Over the Rainbow
Beyond Dreams: Sarah Vaughan's Musical Journey Over the Rainbow
Lyrics
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Describes a place above the horizon where a rainbow appears.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Refers to a mythical or imagined land that exists, possibly mentioned in a soothing song.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
Portrays the notion that in this imagined place, the skies are serene and clear.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Encourages embracing ambitious dreams.
Really do come true.
Asserts the belief that these daring dreams can indeed become a reality.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Expresses the aspiration to make wishes come true, akin to wishing on a star.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Desires to escape from troubles, seeking a place far away from clouds of worry.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Describes a utopian setting where problems dissolve easily, likened to the sweetness of lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops,
Depicts a height, possibly denoting a metaphorical distance from daily struggles.
That's where you'll find me.
Implies the identification of oneself in this idealized place.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Illustrates the freedom and grace of birds soaring above the rainbow.
Birds fly over the rainbow
Reiterates the flight of birds over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?
Questions why the singer cannot achieve a similar flight or freedom.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Suggests that if joyous birds can surpass the rainbow, the singer wonders why they cannot do the same.
Why, oh why can't I?
Repeats the singer's inquiry about their inability to achieve such freedom.
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
Restates the description of an elevated, mystical place beyond the rainbow.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Recalls the mention of a distant land from earlier in the song.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
Reaffirms the image of serene, blue skies in this imagined land.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Encourages pursuing daring dreams once again.
Really do come true.
Reiterates the belief in the attainability of these bold dreams.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Expresses the desire to make wishes a reality by wishing upon a star.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Desires to wake up in a place far from worries and troubles.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Describes the dissolution of troubles in this utopian setting, akin to the melting of lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops,
Indicates a lofty location above common problems.
That's where you'll find me.
Identifies this elevated place as the singer's desired location.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Restates the imagery of birds flying freely above the rainbow.
Birds fly over the rainbow
Reiterates the flight of birds over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?
Reiterates the singer's longing to achieve such freedom.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Questions why the singer cannot achieve the same liberation as the joyful birds.
Why, oh why can't I?
Repeats the singer's lament about their inability to attain that freedom.
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