Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lyrics – Full Song, Covers & Chords

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is one of the most enduring songs in American popular music, written for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The complete lyrics, as sung by Judy Garland, express a longing for a better place, a theme that has resonated with audiences for decades. This article provides the full original lyrics, explores the song’s history, examines notable cover versions, and offers chord information for musicians.

What Are the Original Lyrics to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Judy Garland?

• The original lyrics reflect hope and escapism during the Great Depression.
• The song is consistently ranked among the greatest movie songs of all time.
• Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version became an anthem for Hawaiian culture and peace.
• Numerous artists have recorded it, each bringing a unique interpretation to the lyrics.
• The song is not a simple four-chord tune; the full composition includes sophisticated harmonies and passing chords.
• The octave leap in the melody symbolizes reaching for a better place.

Full Original Lyrics (Verse 1, Verse 2, Bridge)

The lyrics that follow are the standard version as sung by Judy Garland in the film. Some minor variations appear in different prints, but the words below are widely accepted as the canonical form, as documented on Genius.com.

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
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.

Bridge
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?

Who Sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in The Wizard of Oz?

Judy Garland performed the song in The Wizard of Oz. She played Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who dreams of escaping her mundane life. The song became her signature piece, and her performance is the benchmark against which all other versions are measured. The film arrangement is treated as the canonical form.

Who Is the Original Singer of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’?

Judy Garland is the original singer of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” She introduced the song in The Wizard of Oz in 1939. The song was written specifically for the film, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Yip Harburg.

Judy Garland’s Role in The Wizard of Oz

Garland was 16 years old when she filmed her scenes. Her performance of the song became a cultural touchstone, later winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The lyrics express longing, hope, escape, and the dream of a better place “somewhere over the rainbow.”

What Are the Lyrics to the Hawaiian Version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole?

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, often called “IZ,” released a medley in 1993 that combined “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with “What a Wonderful World.” The version is hugely popular and widely used in films, TV, tributes, and online videos. It is commonly performed with ukulele and gentle vocal phrasing.

Lyrics for ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World’

IZ’s medley uses essentially the same lyrics as the original, but with a different structure and feel. He does not sing the full bridge. Instead, after the first verse, he often transitions directly into the lyrics of “What a Wonderful World.” The words are performed in English; there is no Hawaiian-language section in his version.

Differences from the original lyrics

The main difference is not in the text itself, but in the arrangement and emotional delivery. IZ’s version is slower, more meditative, and accompanied by ukulele rather than a full orchestra. It has been described as an anthem for Hawaiian culture and peace.

What Are the Lyrics to Patti LaBelle’s Version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’?

Patti LaBelle performed a celebrated live version in 1998. Her interpretation is known for its powerful vocal delivery and dramatic arrangement. While the lyrics remain the same as the standard original, LaBelle’s vocal style and the arrangement bring a new emotional weight to the song, often emphasizing the feelings of resilience and aspiration.

Patti LaBelle’s Vocal Style and Arrangement

LaBelle’s version is a showcase for her dynamic range. She often adds vocal runs and ornaments that are not present in simpler arrangements. The song remains a standard in her live repertoire, and she is one of many artists who have covered it across jazz, pop, and soul styles.

How to Play ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ – Lyrics and Chords

The chord progression varies by arrangement and key. Simplified tutorials often reduce the song to a smaller vocabulary for sing-along use, but the original orchestral arrangement contains more sophisticated harmonies and passing chords.

Basic Ukulele Chords (C, F, G, Am, Em)

For the IZ medley style, a common easy-accompaniment set of chords includes C, G, Am, F, Em, and E7. This is drawn from a playable medley arrangement available through the Luther Burbank Center. Another common beginner-friendly adaptation for guitar is centered around F, C, Dm, and G7.

Strumming Pattern and Progression

Across many versions, the song uses I–vi–IV–V-type movement with strong use of subdominant and dominant tension. More advanced arrangements also include chromatic or descending bass movement. A chord guide from Dan C. Holloway suggests playing in G with a capo on the 1st fret to approximate the original sung key of Ab. His listed chords include G, G7, C, Cm, Em, Bm, Am, F#, D, and D7.

Where Can I Find ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ on YouTube or Play It?

Listeners can find Judy Garland’s original performance on video streaming platforms. The song is also widely available on audio streaming services.

Official Music Videos and Audio

Official audio for Judy Garland’s version is available on platforms like Spotify, where synced lyrics are provided for logged-in users. The track is also available on other major streaming platforms.

Spotify and Streaming Platforms

Beyond Spotify, the song can be found on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. The performance by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is also prominently available on these services.

Timeline: Key Moments in the Song’s History

1. 1939: Song written and performed by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.
2. 1940: Wins Academy Award for Best Original Song.
3. 1960s–1970s: Covers by artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
4. 1993: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole releases medley “Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World.”
5. 1998: Patti LaBelle performs a celebrated live version.
6. 2000s: The song becomes a popular ukulele tune and is used in films and commercials.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Lyrics?

Background and Meaning of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

Cultural impact: The song’s timeless theme of hope resonates across generations. It became culturally associated with innocence, aspiration, and emotional resilience. Musical analysis: The octave leap in the melody symbolizes reaching for a better place, a direct reflection of Dorothy’s longing for escape from her gray Kansas life. Lyrical meaning: The rainbow represents an idealized, unattainable world, reinforcing the song’s central theme of hope and aspiration.

Sources and Quotes Related to the Song

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – full lyrics as used in the film.

— Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, official lyric sheet PDF

The lyrics to Judy Garland’s original version are widely available and are the most referenced form of the song.

— Genius.com, community-sourced lyrics

An educational lyric sheet for the song, used in school settings.

— Tower Hamlets Council PDF

Summary: The Complete Guide to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ Lyrics

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a 1939 film song from The Wizard of Oz, written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, made immortal by Judy Garland, later popularized in modern form by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, and widely adapted in simple guitar and ukulele chord versions using keys such as C, G, and F. For more on the song’s history and musical structure, see our related article: Somewhere Over the Rainbow – lyrics history, notable versions, and chords.