After decades of speculation and searches by music historians, the original handwritten lyrics to “Over the Rainbow” have been discovered and acquired by the Library of Congress, marking a significant milestone in American musical preservation. The rare lyric sheets, penned by Yip Harburg for the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” were long thought lost to time but have now emerged as valuable primary source material that will enhance understanding of one of America’s most beloved songs.
The acquisition includes not only Harburg’s handwritten lyrics but also other unique artifacts related to the iconic ballad, which was composed by Harold Arlen and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939. The collection reveals fascinating sound design elements that contributed to the song’s emotional impact, including layering techniques and atmospheric effects that helped create its timeless quality. Scholars can now examine the meticulous crafting behind the song that became Judy Garland’s signature piece, offering unprecedented insight into the creative process that produced such enduring cultural significance.
Scholars gain unprecedented access to Harburg’s creative process, revealing the meticulous crafting behind Garland’s signature masterpiece.
The recovered documents reveal original wordings and possible variations that Harburg considered before finalizing the lyrics that would eventually express Dorothy Gale’s longing for a peaceful place “somewhere over the rainbow.” This pivotal narrative moment early in the film resonated with audiences through its blend of hope and anxiety, creating a universal appeal that has transcended generations since its creation. The song was originally performed in A-flat major with the accompaniment of a Stradivarius violin, creating the distinctive emotional texture that captivated audiences in 1939. Musicians studying these artifacts might benefit from incorporating focused practice segments when learning to play this challenging composition, allowing them to master its nuanced emotional delivery.
The song has maintained remarkable relevance throughout the decades, with cover versions by artists ranging from Katharine McPhee to Jerry Lee Lewis achieving Billboard chart success. Perhaps most significantly, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s interpretation has amassed over a billion views online and achieved platinum sales status, demonstrating the song’s extraordinary adaptability across genres and cultures. The song’s enduring popularity was further cemented when it was named the #1 Song of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America and National Endowment for the Arts in 2001.
This acquisition reinforces the Library of Congress’s commitment to preserving America’s musical heritage, complementing their 2017 selection of “Over the Rainbow” for the National Recording Registry. The institution now provides scholars and the public access to authentic materials that document the creation of this cultural treasure, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the artistry behind a song that continues to evoke dreams and aspirations more than eight decades after its creation.
