Judy Garland — Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Album: Best Of Judy GarlandAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1524
Length: 2:46
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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?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?
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?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?
Comments (116)add comment
This is, of course, glorious. Saying that, I’d love it if RP occasionally played the John Martyn version from Sapphire.
I was fortunate to see one of her last concerts at "Talk of the Town" London in early '69
My mom loved the way Judy sang this song. She used to bop around the house trying to sing it with enthusiasm, pitifully out of key. 
Saw Mandy Patinkin in April and his encore was this song, with a heartbreaking intro, sung in Yiddish. I wept.
From an era when movies provided happiness.
Egctheow wrote:
This is just good and refreshing. A rainbow in itself!! Thanks for playing it :-)
Makes me think of that joke,
I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and I always wondered how one could talk without a brain. Then I got on Facebook...
Ha!
This is just good and refreshing. A rainbow in itself!! Thanks for playing it :-)Makes me think of that joke,
I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and I always wondered how one could talk without a brain. Then I got on Facebook...
Ha!
It's a beautiful song, in it's fashion. But as time goes by it more and more becomes a period piece. A reflection of a time, and a state of mind, that seems increasingly...quaint. And this isn't meant as a criticism.
It's more a reflection of a thought that the period represents the childhood for many aspects of American culture. We've certain grown a lot since then, though the jury is out and whether we've grown up and gotten wiser, or not. So it goes I suppose.
Highlow
It's more a reflection of a thought that the period represents the childhood for many aspects of American culture. We've certain grown a lot since then, though the jury is out and whether we've grown up and gotten wiser, or not. So it goes I suppose.
Highlow
I wonder...if we flipped the singers for the last two songs: Leon Russsell sings this and Judy G sings Back to the Island.
Hearing this brings me so far back to a childhood that has felt lost for so long...
So I was watching Wizard of Oz with some kids who had never seen it. They are very prejudiced against "old" movies so during the black and white sequences I had to keep telling them "it gets better" lol.
IMDB says its the most-watched film ever. This song was nearly cut, and a reprise that Dorothy sang while she was is the witch's prison was cut.
Guess back then they didn't keep the extra bits around to make into a directors cut.
IMDB says its the most-watched film ever. This song was nearly cut, and a reprise that Dorothy sang while she was is the witch's prison was cut.
Guess back then they didn't keep the extra bits around to make into a directors cut.
About time this was retired. 
I have listened to and rated hundreds, maybe thousands of songs in the last 15 or so years that I've had the enjoyment of listening to RP. (Thank you.) I've probably only given 5 songs a "10". This is one of them. Very few songs can make someone from 5 to 105 smile every time they hear it, even if for the zillionth time.
Gave my first "godlike" to this song. I mean....how can it be anything but? The song is from another dimension.
aelfheld wrote:
Same here! I agree!
I've yet to hear a cover that does justice to her rendition.
Same here! I agree!
dschless wrote:
Yes! Thanx RP!
What an unexpected treat...
Yes! Thanx RP!
What a soooooothing voice
ednazarko wrote:
It is a sad song. Maybe that's why her version has never been topped - she was singing from her (broken) heart.
c.
As much as I loved this song, learning about Judy Garland's sad life made it more poignant, and not in a good way. It's wonderful. But it makes me sad now, not hopeful.
c.
10
Was in the room and I went, "Wait, is that? Why yes it is." A nice surprise, then a nice Sonny Chillingworth slack key tune. ahhhhh 
kazoo wrote:
Eva's favorite song, a wonderful version.
For contemporary versions, try Eva Cassidy and also Bob Schnieder.
Eva's favorite song, a wonderful version.
I've been singing this a lot lately.
I've yet to hear a cover that does justice to her rendition.
EXCELLENT!!! ICONIC!!!
Jeff Beck does a fine version on his Grammy - winning Emotion and Commotion effort.
kazoo wrote:
Is Bob Schnieder the same guy on Saturday Night Live that played the copier guy?
No
Is Bob Schnieder the same guy on Saturday Night Live that played the copier guy?
No
Iv'e heard that if you play this song while watching a muted Pink Floyd video then magical things may start happening
What a tragic figure. Her life makes this song all the more heartbreaking.
c.
So this is why I always listen to RP. All of a sudden, totally unexpected, comes this gem from our collective past that illustrates the beauty of music so well. I have tears. No one plays this on any radio anywhere except RP. Thanks, Bill.
lwade95 wrote:
Is Bob Schnieder the same guy on Saturday Night Live that played the copier guy?
For contemporary versions, try Eva Cassidy and also Bob Schnieder.
Is Bob Schnieder the same guy on Saturday Night Live that played the copier guy?
whew...goosebumps....
For contemporary versions, try Eva Cassidy and also Bob Schnieder.
2 10s in a row - Across the Universe followed by Somewhere Over The Rainbow. I am so happy for RP and the truly eclectic and unexpected music
sgaustein wrote:
or....better yet, Tommy Emmanuel's version
Love it! Now, can you play Clapton's version pretty please?
or....better yet, Tommy Emmanuel's version
There was a version of this song on ER with mark green dying
oh wow this is getting me in the feels today. My 82 year old mother is going home on hospice today. Music is such a gift. Thank you for playing this today
KudaRey wrote:
I guess because not everyone likes the same thing. Personally I prefer a whole bunch of songs from that era - Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael etc.
How can any somg be a10 if not this one? What other song from the 1930's much less any song from that generation, is more recognized and enjoyed at some point in their lives? I would love to ponder any others songs.
I guess because not everyone likes the same thing. Personally I prefer a whole bunch of songs from that era - Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael etc.
Very nice that they added lyrics to Jeff Beck's original instrumental composition. No, wait...
Anyway it's the surprise tracks like this that make RP so eclectic and worth a donation.
Love it! Now, can you play Clapton's version pretty please?
I needed this. Six more days.
Goddess-like. Had to give it a 10.
9 -> 10
Absolute Class!!!
81 year old Magic.
nice to hear this during these most uncertain of times...
Thanks and good wishes to you all !
especially Bill and Rebecca
Thanks and good wishes to you all !
especially Bill and Rebecca
I can understand that some might not love this song but a 1???
This song is so beautiful and tragic at the same time, largely due to who's singing it.
How can any somg be a10 if not this one? What other song from the 1930's much less any song from that generation, is more recognized and enjoyed at some point in their lives? I would love to ponder any others songs.
Such a lovely song. Always brightens my mood.
Wizard of Radio Paradise
No question about this one. It's a 10 for cultural reference alone.
The average rating is seriously only 7.9?
Get your tech together.
dont need this 3 times in an hour.
undertones
dont need this 3 times in an hour.
undertones
Someone must have rolled a joint at Radio Paradise!
How many times has this song been covered? Never close to Judy, though. This is always WOW. Nailed it.
When they say eclectic, they mean eclectic. Love this station. You absolutely never know what's coming next. And every bit of it's good.
Greatness
As much as I loved this song, learning about Judy Garland's sad life made it more poignant, and not in a good way. It's wonderful. But it makes me sad now, not hopeful.
Issue tissue. From an era when no matter how difficult the times there was always something to be said for national innocence
* s i g h *
80 years ago.
80 years ago.
When a terrible fight with my former wife went over the top, she did put my children against me, and for a 3 years period, I had no chance to interact with my kids. This song became my hymn of hope, and every single version I found was my daily anthem. Things became better and now I have contact with my children, but this song will ever be my song of hope.
In his latter years my father got to love this song sung by Judy Garland so at his funeral we decided to have it one of the "hymns" played during the service.
Everybody knows this song and this version but trying to sing along with Judy was nearly impossible due to the phrasing and particular singing style of Garland.
On a similar note, it is also very difficult to "sing a-long" with John Bon Jovi who also has a certain style and vocal range that is deceptively difficult to match.
Everybody knows this song and this version but trying to sing along with Judy was nearly impossible due to the phrasing and particular singing style of Garland.
On a similar note, it is also very difficult to "sing a-long" with John Bon Jovi who also has a certain style and vocal range that is deceptively difficult to match.
This is just good and refreshing. A rainbow in itself!! Thanks for playing it :-)Makes me think of that joke,
I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and I always wondered how one could talk without a brain. Then I got on Facebook...
May as well trot out the old joke....
Where do you go to weigh a pie ?
Where do you go to weigh a pie ?
My favorite!
reminds me of mom singing this to me when I was little
d-don wrote:
Agreed!
As if I needed another reason to love RP. Thanks.
Agreed!
Wow, my first time hearing this here! What a pleasant surprize!
To me 8 - Most Excellent perhaps more
I REALLY needed this. Thank you for playing it RP! 
As if I needed another reason to love RP. Thanks.
Almost 80 years ago.
Wow.
Wow.
speechless
mrrmt wrote:
I think most of us could use an escape from middle-school trauma with a dose of a memory-zapping drug. But at least you got to play a pretty wonderful dog.
Poor Judy, so much talent but such a troubled life.
i was toto in my middleschool production of wizard of oz. i thought it would be fun, but didn't realize the dog jokes would never end....poor little 12 year old me....
I think most of us could use an escape from middle-school trauma with a dose of a memory-zapping drug. But at least you got to play a pretty wonderful dog.
Poor Judy, so much talent but such a troubled life.
Kerly wrote:
yeah 1939 is old I suppose but not this song
I like the sound that this is realllllly old and it is realllly old.
yeah 1939 is old I suppose but not this song
Recorded at EMI Studios in London, 3 August, 1960.
"There are many versions of this great song & I am just wondering if this is the most moving. Judy certainly had a magic voice, suited to this wonderful song. Would be interesting to hear other opinions." Teddyb1939
" "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. "
You'll always be "The God", (which you're not and you know it) - but you are Eric Clapton. The only. Thank you for this song, this is a treat. "
I like the sound that this is realllllly old and it is realllly old.
passsion8 wrote:
This version is especially sad.... wavering voice & scratches.
I think that gives it a nice "old and warm" feel. Keep the scratches.
I wouldn't want this played a lot but every 5 years and played by surprise is nice.
Thx, Bill.
yah that was the longest i've ever heard him go on, ever!
fun.
Bill, your little spiel about Judy was hilarious! You should add a few more little talks here and there.
Sorry folks, but this sucks in the RP context. Not totally unlike Bill, but again, I think (IMHO) that we could all live without this.
Definite 1 for context on this station. Maybe a 3 for song itself.
The musical diversity and spontaneity of this station is what makes it so great. Maybe Clearchannel is more to your liking.
A totally unexpected and wonderful surprise! Makes it a little easier to deal with all the snow out here in the Aleutian Islands. Thanks Bill!
I think PBS used to air it every Christmas, at least in the Twin Cities.
Yeah it is a surprise here--I listen to really old-fashioned music all the time (outside of RP). Judy had an unfortunate end.
Props to Jane Monheit for doing a lovely job on this song in the modern era. A clip of her version was used for that movie "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"
As much as I respect this song, I don't think its all that great as a song goes by itself. It's just got good placement in the history and ultimate nostalgia of popular music, so it's almost as if by default that is has a place in our hearts. I almost just lost all respect for it just by thinking about it this much.
But.. what can you do?
she miles... what a lovely, lovely, surprise. Thanks B, you sure do know how to put a smile on this jaded old birds face....
stevo_b wrote:
Excellent!
omg rock ridge is over the rainbow! nice!
Nothing lucky about it. BG knows his audience, drek. Look at the song rating.
drekar wrote:
I think Bill hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button. I am not complaining though.
i was toto in my middleschool production of wizard of oz. i thought it would be fun, but didn't realize the dog jokes would never end....poor little 12 year old me....
I'm glad I have an office to myself, and can crank this as loud as I want.
"I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
You should hear the youngsters in my office bitching right now
What the heck.....
Sorry folks, but this sucks in the RP context. Not totally unlike Bill, but again, I think (IMHO) that we could all live without this.
Definite 1 for context on this station. Maybe a 3 for song itself.
WTF! 
bookishbitty wrote:
This song is sad.
This version is especially sad.... wavering voice & scratches.
For posterity sake, can this be any less than a 9?
This is exactly why I love listening to RadioParadise, you never know what you're going to hear. Keep up the great work Bill.
Will whoever stole the ruby red slippers from the Judy Garland museum in Minnesota please return them? Thank you.
Bill-Hearing this song makes me so happy! I love it!
The weather in Paradise, CA must be looking better than here in San Jose, CA.
What an unexpected treat...
I think Bill hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button. I am not complaining though.
strangely soothing...
why not
Cool!!
I love this place! Thanks Bill, for this treat!
This song is sad.
Um, totally odd to hear this all of a sudden, but hey!
wow! what a treat!!
Excellent!
right on!
Buh? All right Bill, you have to explain the connection between I Monster and Judy Garland. I trust you, I'm just dumb.
cool !
I was fortunate to see one of her last concerts at "Talk of the Town" London in early '69
You lucky thing. What a gal and what a voice.