Over the Rainbow

song by Arlen and Harburg

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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"Over the Rainbow" is a renowned song composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was famously introduced by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and became one of her signature songs. The song earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939 and has been recognized as a significant piece of American film music, even being voted the number one movie song of all time by the American Film Institute. It is celebrated for its hopeful melody and lyrics, embodying a sense of longing and optimism.

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Judy Garland
…become another signature song, “Over the Rainbow,” helped make the film one of the most beloved movie classics. It also brought Garland her first and only Academy Award, a special award with a miniature statuette for “outstanding performance by a screen juvenile.” She played her last juvenile role in…
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…become another signature song, “Over the Rainbow,” helped make the film one of the most beloved movie classics. It also brought Garland her first and only Academy Award, a special award with a miniature statuette for “outstanding performance by a screen juvenile.” She played her last juvenile role in…
Read More

The Wizard of Oz
Production and reception
…to delete the song “Over the Rainbow,” believing it slowed the pace. It has since been voted the number one movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.
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…to delete the song “Over the Rainbow,” believing it slowed the pace. It has since been voted the number one movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.
Read More