best Supporting Actress in Anthony Minghella's Cold Mountain opposite Jude Law and Nicole Kidman.
Over The Rainbow
Renée Zellweger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
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?
"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby." These opening lines of Renée Zellweger's rendition of "Over the Rainbow" evoke a sense of longing and escape. The lyrics are a reflection of a desire for a better place or a better life—a place that seems out of reach but is still held onto through childhood memories and songs.
The song suggests that this imaginary place beyond the rainbow is where dreams come true, where skies are always blue, and where troubles disappear like lemon drops. It speaks to the power of hope and the belief that somewhere out there, happiness is attainable, even if the reality is far from it.
The song also explores the theme of yearning and unfulfilled desires. The singer expresses a profound longing to be able to fly like the bluebirds that soar over the rainbow. It's a bittersweet expression of both wonder and frustration, wondering why they can't also experience the freedom and joy that seems so readily available to the birds.
In essence, the song "Over the Rainbow" captures the universal yearning for a better life, for a place where dreams come true, and for the freedom to fly beyond the limitations of reality. It embodies the longing for hope, happiness, and the fulfillment of our deepest desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow
In a place beyond our reach and imagination
Way up high
Far above the Earth, in an elevated realm
There's a land that I heard of
I have been told of a magical place
Once in a lullaby
Only in dreams and moments of calmness
Skies are blue
The vast expanse above is filled with calmness and serenity
And the dreams that you dare to dream
The aspirations and desires that you bravely embrace
Really do come true
Can actually manifest into reality
Someday I'll wish upon a star
In the future, I will make a heartfelt desire to a celestial object
And wake up where the clouds are far
And awaken in a place distant from worrisome thoughts
Behind me
Leaving troubles and tribulations behind
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Where worries dissolve like citrus candies
Away above the chimney tops
Floating high above the rooftops
That's where you'll find me
That is where I can be discovered
Bluebirds fly
Birds with blue feathers take flight
Birds fly over the rainbow
Avian creatures soar across the colorful arc in the sky
Why then, oh why can't I?
So why, oh why cannot I do the same?
If happy little bluebirds fly
If joyful avian creatures can take flight
Beyond the rainbow
Further than the multihued phenomenon
Why, oh why can't I?
Then why, oh why am I unable to do so?
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charlotte Lin Lin
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
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me…
😍😍😍😍😍
Rahul vinal Narayan
The last scene when Renee Zellweger sang this song and afterward said “you won’t forget me will you? Promise you won’t” made me weep. What a performance
Amirul Asyraf
the world will never forget Judy Garland. never.
Night Pool Productions
DEAD ASS SENT ME INTO A DEPRESSION
Jack Trainer
Totally lost it when she said "Promise you won't." 🥲
65roses93
I cried so hard in the theater. Miss Garland was treated like garbage but she was so beloved.
64andyjh
It was a heart-wrenching moment, made all the more powerful by Rene Zelwegger's incredible performance
Soapy Oaks Farm-Patrick
Great job, as a 60 year old man, I still can recall the joy and hope this song gave me as a lonely, abused child, thank you for this touching tribute and exquisite rendition. See you on the other side of the rainbow.
Chris Knowles
I can relate as a 62 year old that was 'messed with' as a kid and yes hope is all.
Uncle Fester
I am sorry for what you went thru. For me.... This is the best song ever written. I've seen Wizard hundreds of times. Maybe not hundreds. For me - Judy is in my DNA. She owns the song in my heart. Zellweger is great. I hope you have found some measure of peace and comfort. Peace to you.
Mukundanghri
Me too brother.