Somewhere Over The Rainbow
The Hit Nation Lyrics


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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.

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?

Overall Meaning

The song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a classic and timeless piece that speaks to the dreams and aspirations of people around the world. The lyrics talk about an ideal world that exists beyond the boundaries of reality, a place where troubles disappear and where dreams come true. It is a place we all dream of but know it is impossible to reach in our current reality.


The opening lines of the song “Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby” speak to the idea of a distant, utopian place that exists only in our imaginations. The phrase "way up high" may allude to the idea that the place is beyond our grasp, both physically and metaphorically. It could represent a heavenly realm or a land that only exists in our heads. And the reference to hearing about the land in a lullaby reinforces the idea that it exists only in dreams.


The chorus gives hope and encouragement for those who have big dreams but do not know if they are attainable. The lyric, “And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true,” is a reminder for us all to persist in following our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. We must have hope that one day we can reach our desired destination and that the challenges we currently face will fade away.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow
There's a magical place beyond what is realistically visible.


Way up high,
This place is way out of reach.


There's a land that I heard of
I have heard of this special place.


Once in a lullaby.
It was mentioned in a soothing song.


Somewhere over the rainbow
Again, there's a magical place beyond what is realistically visible.


Skies are blue,
The sky appears to be a brighter and happier blue over there.


And the dreams that you dare to dream
You can freely dream of your aspirations without feeling limited.


Really do come true.
These dreams tend to become reality.


Someday I'll wish upon a star
I will make a wish upon a star.


And wake up where the clouds are far
This will bring me to a place where my problems seem distant.


Behind me.
The negative things in my life will be left behind.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops
This magical place will make my unresolved worries disappear like magic.


Away above the chimney tops
High in the sky, beyond where most people can see.


That's where you'll find me.
I will be living in that wonderful place.


Somewhere over the rainbow
Once again, there's a magical place beyond what is realistically visible.


Bluebirds fly.
Beautiful bluebirds are soaring in the sky in that direction.


Birds fly over the rainbow.
Other types of birds also fly over the rainbow that direction.


Why then, oh why can't I?
Why am I unable to accompany those happy birds to this magical place?


If happy little bluebirds fly
If even bluebirds can reach there happily,


Beyond the rainbow
To that magical place beyond sight,


Why, oh why can't I?
What is preventing me from experiencing the same joy as those birds?




Contributed by Julia N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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