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?
Why then – oh, why can’t i?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,
Why, oh, why can’t i?
"Over the Rainbow" (often referred to as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow") is a classic ballad song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz, and was sung by Judy Garland in that movie. Over time it would become Garland's signature song.
In the film, part of the song is played by the MGM orchestra over the opening credits. About 20 minutes later, Garland, in the role of Dorothy Gale, sings Over the Rainbow after unsuccessfully trying to get her aunt and uncle to listen to her regarding an unpleasant incident involving Dorothy's dog Toto and the nasty spinster Miss Gulch, whom Toto bit after she struck him with a rake. Dorothy's Aunt Em tells her to "find a place where you won't get yourself into any trouble", prompting the girl to walk off by herself and sing the song.