Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow. "Over the Rainbow" is a ballad composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E. Y. Harburg for the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film The Wizard of Oz (1939 film). It is famously performed in the film by actress and singer Judy Garland in her role as Dorothy Gale. The song expresses a longing for a place of happiness and peace beyond everyday troubles, becoming an enduring symbol of hope and aspiration in American popular music.

Composition and structure

The music for "Over the Rainbow" was composed by Harold Arlen, a prominent figure in the Great American Songbook, while the lyrics were penned by his frequent collaborator E. Y. Harburg. The song is written in the key of E-flat major and features a distinctive octave leap on the word "somewhere" in its opening phrase, a musical device that immediately evokes a sense of yearning. Its structure follows a classic AABA form, with a verse leading into the iconic chorus. The harmonic progression makes sophisticated use of chromaticism and secondary dominants, contributing to its wistful and dreamlike quality. Arlen reportedly found inspiration for the melody's leap while driving past Schwab's Pharmacy in Los Angeles.

Recording and release

The song was recorded for the The Wizard of Oz (soundtrack) with Judy Garland accompanied by the MGM Studio Orchestra under the musical direction of Herbert Stothart. Studio executives, including Louis B. Mayer, initially considered cutting the song, deeming it too slow for a children's film, but were persuaded to keep it. The recording session took place at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in Culver City, California. The song was first released commercially as part of the film's promotional materials and later appeared on various 78 rpm record formats. Its initial release was tied directly to the film's premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Cultural impact and legacy

"Over the Rainbow" rapidly transcended its origins in The Wizard of Oz (1939 film) to become a cultural touchstone, especially during World War II, where it served as an anthem of hope for soldiers and civilians. The American Film Institute ranked it the greatest song in American cinema history. It is inextricably linked to the legacy of Judy Garland and has been adopted as a symbol by the LGBT community, representing resilience and the dream of a better world. The song's title inspired the name of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and is frequently performed at major national events like the Super Bowl and memorial services, including those for Judy Garland and Princess Diana.

Notable covers and performances

The song has been covered by a vast array of artists across multiple genres. Early notable versions include those by Glenn Miller and his orchestra and Frank Sinatra. Eva Cassidy's posthumously released rendition in the 1990s brought the song to a new generation and topped charts in the United Kingdom. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole created a famous medley blending it with What a Wonderful World, which has been featured in numerous films and television shows like ER (TV series) and Finding Forrester. Other significant interpretations have been performed by Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Ariana Grande at the One Love Manchester benefit, and Patti LaBelle at the 1998 NBA Finals.

Awards and recognition

"Over the Rainbow" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939. In 1981, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts included it in their Songs of the Century list. It has also received honors from the Library of Congress, being selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The song's sheet music was awarded the NARM Best Seller Award and it consistently places highly on lists by Rolling Stone and Billboard (magazine).

Category:1939 songs Category:Academy Award-winning songs Category:Songs from The Wizard of Oz