Song of the Century

Recently on Highways & Byways…

From the ON THIS DAY section: Song of the Century

In the section On This Day…yesterday, I discussed the song Over the Rainbow. It was 8 years to the day that the song was voted Song of the 20th Century in a survey published in the United States.

Over the Rainbow was sung by Judy Garland in the movie The Wizard of Oz (1939). It’s a simple little ballad that almost didn’t make it into the film, because Louis B. Mayer, director of MGM, thought it “slowed down the picture.”

Growing up, I probably saw the movie a couple times a year, however it’s been years since I’ve seen it and I look forward to watching it with my son.

It’s a classic.

Here’s Judy Garland (Liza Minnelli’s mom), in The Wizard of Oz singing Over the Rainbow.

I’ve added the lyrics, so you can sing along!



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,
A way 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?
-
Vocabulary:

To look forward to. Tener ganas de

Rainbow. Arco iris

Lullaby. Nana, canción de cuna

To dare. Atreverse

Lemon drop. Caramelo de limón

Published by: Drew Crosby