Over the Rainbow facts for kids
"Over the Rainbow" is a very famous song from the movie The Wizard of Oz. It was written by Harold Arlen, who composed the music, and E.Y. Harburg, who wrote the words. Judy Garland sang this song in the movie. It became her most well-known song, also called her signature song. The song won an Academy Award for being the best original song. Sometimes, people call it "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
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The Song in The Wizard of Oz
About five minutes into The Wizard of Oz movie, Judy Garland sings "Over the Rainbow". She plays a girl named Dorothy Gale. Dorothy is trying to tell her aunt and uncle about something that happened with her dog, Toto.
Dorothy's Aunt Em tells her to find a place where she won't get into trouble. Dorothy walks away with Toto. She asks her dog, "Someplace where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat, or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain." Then, she starts to sing the song.
Why the Song Almost Got Cut
Some important people at MGM, the movie studio, thought the song "slowed down the picture." They also felt it didn't sound like a song a little girl would sing in a barnyard. Because of this, they wanted to remove it from the movie.
However, other people wanted the song to stay. Luckily, the studio executives changed their minds. So, "Over the Rainbow" was kept in the movie.
A Scene That Was Changed
"Over the Rainbow" was planned to be sung again by Judy Garland. This was for a scene where Dorothy is locked in the witch's room. She watches an hourglass and cries while singing the song. She was supposed to end the song by saying, "I'm frightened, Auntie Em! I'm frightened!"
This second time the song was sung was cut from the movie. But Dorothy's cry, "I'm frightened," was kept in the film.
The Song's Lasting Impact
"Over the Rainbow" is considered one of the most important songs ever. It is number one on the "Songs of the Century" list. This list was put together by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The American Film Institute also named "Over the Rainbow" the greatest movie song of all time. It is on their list called "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs."
A Symbol of Hope
During World War II, American soldiers in Europe loved this song. They saw it as a symbol of the United States and home. Judy Garland even performed the song for American troops in 1943.
Popular Cover Versions
Many artists have sung "Over the Rainbow." One very popular version was by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. In 1993, he included it in a ukulele medley with "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. This version became very famous around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Over the Rainbow para niños
