The meaning of Over The Rainbow by Bing Crosby

Over the Rainbow is one of the most iconic songs in American music history, written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. The song was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz, starring her as Dorothy Gale.

The song's opening lines, "When you wish upon a star / And make a wish come true," set the tone for a hopeful and optimistic narrative that speaks to the universal human desire for escape and transcendence. As the lyrics unfold, we find ourselves transported over the rainbow, where dreams can come true and worries fade away.

The song's central message is one of resilience and determination, as Dorothy finds herself torn from her familiar Kansas home and thrust into a fantastical world of wonder. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of finding a way back home, symbolized by the elusive rainbow that has come to represent her longing for a brighter future.

Bing Crosby's 1939 recording of Over the Rainbow is particularly notable for its smooth and velvety delivery, imbuing the song with a warm and comforting quality. His rendition captures the essence of the song's enduring appeal, as it continues to captivate audiences across generations.

Over the Rainbow has become an integral part of American cultural heritage, transcending its original context in The Wizard of Oz to become a timeless classic that evokes feelings of nostalgia, hope, and longing. As a symbol of the human spirit's capacity for imagination and perseverance, the song remains an essential part of our collective musical DNA.