"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is one of my favorite songs that always makes me cry because of its beautiful, sorrow filled lyrics. The song was written for the movie "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939 by E.Y. Harburg and music arrangement by Harold Arlen.
The first video I would like to show you viewers is " Somewhere Over the Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland when she was only 16. She played Dorothy Gale who felt trapped in her country life, and wanted to explore the world outside her farm. I believe Judy's own dysfunctional life at this age: Strict Mother,struggling with the death of her father, and MGM Studios trying to mold her into their own image of beauty, lead to her putting her emotions and whole soul into the song.
Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole was a Hawaiian musician and singer who sung his own version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on his CD Facing the Future, which was featured in movies such as Finding Forester and Meet Joe Black. He was an inspirational influence in Hawaii for other young artists, his haunting voice reflecting the pains and triumphs we face as human beings. Israel died in 1997 at the age of 38, from respiratory problems due to his weight.
The song is universal, everyone at one time as dreamed of something special for their futures and feel like they are not able to achieve them due to: poverty, fear, non-support from family and friends, or society degrading you. Its amazing that different generations and cultures have their own interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow, but still carries the message of hope.
For more information about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole check out:worldmusic.about.com/od/bandsartistsaz/p/IsraelKama.htm \
Judy Garland:www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/garland_j.html
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