A rainbow in the suburbs of our northern city. Late yesterday afternoon. Taken from our garden.
"Over The Rainbow" was written specially for the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Yip Harburg. It has been recorded many times - most notably perhaps by Eva Cassidy but this post will finish with Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's version. Hawaiians knew him as Iz and its his ashes that are lovingly cast into the Pacific Ocean at the end of the video.
Scientists may be able to explain why rainbows happen but the bottom line is that they are magical and human beings have forever glimpsed at their passing, simple beauty with wonder. They come and they go. Briefly arching over us like a protective arm. And lord knows we need one of them right now.
Enjoy:-
Some people claim the Wizard of Oz is an allegory. There are many theories about the story. One being it's about agnosticism and self determinism. Especially when it was filmed in 1939.
ReplyDeleteWe once drove through a rainbow in County Kerry. Unfortunately there were no Leprechauns or pots of gold.
You should have gone digging at the end of the rainbow. No pots of gold if you are just driving through one.
DeleteThis is my favourite version of Over The Rainbow.
ReplyDeleteYes. Delightful and those ashes at the end - that's the singer.
DeleteWe surely need a protective arm...
ReplyDeleteEva Cassidy and her gentle guitar picking get my vote.
It's good when a singer "owns" a song - giving it their own spin, imbuing the lyrics with their own feelings.
DeleteThanks, Sir Yorky. I had never heard of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, but Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg would be made up if they could see Israel's lively video.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you have come across the books of the late Gene Lees, a Canadian music critic and jazz artist. *The Singer and the Song* which was published by Oxford University Press, is a celebration of Tin Pan Alley and the great American songwriters. His essays on Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra and Johnny Mercer are first rate.
Lees wrote the lyrics of the Tony Bennett hit, *Yesterday I Heard the Rain* (YouTube) which was also recorded by Shirley Bassey and Perry Como.
The rainbow comes and goes, like rain, hail and snow. The beauty of this world is inexplicable, as is our consciousness of it.
Your last two sentences are very well put John.
DeleteAnd I shall seek out "Yesterday I Heard the Rain" later on today.
Since you haven't mentioned any grazers the last few days, and reminded of by your ephemeral rainbow, may I add: "And the cow jumped over the moon".
ReplyDeleteHey diddle diddle,
U
"I have encountered bovines but honouring your previous request I have barred them from this blog...for the time being!" the little dog laughed.
DeleteI once stood looking at Niagara Falls and at my feet was the end of the rainbow. No pot of gold sadly.
ReplyDeleteThat version of Somewhere over the rainbow is my favorite. We played it at my mum's funeral. That man had a most amazing voice and apparently a wonderful sense of humor. It's sad that he died so young.
It is easy to see why he died before he was forty years old. Superb singing voice.
DeleteA friend always says that when she sees a rainbow it is her youngest daughter looking down on her from heaven. She finds it comforting.
ReplyDeleteThat's a sweet thought. I guess we can read into raibows what we want to.
DeleteNever heard of this singer before, but he was obviously held in great esteem by his fellow Hawaiians. What a great send-off they gave him, but so sad that he should be so young. As you say YP - it was easy to see why.
ReplyDeleteAt least he left us a magical rendition of "Over The Rainbow". He died twenty three years ago.
DeleteI knew of that version but had never seen the singer before. I think I prefer that version to all the others.
ReplyDeleteIt was recorded in one take late one night in a recording studio in Honolulu.
DeleteIt is interesting that David Bowie was fascinated by 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow". The octave interval of "Somewhere" is the same as "Starman" and some of his other songs echo the tune too. I used to think him a total poser but have more respect now.
ReplyDeleteI was never a big Bowie fan though I once met and talked to his guitarman - Mick Ronson who came from Hull.
DeleteThat recording always makes me cry. It is the most beautiful. In fact, I am crying now. It is magical and I am so sorry that Iz is gone. What a gift he gave us. I'll never forget dancing in my hallway to that song with my friend Shayla after our friend Lynn had died. It was the perfect song for Lynn, whose soul was as brilliant and rare as a rainbow, like Irael's. Thank you, Mr. P.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, I do not apologise for causing you to cry because this post conjured up such a special memory.
DeleteNo need to apologize. Those tears cleansed my soul.
DeleteThat's a really nice rainbow -- and your hedge is so neatly trimmed! I love that version of "Over the Rainbow."
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my next door neighbour has not cut his side of the hedge all summer. Can you see the straggly growth?
DeleteThere is something going on here YP. As you may know I am learning the Ukulele and have only yesterday been reading about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's life after watching several videos of him playing. He gave me the heart to keep going as if you can play as well as him with those sausage fingers than anyone can give it a go.
ReplyDeleteHis voice is mesmerising.
Briony
x
Spooky co-incidence Briony! Keep practising then you can post a video of yourself strumming along - hopefully singing as well. If not sure how to do that you can ask Young Tom for assistance.
Delete*Nature's Beauty Inspires Gratitude: Louie Schwartzberg at TEDxSMU.*
ReplyDeleteDecember 18 2012. TEDxTalks. YouTube.
*Nature is not matter only, she is also spirit.* Carl Jung.
Thanks John.
DeleteWhat a lovely rainbow over your home town. I love that version of the song and the spreading of his ashes give a good example of how beautiful such a ceremony can be.
ReplyDeleteYes. A celebration of his life.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete