About the Song
Background
- Original Context: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was originally composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Sung by Judy Garland, it became an iconic anthem of hope and yearning for a better world.
- Jerry Lee Lewis’s Version: Lewis recorded his take on the song for his 1980 album Killer Country. It was a departure from his typical fiery rock and roll style, showcasing his versatility and deep connection to American standards.
Themes
- Hope and Longing: Just like the original, Lewis’s version taps into the universal themes of hope and longing. The song evokes a desire for a place beyond current struggles and sadness.
- Melancholy and Reflection: Lewis infuses the song with a sense of melancholy. His piano playing and vocals lend a touch of introspection, suggesting a bittersweet longing for a simpler, perhaps unattainable world.
- Personal Connection: Some music historians theorize that Lewis might have personally connected with the song’s message. His turbulent life, filled with triumphs and tragedies, could have resonated with the search for a place “over the rainbow”.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their interpretations:
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“Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.”
- Establishes the central image of yearning for a place beyond troubles.
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“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”
- Expresses the core message of hope – the belief in the possibility of a better world where dreams materialize.
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“Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops…”
- Conveys a desire for escape, to transcend problems and find peace.
Overall
Jerry Lee Lewis’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” stands out as a beautiful and haunting interpretation of a beloved song. His trademark piano infused with the soulful grit of his vocals creates a poignant and reflective version. While respecting the song’s central message of hope, his take adds a touch of lived-in weariness that makes it uniquely his own.
Video
Lyric
Somewhere, over the rainbowBluebirds flyThey flyin’ highOver that old rainbowI wonder, why Lord, can I?
Somewhere over the rainbowWay up highYou know there’s a land old Jerry dreamed ofOnes in a lullaby
Someday I’ll wish upon a starWake up where the clouds are far behind meWhere kisses melt like lemon dropsHigh above the chimney topsThat’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbowBluebirds flyThey are flyin’ high over the rainbowI wonder why can’t I?
Someday I’ll wish upon a starWake up where the clouds are far behind meYou know where kisses melt like lemon dropsHigh above the chimney tops that’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbowBluebirds flyMy God they flyin’ high over the rainbowWhy can’t I?