“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” should be included on everyone’s learning list of ukulele songs. Made famous by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole in his medley with “What a Wonderful World,” its message of hope and dreams speaks volumes about humanity as a whole.
Seven chords will carry you through this song (coincidentally the same number of colors found in a rainbow). Beginners can practice their strumming techniques with this tune.
Over the Rainbow
Every ukulele player knows this song as an easy introduction to playing their instrument without needing complex chords or barres. Begin with simple strumming patterns like down-up-down-up (DUDU), until you can play through Iz’s more advanced strumming technique involving picking off one string instead of strumming the whole chord at each bar instead.
This classic song from “The Wizard of Oz” is an inspirational tune about yearning for something better in life. The rainbow symbolically stands as an archway to an ideal world and represents hope, dreams and the desire to escape current troubles. Additionally, many see Heaven as being referenced here which makes this piece emotionally moving and transmutational; especially Israel Kamakawiwoole’s rendition is particularly breathtaking and poignant (he died in 1997 and remains fondly remembered as a beloved Hawaiian singer-songwriter and political activist).
It’s a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong made this simple melody become one of the world’s best-loved songs with its heartfelt delivery by Louis Armstrong’s rendition. “It’s a Wonderful World” serves as an important reminder of life’s simple pleasures, while at the same time being an ode to kindness towards fellow humans.
The song was recorded during 1967 – a turbulent time in both America and globally – when war raged in Vietnam and injustice caused widespread unrest. George and Bob Thiele refused to give up; after spending too much time and money developing it already they went ahead with recording it.
It’s a Wonderful World became one of the most beloved songs ever, reaching number one in the UK before failing to chart in America due to Larry Newton’s disapproval and refusal to promote it. Since then, however, its impact has only grown and continues to be heard by millions each year.
Israel Kamakawiwoole, also known by his nickname Bruddah Iz, was an accomplished Hawaiian singer-songwriter and Hawaiian sovereignty activist. On his albums KaAnoi and Facing Future he performed a medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and It’s a Wonderful World using low G tuning ukulele for an even deeper and warmer sound from his instrument – Iz’s rendition is warm, energetic, soulful falsetto vocals with full vocal range are highlighted with his simple down-up-up-up (DDUUD) strumming pattern that makes his rendition so easy for listeners to follow along!
The Wizard of Oz
Once a tornado rips through Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) and Toto are taken by the winds to Oz, she follows the Yellow Brick Road towards Emerald City meeting all sorts of characters along her journey: Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Tin Woodman (Jack Haley), Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) as well as Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), which she overcomes by giving Dorothy her own broom which had previously swept their castle clean broom.
Though the story of The Little Mermaid can be read differently, one central theme remains constant – that being hope for a brighter world. “Somewhere over the rainbow” has come to symbolize this longing for an idealized version of reality that’s free from hardships and sorrows; its symbolism reminds us to reach for what lies beyond. Rainbows themselves serve as gateways into this magical land full of promise and happiness that exists just over its threshold.
The movie, adapted from Frank Baum’s popular children’s novel, was the first color film movie. A commercial and critical success, its popularity led to several sequels and spin-offs as well as references both within popular culture and literature.
Even though this film remains highly popular, there have been some disputes regarding its content and production. Producers believed that 1939 audiences would find it too sophisticated for Oz as a straightforward fantasy; therefore they tried to incorporate modern trends in music, costumes, visuals, etc. Additionally, numerous songs and scenes were shot but later cut from the final cut of the movie.
Harold Arlen, a Jewish composer who grew up in a Yiddish-speaking household. Arlen claims he wrote Somewhere Over the Rainbow out of stress and frustration; the song came together while driving. They stopped on Sunset Boulevard to create it before Arlen went back home to write lyrics and music; eventually it won an Academy Award as Best Original Song.
The Rainbow Connection
Just about everyone with an interest in the ukulele knows this song; many first learn to play it when picking one up for themselves. It is a beautiful tune to learn, making an ideal starting point for beginners. Israel Kamakawiwoole (known professionally as IZ) offered us his beautiful rendition using low G tuning that produces deeper and warmer tones from his instrument.
IZ’s performance features an engaging ukulele strum and singing that moves easily between soulful falsetto and full voice. His ukulele boasts seven chords: Am, C, Dm7, E7, F & G that may seem cumbersome initially but become much simpler once familiarised; there are no barre chords either for newcomers to the instrument!
Over the Rainbow is a song about finding happiness and love, often associated with dreams, hopes and aspirations. The lyrics serve as a poetic metaphor for our desired world; additionally, this tune serves as a reminder to stay positive and believe in oneself.
The Rainbow Connection is a song from Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher’s 1979 film The Muppet Movie that was nominated for an Academy Award and performed by Kermit the Frog at that year’s ceremony. Since its release, numerous artists such as Willie Nelson and Gwen Stefani have covered it, earning it induction into the National Recording Registry as an important contribution to American culture and heritage.
The song has also become a beloved classic in Japan, having been translated and adapted for different musical styles and dialects. Popularized by traditional Japanese performers as well as contemporary singers including the Carpenters and Judy Collins. Additionally, it served as the theme song of Yo Gabba Gabba! television series as well as being featured on an episode of Legion.