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Judy Garland — Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Album: Best Of Judy Garland
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1514









Released: 1939
Length: 2:46
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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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?
Comments (114)add comment
I was fortunate to see one of her last concerts at "Talk of the Town"  London in early '69
Posted 1 month ago by floydpink    [ Reply ]
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.   
Posted 3 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Saw Mandy Patinkin in April and his encore was this song, with a heartbreaking intro, sung in Yiddish. I wept. 
Posted 4 months ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
From an era when movies provided happiness.
Posted 5 months ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 6 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 1 year ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
I wonder...if we flipped the singers for the last two songs:  Leon Russsell sings this and Judy G sings Back to the Island. 
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Hearing this brings me so far back to a childhood that has felt lost for so long...
Posted 1 year ago by ick    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 1 year ago by igotitmade2k    [ Reply ]
About time this was retired. {#Stop}
Posted 1 year ago by crispynz1    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 1 year ago by KudaRey    [ Reply ]
Gave my first "godlike" to this song. I mean....how can it be anything but? The song is from another dimension.
Posted 1 year ago by brianbouton    [ Reply ]
 aelfheld wrote:

I've yet to hear a cover that does justice to her rendition.




Same here! I agree!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 dschless wrote:

What an unexpected treat...




Yes! Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
What a soooooothing voice
Posted 1 year ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
 ednazarko wrote:

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.

It is a sad song. Maybe that's why her version has never been topped - she was singing from her (broken) heart.
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
10
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
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 
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 kazoo wrote:
For contemporary versions, try Eva Cassidy and also Bob Schnieder. 
 
Eva's favorite song, a wonderful version.
Posted 2 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
I've been singing this a lot lately.
Posted 2 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
I've yet to hear a cover that does justice to her rendition.
Posted 2 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT!!!  ICONIC!!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Jeff Beck does a fine version on his  Grammy - winning Emotion and Commotion effort. 
Posted 3 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Flaming Lips perform Somewhere Over the Rainbow at ACL:

Flaming Lips at ACL
Posted 3 years ago by konz    [ Reply ]
 kazoo wrote:



Is Bob Schnieder the same guy on Saturday Night Live that played the copier guy?



No
Posted 3 years ago by konz    [ Reply ]
Iv'e heard that if you play this song while watching a muted Pink Floyd video  then magical things may start happening 
Posted 3 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
What a tragic figure. Her life makes this song all the more heartbreaking. 
c.
Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by tkelley    [ Reply ]
 lwade95 wrote:

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?
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
whew...goosebumps....
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
For contemporary versions, try Eva Cassidy and also Bob Schnieder. 
Posted 3 years ago by lwade95    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 3 years ago by jrwoytek    [ Reply ]
sgaustein wrote:
Love it! Now, can you play Clapton's version pretty please?
 
or....better yet, Tommy Emmanuel's version

https://youtu.be/0cHeNscKZN0


Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
There was a version of this song on ER with mark green dying
Posted 3 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 3 years ago by niseywee    [ Reply ]
 KudaRey wrote:
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.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Love it! Now, can you play Clapton's version pretty please?
Posted 4 years ago by sgaustein    [ Reply ]
I needed this. Six more days.
Posted 4 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
Goddess-like. Had to give it a 10.  
Posted 4 years ago by fraserji    [ Reply ]
9 -> 10
Posted 4 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Absolute Class!!!
Posted 4 years ago by LoudshirtsBand    [ Reply ]
81 year old Magic.
Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
nice to hear this during these most uncertain of times...
Thanks and good wishes to you all !
especially Bill and Rebecca
Posted 4 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I can understand that some might not love this song but a 1???
Posted 4 years ago by folkes.tom    [ Reply ]
This song is so beautiful and tragic at the same time, largely due to who's singing it.
Posted 4 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by KudaRey    [ Reply ]
Such a lovely song.  Always brightens my mood.  
Posted 5 years ago by Randy    [ Reply ]
Wizard of Radio Paradise
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
No question about this one.  It's a 10 for cultural reference alone.
Posted 5 years ago by clickfaster    [ Reply ]
The average rating is seriously only 7.9?
Posted 5 years ago by gratefulgator    [ Reply ]
Get your tech together.
dont need this 3 times in an hour.
undertones
Posted 5 years ago by Milesxl    [ Reply ]
Someone must have rolled a joint at Radio Paradise!
Posted 5 years ago by jimmpypowder    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                          Radio Paradise 
My rating a                                                        SOLID                                                    9 -OUTSTANDING
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
How many times has this song been covered? Never close to Judy, though. This is always WOW. Nailed it.
Posted 5 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by tcseeley    [ Reply ]
Greatness
Posted 5 years ago by danoodles    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by ednazarko    [ Reply ]
Issue tissue. From an era when no matter how difficult the times there was always something to be said for national innocence 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
* s i g h *

80 years ago.
Posted 5 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by Ming_En_Duo    [ Reply ]
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.


Posted 5 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 5 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
May as well trot out the old joke....

Where do you go to weigh a pie ?
Posted 5 years ago by Ayejoe    [ Reply ]
My favorite!
Posted 6 years ago by Yodester    [ Reply ]
reminds me of mom singing this to me when I was little

{#Cry}
Posted 6 years ago by GeneP59    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
As if I needed another reason to love RP. Thanks.
 
Agreed! 
Posted 6 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
Wow, my first time hearing this here! What a pleasant surprize!
Posted 6 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
To me 8 - Most Excellent   perhaps more
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
I REALLY needed this.  Thank you for playing it RP!  {#Daisy}
Posted 6 years ago by jen3005545    [ Reply ]
As if I needed another reason to love RP. Thanks.
Posted 6 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Almost 80 years ago.

Wow.
Posted 6 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
speechless
Posted 6 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 mrrmt wrote:
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.

gif of Dorothy and Toto from Wizard of Oz 

Poor Judy, so much talent but such a troubled life. 
 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Kerly wrote:
I like the sound that this is realllllly old and it is realllly old.
 
yeah 1939 is old I suppose but not this song
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]

Judy Garland - You'll Never Walk Alone, London Sessions (1960)

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



Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Eric Clapton - "Somewhere over the rainbow" Live

"  "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. "

"Mr. Clapton, how can I express it? I simply think you can play and "play" with whatever you want to. This is simply beautiful to hear and keep it. You're older and better, with a family, lots of girls, and really, better than never. I wish you the best recovery and a wonderful and peaceful life.
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. "
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I like the sound that this is realllllly old and it is realllly old.
Posted 17 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
yah that was the longest i've ever heard him go on, ever! fun.
Posted 17 years ago by canadianbug    [ Reply ]
Bill, your little spiel about Judy was hilarious! You should add a few more little talks here and there.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by jeepstir    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 17 years ago by klatu    [ Reply ]
I think PBS used to air it every Christmas, at least in the Twin Cities.
Posted 17 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
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"
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
she miles... what a lovely, lovely, surprise. Thanks B, you sure do know how to put a smile on this jaded old birds face....
Posted 17 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
stevo_b wrote:
Excellent!
omg rock ridge is over the rainbow! nice!
Posted 17 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
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....
Posted 17 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
I'm glad I have an office to myself, and can crank this as loud as I want.
Posted 17 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
"I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
Posted 17 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
You should hear the youngsters in my office bitching right now What the heck.....
Posted 17 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
WTF!
Posted 17 years ago by gonzafr    [ Reply ]
bookishbitty wrote:
This song is sad.
This version is especially sad.... wavering voice & scratches.
Posted 17 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
For posterity sake, can this be any less than a 9?
Posted 17 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
This is exactly why I love listening to RadioParadise, you never know what you're going to hear. Keep up the great work Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by stub30    [ Reply ]
Will whoever stole the ruby red slippers from the Judy Garland museum in Minnesota please return them? Thank you.
Posted 17 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Bill-Hearing this song makes me so happy! I love it!
Posted 17 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
The weather in Paradise, CA must be looking better than here in San Jose, CA.
Posted 17 years ago by Darrooon    [ Reply ]
What an unexpected treat...
Posted 17 years ago by dschless    [ Reply ]
I think Bill hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button. I am not complaining though.
Posted 17 years ago by drekar    [ Reply ]
strangely soothing...
Posted 17 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
why not
Posted 17 years ago by bondseye    [ Reply ]
Cool!!
Posted 17 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
I love this place! Thanks Bill, for this treat!
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
This song is sad.
Posted 17 years ago by bookishbitty    [ Reply ]
Um, totally odd to hear this all of a sudden, but hey!
Posted 17 years ago by drekar    [ Reply ]
wow! what a treat!!
Posted 17 years ago by canadianbug    [ Reply ]
Excellent!
Posted 17 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
right on!
Posted 17 years ago by dadsays    [ Reply ]
Buh? All right Bill, you have to explain the connection between I Monster and Judy Garland. I trust you, I'm just dumb.
Posted 17 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
cool !
Posted 17 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]