OVER THE RAINBOW
The Strings Of Paris Lyrics


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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 of "Over the Rainbow" convey a longing for a better and more magical world, far away from the current reality. The song explores the idea that there may be a place where dreams come true and troubles disappear, symbolized by the rainbow in the sky.


The opening lines "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high / There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby" speak to the elusive nature of this magical place. It is a distant and fantastical land that the singer has only heard of in the soothing melodies of a lullaby. This highlights the longing for a more peaceful and hopeful existence.


The lyrics continue to depict the beauty and serenity of this imagined land with "skies are blue / And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true." This reflects the belief that in this place, one's aspirations and desires can actually be fulfilled. It encourages the listener to hold on to their dreams and have faith in their realization.


The second verse introduces the idea of wishing upon a star, a symbol of hope and aspirations. It suggests that by making these wishes, one can escape from the troubles and burdens of everyday life. The imagery of the clouds being far behind and troubles melting like lemon drops creates a vivid picture of a carefree and joyful existence.


The recurring question "Why then, oh why can't I?" echoes the singer's yearning to be a part of this magical world. While bluebirds are capable of flying over the rainbow, the singer wonders why they themselves are unable to do so. It represents a sense of longing and questioning of their own limitations and constraints.


In conclusion, "Over the Rainbow" is a song about seeking a utopian world where dreams can come true and troubles can be left behind. It symbolizes the yearning for a better life and a longing to be a part of something magical and beautiful. Through its lyrics, the song encourages listeners to hold onto their dreams and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
In a distant place above the skies, there exists a land


There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
I have been told about this land in a soothing lullaby


Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this magical place beyond the rainbow, the skies are filled with a serene blue color


And the dreams that you dare to dream,
The dreams that you have the courage to envision


Really do come true.
Can truly become a reality.


Someday I'll wish upon a star
One day, I will make a wish upon a star


And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
To awaken in a place where the troubles and worries are distant.


Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
In this land, worries dissolve like drops of lemon


High above the chimney tops,
Far above the roofs of buildings


That's where you'll find me.
That is the place where you can find me.


Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
In that faraway place beyond the rainbow, blue birds joyfully soar


Birds fly over the rainbow
The birds gracefully glide above the rainbow


Why then, oh why can't I?
But why can't I do the same?


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
If those happy, small bluebirds can journey beyond the rainbow


Why, oh why can't I?
Then why, oh why, am I unable to do so?


If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
If those joyful, small bluebirds can traverse across the rainbow


Why, oh why can't I?
Then why, oh why, am I incapable of doing the same?




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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