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Over the Rainbow by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Introduction

This song was made popular by Judy Garland in the film The Wizard of Oz released in

1939; this song maintained the top spot in the Songs of the Century of the National

Endowment of the Arts and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA and NEA).

Back then, the lyrics of the song brought life to the character of Dorothy – a young girl lost in

another dimension and trying to find her way back home. To the majority, it is a song that

encompasses the ideals, hopes and dreams that can or will be achieved after overcoming an

obstacle. This song was recorded by other artists through the years by The Demensions, Faith

Hill, Marusha, Katharine McPhee, and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Often, the impression that

artists are no longer innovating and are just relying on other artist’s past songs is made

especially for re-made songs. However, upon listening to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole,’s, or

Bruddah Iz’s, version of this song, one would feel compelled to listen to the song over and

over again; it has brought out something fresh and surprising about this age-old song. The

Bruddah Iz version has given a new experience to the song and can be considered as an

unforgettable independent piece of art based on a past understanding of the original song.

“Over the Rainbow”: The Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Version

Israel, or Iz, belonged to a small population of 1,500 full-blooded Hawaiians that are

remaining on earth. Often he ended concerts by saying, “My name is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole,

I am Hawaiian.” Iz started a solo career in 1990, leaving the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau and

released his solo album entitled “Facing Future” in 1993; this album up until now remains to

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be the top-selling albums worldwide. This song has been heard on different film and

television soundtracks from 50 First Dates, Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, Charmed,

ER, Party of Five and Providence to name a few. The album reached Platinum in 2005. Iz has

brought the artistry of Hawaii to a global awareness and recognition.

The song does not immediately begin with the first line; instead Iz oohs first in a

similar tune. This makes the listener think that the artist is presenting a song that is more

reflective than pining. Iz’s voice in this song was carried through with a soothing and airy

voice that makes the song feel Hawaiian, echoing appropriately through each note. He

changes tones effortlessly, seemingly floating from notes that are rich and basal into higher

livelier tones. His transition to another song rendition of What a Wonderful World, which was

popularized by Louis Armstrong, in the middle of the song, is just seamless. His voice is like

a warm blanket on a cold night, wrapped around the body for comfort; it emanates care, joy,

softness, comfort, hope and love.

Iz makes use of the ukulele in this rendition, and the result was a softer and gentler

sound that does not overpower his voice and at the same time gives more power to its

Hawaiian background. The harmony presents different arrangements of similar chords lead to

different notes; and a constant and rhythmic pattern while playing the ukulele is heard. This

relaxing and rhythmic beat leads to an artistic experience that makes the listener go back for

more.

Over the Rainbow has captured the essence of Hawaii, voicing out koana or hidden

messages reflecting Iz’s love for Hawaii and his endeavor of protecting its culture, and a

general sadness about his country’s history of becoming appropriated unlawfully by the

United States in 1898. In the beginning of the song we hear Iz say “’K, this one’s for

Gabby,” who is known to be the master of slack-key guitar Charles Philip “Gabby” Pahinui

who died in 1980. He acted as Iz’s inspiration as he also supported the Hawaiian Cultural

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Renaissance since the 1970s. His dedication to Gabby enlisted the song to Hawaiian culture

nationalism.

At the latter part of the song, Iz reverts to Over the Rainbow and gives more depth to

the end phrase which was different from Judy Garland’s version:

“Oh, somewhere over the rainbow, Way up highAnd the dreams that you dare toWhy, o why can’t I”

This song again emphasizes reflection, raising optimism to the listeners in general; it

implies that the current state of the audience can still be improved, that anyone can still hope

for more. In behalf of Hawaii, the song can be seen as a call to maintain and improve on the

culture, and perhaps aim for freedom and recognition.

Conclusion

Music can express deeply-felt sentiments; consequently it can also bring out a

different emotion from the listeners. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole has not been able to experience

the fame and recognition that his music has brought; nor has he been able to know the

magnitude of lives he has touched through his songs. He died in 199 at the age of 38, his

remains were viewed in Hawaii’s Capitol building, and the state flag was flown at half- mast.

His ashes were scattered in Makua Beach and was witnessed by thousands of people. An

ordinary listener would gain inspiration and hope, as well as a calming realization that

tomorrow or a time over the rainbow would lead to a better life. For the citizens of Hawaii as

well as the dwindling number of pure Hawaiians, the song inspires hope and courage in

sustaining and developing a culture that is nearly erased. His rendition of this song has been

the most downloaded version of the song in iTunes. He inspired artists such as Dean Koontz,

Adam Sandler, Konishiki, and John Favreau.

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References

Kamakawiwoʻole, Israel. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World." Facing

Future. By Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Honolulu, 2002.

RIAA and NEA. Top 365 songs of the 20th Century. 2011. 3 June 2011

<http://www.celebrity-websites.com/topsongsof20thcentury.htm>.