Somewhere Over the Rainbow – English Lyrics

• By: Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
• Album: The Best of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole

Lyrics & Translation

Embark on a linguistic and cultural journey with Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole's iconic rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." This gentle, ukulele-driven medley offers a beautiful blend of English lyrics with a distinct Hawaiian soul, making it perfect for learners to grasp the nuances of spoken English through its clear, heartfelt delivery. Discover how Iz's unique interpretation, infused with his love for Hawaii, transforms a classic into a powerful anthem of hope and peace, inviting you to explore not just the language but also the rich cultural undertones that make this song truly special.

[English]

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

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
rainbow /ˈreɪnbəʊ/ A2	noun - an arc of colours appearing in the sky, caused by refraction of light in rain droplets.
dream /driːm/ A2	noun - a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. verb - to experience images, emotions, and sensations during sleep.
fly /flaɪ/ A1	verb - move through the air using wings.
star /stɑːr/ A1	noun - a luminous point in the night sky.
wake /weɪk/ A2	verb - cease to sleep.
trouble /ˈtrʌbl/ B1	noun - difficulty or problems.
melt /melt/ B1	verb - become liquid.
lemon /ˈlemən/ B1	noun - a yellow citrus fruit.
drop /drɒp/ A1	noun - a small amount of liquid. verb - fall or let fall.
high /haɪ/ A1	adjective - far above the ground.
cloud /klaʊd/ A1	noun - a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere.
dare /deər/ B1	verb - have the courage to do something.
wish /wɪʃ/ A2	verb - feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attained. noun - a thing that one hopes or wishes for.
tops /tɒps/ A2	noun - the highest part of something.
find /faɪnd/ A1	verb - discover or locate.