Over the Rainbow
Santo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Santo & Johnny’s version of "Over the Rainbow" is a soothing instrumental that tugs at the heartstrings. The song was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg for the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” which tells the story of Dorothy's there-and-back journey to a magical land beyond the rainbow. The song became an instant success, with Judy Garland singing it in the movie, and ever since, it has been viewed as an optimistic and hopeful tune that conveys a longing for a better place.

The lyrics talk about a very special place "somewhere over the rainbow, way up high" which is only heard of in a lullaby. The place has a sky that is painted blue and is home to dreams that come true. The singer wishes to escape to this magical place where "troubles melt like lemon drops" and where there is no need to worry about anything. The song is an anthem of hope, a call to dream big and aspire for a better life.

The last stanza of the song talks about the singer's wish to fly with the bluebirds over the rainbow, and yearning for the same happiness and freedom that they have. It emphasizes the idea that anyone can attain the same level of contentment and happiness if they dared to dream and wished upon a star.

Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
In a distant, unreachable place in the sky

There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
I've only ever heard of this place in soothing songs

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this far-off place, the sky is always clear and serene

And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true.
This magical realm is so wonderful that even your wildest dreams can become reality

Someday I'll wish upon a star
One day I will make a wish on a celestial object

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
This wish will transport me to a place where my problems are no longer a concern

Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
All of my worries and sorrows will unexpectedly disappear

High above the chimney tops,
Far away from the mundanity of everyday life

That's where you'll find me.
I will be happily dwelling in this fantasy world

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
In this mystical land, blue birds soar through the sky

Birds fly over the rainbow
Even winged creatures are drawn to this captivating place

Why then, oh why can't I?
I long to experience the same freedom and joy as these birds, but I am unable to

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
I have observed that these blue birds appear to be happy as they fly across the rainbow

Why, oh why can't I?
This realization makes me wish even more that I could join them in this enchanting place

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

ajit sanghi

12y↑5

Music is the only universal language.It produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. Hats off to you for giving such pleasure, Sire.

waffledolphin

15y↑2

How come i wasn't born in this wonderful music generation? :( Never the less, beautiful music

gotenks38

9y↑2

Reminds of how my mother used to sing this song when she was young. I miss her so. I'm 28 but this music was instilled in me long before then. Simply wonderful music.