THE WIZARD OF OZ
The Soho Strings 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

The lyrics to The Soho Strings’ rendition of “Over the Rainbow” describe a land, high up in the sky, where dreams come true, and where the problems of the world melt away like lemon drops. The singer longs to reach this land, and fantasizes about “wishing upon a star” and awakening far from the clouds above. The song is infused with a sense of optimism and hope, reinforced by the imagery of “bluebirds” flying high above the rainbow.


Throughout the song, the singer is clearly urging the listener to think positively and never stop dreaming, even when the world seems to be against them. The phrase “why can’t I?” is repeated throughout the song, implying that, just like the bluebirds, the listener has the power within themselves to achieve their goals and reach the land “over the rainbow.” Although the song is simple in its structure and lyrics, it conveys a powerful message of hope that has resonated with listeners for decades.


Overall, The Soho Strings’ version of “Over the Rainbow” is a powerful reminder that, no matter how challenging life may seem, the power of hope and optimism can be transformative. Through its simple yet evocative lyrics and the soaring, emotive strings that accompany them, this song has become a timeless classic that is treasured by generations of listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a place beyond our reach, but still above us.


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
It's a place I've dreamed of, but never seen.


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
The skies there are always clear and bright.


And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true.
If you're brave enough to dream big, they can actually come to fruition.


Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
If only I could make a wish, and be transported to that wonderful place.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops, High above the chimney tops, That's where you'll find me.
Worries disappear in that magical world, up where the buildings end.


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Those blue birds are a symbol of joy and freedom.


Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh why can't I?
I envy those birds, and wish I could follow them there.


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I?
If even the bluebirds can find happiness there, why can't I?




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions