Songful Style | “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #290
Yesterday, we shared our sartorial interpretations of Beth Hart’s “Mama” so now it is time to share the inspirational details for our next Songful Style challenge. Marsha has chosen “Over the Rainbow” by Hawaiian musician, singer, songwriter, and sovereignty activist Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, one of the very best versions of this timelessly classic song that I have ever heard.
About Songful Style
Songful Style is an ageless style challenge series hosted by Suzy of The Grey Brunette, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, and Marsha of Marsha in the Middle.
Each month we will share a song with the lyrics and video and we invite you to use whatever aspect of the song that inspires you to create an outfit.
It is similar to Style Imitating Art where we use artwork to inspire our outfit creations. Except Songful Style gives you lyrics, music, video, and album artwork to inspire your fashion creativity. You may even find inspiration in a memory triggered by the selected song. It is all open to your own personal interpretation and just a fun way to discover new music and get a little bit more creative with your wardrobe.
Anyone is welcome to join us on a permanent basis or you can just play along without any obligation to do anything other than feel inspired. We are flexible and fun and just want to find more ways to play dress up because it’s what we enjoy doing!
We will be posting on the last Monday of each month and will announce our song choice for the following month at the end of each post.
Video Inspiration
There are so many iconic versions performed of “Over the Rainbow” including Judy Garland’s 1939 performance in The Wizard of Oz which won the song the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Many artists have performed versions of this song, but Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s performance is perhaps the most well known contemporary version of this song since Judy Garland’s inaugural performance. You can search YouTube for all the amazing covers of this classic song including versions by Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mandy Patinkin, and Trisha Yearwood. I am only linking video performances by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.
The Lyrics
“Over the Rainbow” (Judy Garland Version)
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why, then, oh, why can't I? If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh, why can't I?
“Over the Rainbow” (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Version)
Ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dream of Once in a lullaby, oh Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh Someday I'll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney tops that's where You'll find me, oh Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dream that you dare to Oh why, oh why can't I? I Someday I'll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high And the dream that you dare to Why, oh why can't I? I Ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ah-ah-eh-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
About the Artist and the Song
“Over the Rainbow” is an original song that was written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale who performed the song about 5 minutes into the film. After the enormous success of this film, “Over the Rainbow” became Garland’s signature song for the rest of her career.
Harburg has claimed that his inspiration for the lyrics was “a ballad for a little girl who…was in trouble and…wanted to get away from…Kansas. A dry, arid, colorless place. She had never seen anything colorful in her life except the rainbow.” Arlen decided that the song needed “a melody with a long broad line” which he wrote while riding in the car as his wife drove them to a Chinese restaurant for dinner.
While this song enjoyed much success over the next half century since it was first performed by Judy Garland, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole gave it a whole new life in his 1990 medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World”. Israel’s recording which initially happened in a spur of the moment demo session launched him into the spotlight with his medley being included in almost a dozen movie soundtracks as well as being used in various American television series.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a fascinating human with an angelic voice that inspired and moved his people, the indigenous islanders of Hawaii. He incorporated jazz and reggae into his traditional ukulele music creating an influential genre in Hawaiian music. He is viewed by many experts in the music industry and in Hawaiian culture as the best Hawaiian musician of all time. He also became well known for promoting Hawaiian rights and advocating for Hawaiian independence through his lyrical compositions as well as through his personal actions.
He passed away on June 26, 1997, at the age of 38 from respiratory failure as a result of a lifelong battle with obesity. At the time of his death he was 6’2” and weighed over 700 pounds. Approximately 10,000 people attended his funeral as his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach on July 12, 1997. You can see clips of this ceremony in the first video that I linked.
Album Covers
Remember that you can use anything related to this song to inspire your outfit. You are not limited to just what I have shared here. Feel free to do your own research if you’d like. You can look to Judy Garland for outfit inspiration as well, if you choose. But I think I am going to stick with the Hawaiian version for my interpretation.
If you want to join us in styling your own look inspired by this song, we will have a link party on Monday, September 26, 2022, where you can share your post. We would love to see your Songful Styles, too. Happy styling! And remember to look over the rainbow every once in a while!
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
50 Comments
Laurie
I will be humming that tune all day now! Love to you and yours Shelbee xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laurie! It is a tune worth humming, for sure. Love right back to you and yours, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
Oh I just LOVE this song and this Hawaiian inspired version is my favorite.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Me, too, Joanne! I am thinking my outfit needs to be kind of Hawaiian in some way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
One of my favorite songs from a little girl, I so look forward to your style interpretations!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Pamela! I think everyone loves this song! How could you not? It is so hopeful and so beautiful!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Aww I love this song!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Me, too! It is so pretty and hopeful!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica Away From The Blue
This is such a beautiful song and with rainbow in the title you could go so many ways with this theme! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with 🙂
Thank you for the link up! Hope you are having a lovely day 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I definitely have rainbows in mind for this one and maybe something to honor the artist’s Hawaiian heritage as well. I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Ukulele lessons in the public school have put this song on everyone’s radar! So positive and hopeful!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really is such a positive and hopeful song, Michele! I need to find someone in my area who teaches ukulele lessons. Ralph has been asking to learn!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
I love the new version of the song.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Me, too, Tamar! I love the ukulele on this song and his angelic voice!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
As beautiful as Judy Garland’s version is, I think Israel’s version is my favorite.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree with you, Michelle! Judy’s version is lovely but Israel and his ukulele bring something extra special to this song!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
Thanks for taking me down memory lane, dreaming of rainbows and wishing upon a star. 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Tina! What a lovely comment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
I love the version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Look forward to seeing the interpretations!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I am excited to style something for his one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
Such a very pretty song, both the original, and this remake.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree, Alexandra! Thanks so much.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
I absolutely loved the 90s version of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” His sweet voice along with the simple ukelele accompaniment brought new meaning to an old favorite. Judy Garland’s “Dorothy” character as well as Israel’s singing both convey a charming sense of sweet innocence.
Thanks for hosting the link-up.
Caroll
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Carol. Israel’s voice really is magical especially on this song accompanied by the sweet, joyful sound of his ukulele. My younger son wants ukulele lessons which I am super supportive of…I just need to find a ukulele instructor near me. Maybe he will learn to play “Over the Rainbow”!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
That is one of my all-time favorite songs!! I just love it so much <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is such a wonderful song, Lizzie. How could you not love it?! It is filled with hope and joy.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
The Wizzard of Oz is one of my all time favorite movies. Love the song choice for your theme!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jill! One of my earliest memories is watching The Wizard of Oz with my dad, all curled up on the couch next to him. I was 2 or 3 years old and I was excited for the movie but I do recall pars of it frightening me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
There’s a great Tori Amos cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow—highly recommend it!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ooh, thanks, Cheryl! I will have to check it out. I adore Tori Amos!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rosemary Davis
such a beautiful song and now its on repeat in my head today! lovin it!
Rosemary
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Rosemary! It has been suck on repeat in my head, too! But I don’t mind because it is all hope and joy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
This is such a beautiful song! I love the version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I can’t wait to see what people come up with!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! I am excited to style something for this beautiful song. You should try to join is this time!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
That is one of my favorite versions of that song. It is so very beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! It is one of my favorite versions of this song, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
Love this song!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is such a hopeful song, isn’ it?! I hope you have a wonderful day, Lovely!
xoxo
Shelbee
Yelena's Vest
I really enjoyed this. I also liked your idea of spreading kindness and your fashion and lifestyle blog. That was great!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that! I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cloudia
Mahalo for honoring our brother Iz!
He is beloved around the world and especially at home here in the islands.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cloudia, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. It was my pleasure to share this song and Iz’s story. What a beautifully talented and wonderful human being!
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
Hi Shelbee
Thanks for sharing this beautiful song and I look foward to seeing more of your style posts!
Valerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Valerie! You are welcome to join us if you are needing some fashion inspiration as well! Everyone is invited to join our Songful Style challenges! I hope you are having a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
Just stopping by again to say:
Thank you for participating in Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 31.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Carol! Much appreciated!
xoxo
Shelbee
Stephanie 139a
It’s a great song and evokes so many memories – thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Stephanie! It is a song that inspires hope and brings so much joy to everyone!
xoxo
Shelbee
james
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry, with trends changing constantly. It’s a way to express oneself and showcase personality through clothing choices. While it can be fun and exciting, it’s important to remember the environmental and social impact of fast fashion. Choosing sustainable and ethical fashion options can make a positive difference.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
AGREED! Thanks so much for sharing!
xoxo
Shelbee