The song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (really, “Over the Rainbow”) was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz. When Judy Garland sings the song near the beginning of the movie, it really draws your attention. The low note on the first syllable of “somewhere” jumping to the higher note just gives a dreamy quality to it that matches song to subject perfectly.

While Judy Garland’s version is probably the best-known, I believe Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of it is so amazing that it deserves a mention. He somehow managed to change many of the notes while still maintaining (and, I dare say, enhancing) the dreamy nature at the song’s core. Interestingly, he originally recorded it in one take on a whim, calling up a recording studio in the wee hours of the morning (3:00 a.m.) and being forced to arrive within 15 minutes.

On a personal note, when I was fifteen, I played Dorothy in the community theater’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I enjoyed being in plays, but having to sing such a well-known song in front of so many people was daunting, so I took vocal lessons to assist me in being louder. (I was the quiet introvert, so being loud was a challenge.) Strangely, no matter how often I sung the song, I never grew tired of it. I worried over it, certainly, but I never tired of it.

My mom later would prompt me to sing it at various times, such as at a family gathering of maybe 20 people. I wasn’t exactly thrilled at the prospect of being put on the spot like that, but I knew my mom adored it any time that I sung the song, so I would humor her. My mom passed away in 2009, but I still think of her any time I hear the song.

Here is the classic version:

Here is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version:

Here is a version by Danielle Hope that contains lyrics that were omitted from the movie, though they are often included in the play. They actually start off the song (“When all the world is a hopeless jumble”), but a lot of people don’t know the words since they weren’t included in the movie. I like the words and the tune of these omitted lyrics, but the problem is that they are low, so they were definitely difficult for me to sing loudly when I was in the play!

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_the_Rainbow

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somewhere_Over_the_Rainbow%2FWhat_a_Wonderful_World