Over the Rainbow - guitar chords and comments
Lyrics without distraction HERE
From the 1939 musical "The Wizard of Oz". The instrumental music was composed and scored by Herbert Stothart, but all songs were written by Harold Arlen (music) and Edgar Yipsel Harburg (lyrics). Originally thay wrote an intro verse and a third verse, that were omitted in the film, but later often used in theatre performances. Here it is; complete, but the green lines in the lyrics are rare. In fact, the entire song and scene was about to be deleted: the MGM bosses regarded it improper for a fairy-tale. The staff opposed the sigar-puffing ignorants, who thus became undeserved richer: this song and that scene is what people still remember.
And what a song! Not even Dylan can spoil it (but he ain't tried yet). Judy Garland's original is classic, and there are thirteen in a dozen of covers. It's even been recorded reggae-style, with ukulele, and become a hit ...! But nothing beats Eva Cassidy, who went beyond that rainbow far too early. God bless her, and the songwriters.
I want this for my funeral, alongside with "Yesterday When I Was Young". Hopefully, you'll have plenty time for rehearsal.