Yip Harburg, a prolific lyricist throughout Hollywood’s Golden Age, penned the phrases to “Over the Rainbow” for the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. The tune, with music by Harold Arlen, grew to become an instantaneous basic, successful an Academy Award and reaching enduring cultural significance. The New York Instances has often coated Harburg’s life and work, acknowledging his contributions to American well-liked music.
The tune’s easy but profound lyrics, expressing craving for a greater place, resonated deeply with audiences throughout the Despair period and proceed to evoke highly effective feelings as we speak. Its message of hope and escapism transcends generations. Harburg’s social commentary, typically woven subtly into his lyrics, additionally contributes to his enduring legacy. Articles within the New York Instances archive present helpful insights into his artistic course of and the influence of his work.