Judy Garland's ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ In Classic Original Recording

Apr 20, 2020

Often touted as one of the greatest movies ever made, The Wizard Of Oz has been a classic for over 80 years for a reason. Although many of the songs from the 1939 musical film are remembered to this day, Dorothy singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow before her adventure in Oz begins is one of the most famous.

Here, in its timeless sepia-tinted original footage from the film, is actress Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

As a young 16-year-old when the film was being shot, Judy Garland surely had no idea of the success that the film would go on to have nor her fame as an actress and singer. What is clear however is how talented she was, from the moment she opens her mouth and begins singing the opening lines: "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby."

This is perhaps what makes the song the most memorable from The Wizard Of Oz, as Garland's immaculate vocals float high, mirroring the words that she's singing, while the dull sepia-tinted visuals provide a perfect contrast to her words. It's also a feeling that many of us can empathize with –– being a teenager and romanticizing a world that exists out there, out of our reach, just wishing to be a part of it soon enough.

The clip is also remembered as the antithesis to the wonderful and colorful world of Oz, which Dorothy travels to in the film. Since the film's Kansas setting is only shown briefly, with the majority of it being shown during this song, the audience connects the brown-tinted view of a field, farmyard animals, and a tractor with Dorothy's home.

Released in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, The Wizard Of Oz was produced by film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and is an adaptation of Frank L. Baum's book of the same name from 1900. The film was well known for its vivid Technicolor visuals and songs that helped progress the film's story along. 

Of those songs, Over the Rainbow was the most famous and also happens to appear first in the film. It was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg, and went on to win the Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. 

It became Judy Garland's signature song and she performed it often throughout her career. Many artists have also recorded their own cover versions of the song, including Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Eva Cassidy, and even pop superstar Ariana Grande.

The song's fame precedes it, but in the end Somewhere Over the Rainbow is Judy Garland's song. Nobody could ever sing it quite like her. 

What do you think of Judy Garland's original version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow? Do you remember the first time you heard it and what you thought? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to pass this on to your friends and family!