The Meaning Behind The Song: Over The Rainbow by Judy Garland
It’s impossible to hear the song “Over the Rainbow” and not feel something. Whether it’s the beauty of the melody, the captivating vocals by Judy Garland, or the hopeful message behind the lyrics, this song has earned its place as a classic. However, what does this song really mean? Let’s explore the story behind “Over the Rainbow.”
The Background Story
“Over the Rainbow” was written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y. Harburg for the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” The film tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl who is swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado and transported to a magical land called Oz. Throughout her journey to return home, she befriends a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion. Together, they seek help from the Wizard of Oz, who they believe can grant their greatest wishes.
However, it’s not just Dorothy’s journey that this song is meant to capture. The song is also a reflection of the times in which it was written. The film was released during the Great Depression, a period of immense economic struggle in the United States. The longing expressed in the song, the desire to escape to a brighter, happier place, resonated with audiences who were struggling to find hope in their day-to-day lives.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Over the Rainbow” are simple yet profound. It’s a song about longing for something better, about dreaming of a world where troubles melt away like lemon drops. However, it’s also a song about the power of hope. The lyrics suggest that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light.
The opening verses of the song are particularly powerful. They paint a picture of a world that is gray and uninteresting, and the speaker longs for something more. The first verse reads:
“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.”
These lyrics conjure up a world that is magical and beautiful. They suggest that there is a place beyond the mundane, where troubles disappear and dreams come true. Moreover, the lyrics suggest that this place exists not in any particular location but rather in the imagination.
The chorus of the song reinforces this idea. The chorus reads:
“Somewhere over the rainbow,
Way up high,
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.”
These lyrics suggest that the world of the imagination is within reach. Moreover, they suggest that this world is not just a vague concept but rather a real place, one that exists in the speaker’s memory. There’s a sense of nostalgia in the lyrics, a longing for a time when the world seemed more magical and full of possibility.
The final verse of the song sums up its message of hope. The verse reads:
“If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why, can’t I?”
These lyrics suggest that even though the world may be difficult and full of struggles, there is always the possibility of finding happiness. Moreover, they suggest that happiness is not only possible but also within reach. The speaker is asking a rhetorical question, wondering why they can’t find the same joy that they see in the world around them. This suggests that joy and hope are available to everyone, if only we know where to look.
The Legacy of “Over the Rainbow”
“Over the Rainbow” has become a timeless classic, inspiring people for generations. From its original use in “The Wizard of Oz,” the song has gone on to be covered by countless artists. It has been used in films, TV shows, and commercials, becoming a part of the fabric of popular culture.
The song has also been recognized by the music industry. In 2004, the Recording Industry Association of America named it the number one song of the 20th century. According to the RIAA, “Over the Rainbow” is “the quintessential song of inspiration, hope, and victory in the face of defeat.”
Moreover, the legacy of the song goes beyond the music industry. The song has become a symbol of hope and perseverance, inspiring people all over the world. Its message of hope is particularly relevant in times of struggle, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light.
Conclusion
“Over the Rainbow” is a song that has stood the test of time. Its message of hope and perseverance has resonated with people for generations, inspiring them to keep striving for better. The song reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light, and that happiness is within reach if we know where to look. In short, “Over the Rainbow” is a song that captures the essence of the human spirit, inspiring us to dream and to hope for a better tomorrow.
