"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Underock1

Senior Member
Location
Suburban NJ
Today is the anniversary of the initial recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in 1938.
As rational as I am and accepting of reality as my thinking normally is, this song always makes me long for something better. Why? It gives no clue as to what's on the other side of the rainbow. What would "better" be?
"Stop it Bob. Put aside all rational thought, and let the emotion flow".

Then there is "When You Wish Upon a Star", but that's for another day.
 

Sorry to disagree. While both versions posted may have their merits musically in their own rights, they both miss the mark completely when it comes to the yearning sentimentality of the original.
I know that many, if not most, may find those things sickening, but I'm an old guy, and its my thread.:eek:ld:
 
Sorry to disagree. While both versions posted may have their merits musically in their own rights, they both miss the mark completely when it comes to the yearning sentimentality of the original.
I know that many, if not most, may find those things sickening, but I'm an old guy, and its my thread.:eek:ld:

I absolutely agree and no other captures the emotion.
 
Sorry, Applecruncher. Pretty pictures, but has absolutely no musical connection to the original what so ever.
Misses the point entirely. Glad you enjoy it, though.

:confused:

Underock1, I don't think anyone is comparing or saying the version they posted is better or even as good as the 1938 "original". From what I see, people are simply posting other versions which we/they like. No one said anything about the original being sickening. Yes, as you said it's YOUR thread, (so to speak), i.e. you're the thread starter. But it's a forum and if you preferred for others not to post maybe you could have said so. :shrug: As far as the one I posted, it wasn't for the pictures.
 
For me, the very best version was the one my mom made in high school in the early 40s. I think she was in a high school in Snohomish WA. Her class had some records made, I don't know if it was at the school or if they went outside to get them made. I am not sure how many of the students chose to make a record. The one she had was an old heavy 78 and had Somewhere Over The Rainbow and also 2 original songs she had written. She was the only one singing on her record. When she died in 1987 a really rotten lady went into the boxes I had to bring back to California and stole, among other things, that record and also my dad's Air Force wings which he had made into a bracelet for her. I am not a singer but my daughter and granddaughter are so I would love to have that record and then record my daughter and granddaughter singing with my mom. I try not to think about this as it makes me super angry but then I have to remember it was just a material thing and it can't really take away the joy my mom had in singing. It is a beautiful song and my daughter and granddaughter love The Wizard of OZ movie.
 
:confused:

Underock1, I don't think anyone is comparing or saying the version they posted is better or even as good as the 1938 "original". From what I see, people are simply posting other versions which we/they like. No one said anything about the original being sickening. Yes, as you said it's YOUR thread, (so to speak), i.e. you're the thread starter. But it's a forum and if you preferred for others not to post maybe you could have said so. :shrug: As far as the one I posted, it wasn't for the pictures.

I'm sorry applecruncher. I was not intending to be argumentative. I have no objection what so ever to any other versions being posted here. Just stating my personal opinions on the music. I never thought for a minute that anyone was posting their favorite version for any reason other than that they simply liked it. I never accused anyone of saying their version was better. I am the one who made the comparison from my own point of view. Neither have I accused any poster of calling the original "sickening". Just stating the generally accepted view that sentimentality and romance are out of favor in current musical taste. Sorry if I offended you in any way. It was not intentional. I know you like your version best and didn't post it "just for the pictures". They are pretty, though. Peace.
 
What a tragedy for you, Linda. To lose your Mom's voice. My son posted an old three second clip on Facebook where my wife only says a word or two. I visit it often just to hear her voice again. Don't wait another minute to record your daughter and grand daughter and yourself! If you don't want to sing, read "Mary Had a Little Lamb". The content is not the important thing.
 
Sorry to disagree. While both versions posted may have their merits musically in their own rights, they both miss the mark completely when it comes to the yearning sentimentality of the original.
I know that many, if not most, may find those things sickening, but I'm an old guy, and its my thread.:eek:ld:
I thought you were joking and saying what you had to say in a humorous way. It's easy to offend people with the written word when you are trying to be funny, as I just did on Facebook with a young lady sitting in college whining about having to write a paper about her own experiences with gossip.
 
I thought you were joking and saying what you had to say in a humorous way. It's easy to offend people with the written word when you are trying to be funny, as I just did on Facebook with a young lady sitting in college whining about having to write a paper about her own experiences with gossip.

That was my intent. You've got it right. Words are tricky things. "Its not what you say. Its what they hear",
 
It is such a beautiful song. It leaves me in awe how anyone could have written it.

How are you doing, Dennis? I see you just joined. Welcome aboard. Always happy to have someone agree with me.
The song has meaning for me on several levels in addition to its own emotion.
 
How are you doing, Dennis? I see you just joined. Welcome aboard. Always happy to have someone agree with me.
The song has meaning for me on several levels in addition to its own emotion.
Pleased to make your acquaintance, Bob. Yes, it makes me homesick for a home I can't remember.
 
Poor Judy Garland, so talented and dynamic, but unfortunately a lot of her 'emotion' came from uppers. She had a tragic life and died from an overdose of barbiturates in 1969 at the age of 47.
 
What a tragedy for you, Linda. To lose your Mom's voice. My son posted an old three second clip on Facebook where my wife only says a word or two. I visit it often just to hear her voice again. Don't wait another minute to record your daughter and grand daughter and yourself! If you don't want to sing, read "Mary Had a Little Lamb". The content is not the important thing.

Yes! How I wish I could hear my mother's voice again!
 


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