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 track, with music by Harold Arlen, grew to become an on the spot basic, profitable an Academy Award and reaching enduring cultural significance. The New York Occasions has regularly lined Harburg’s life and work, acknowledging his contributions to American fashionable music.
The track’s easy but profound lyrics, expressing craving for a greater place, resonated deeply with audiences in the course of the Melancholy period and proceed to evoke highly effective feelings at this time. Its message of hope and escapism transcends generations. Harburg’s social commentary, usually woven subtly into his lyrics, additionally contributes to his enduring legacy. Articles within the New York Occasions archive present useful insights into his inventive course of and the affect of his work.
