Table of Contents
Introduction
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations since its release in 1939.
In this post, we’ll explore the history and significance of this iconic song, as well as provide resources for English language learners to engage with the lyrics.
Join us on a journey over the rainbow!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a classic Academy Award-winning ballad sung by actress Judy Garland. This page provides information about the song and links to the lyrics and the official video.
Information About The Song
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts About The Song
Song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Date of release: 1939
Composer: Harold Arlen
Interesting Information About The Song
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was written for the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz,” where it was sung by actress Judy Garland in her iconic role as Dorothy Gale.
The song occurs about five minutes into the film when Dorothy sings after an unpleasant incident with her dog Toto and Miss Gulch. It expresses Dorothy’s longing for a place where there’s no trouble, “Some place where there isn’t any trouble… It’s far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain…” It’s a poignant moment that sets the tone for the entire movie.
Additional Interesting Fact
- “Over the Rainbow” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1940 and is considered one of the greatest movie songs of all time.
The video
Listen to the song on YouTube:
The lyrics
Get the lyrics here:
Language points
The song includes many interesting language points:
- Simple future
- “Someday I’ll wish upon a star”
- Relative clauses
- “There’s a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby” (where “that I heard of” is a relative clause modifying “land”)
- “And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true” (where “that you dare to dream” is a relative clause modifying “dreams”)
- Metaphor and Simile
- Where troubles melt like lemon drops” (troubles melting is a metaphor for troubles disappearing or becoming insignificant “like lemon drops”)
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby - 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
Quiz
Here are the key vocabulary items in the lyrics:
- Fly
- Lullaby
- Skies
- Bluebirds
- Dared
- Star
- Melt
- Lemon drops
- Chimney tops
- Rainbow
- Clouds
- happy
- Land
- Dare
Now do the following gap-fill exercise using the vocabulary items above:
Gap Fill Exercise:
Complete the sentences with the appropriate vocabulary items:
- __________ is often seen after a rain shower.
- We went for a hike and found a beautiful __________ with a breathtaking view.
- Singing a __________ helps the baby fall asleep.
- The __________ looks so serene on a clear day.
- I __________ to dream big and pursue my goals.
- He wished upon a __________ for good luck before his big exam.
- When I look at the sky, I imagine myself flying among the __________.
- Worries seem to __________ when I’m surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- We could see the city skyline from the top of the __________.
- __________ are known for their vibrant color and cheerful songs.
- Birds often __________ in a V-shape during migration.
- He couldn’t understand why looks __________
Conclusion
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland is not just a song, but a timeless anthem that speaks to the human longing for hope and a better future.
Through its poignant lyrics and Judy Garland’s emotive performance, the song has resonated with audiences for generations. Its message of optimism and the pursuit of dreams is as relevant today as it was in 1939.
Because “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world, it can be a valuable tool for learning and teaching English, as it is short, carries profound meanings, and uses simple language to convey hope and optimism.
More about the son on Wikipedia
