Somewhere Over the Rainbow…
So, Jenny and I are leaving today’s taping of The Daily Show (we were supposed to go a few weeks ago, but wound up too far back in line and had to reschedule our tickets), and as we’re walking out, this absolutely beautiful version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow comes over the studio speaker system – the background is nothing but ukelele strumming, and the singer’s voice is warm and mellow and smiling.
We get home, and I spend a few minutes on KaZaa trying to figure out what song this is – after sampling about a dozen versions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow I find a medley of that song and What a Wonderful World by a guy named Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, who’s apparently the Hawaiian singer of the past fifty years (sadly, I’d had no idea). Judging by the samples online at Amazon, “Iz’s” CDs are just the thing for those winter days when the sky is gray and cold…check them out for yourselves!
December 22nd, 2003 at 4:28 pm
I’ve heard about this song…apparently that version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was playing during the E.R. where Anthony Edwards died. Not being an E.R.-watcher myself I can’t say for sure, but apparently NBC was flooded with questions about the song. You have to check out Eva Cassidy’s version, too…she’s a great singer who really only became known posthumously after she died of skin cancer at 33.
February 16th, 2004 at 10:45 am
I’m wondering if its the same song that’s at the end of the 50 First Dates. It’s a beautiful song that I’ve heard before, I just can’t seem to find it in my collection. Perhaps I just didn’t tag it right…
February 16th, 2004 at 6:09 pm
If I’m not mistaken, it’s also in the radio commercials for Perdue chicken. So far Iz has had that song in: ER when Dr. Green died, a chicken commercial, and an Adam Sandler movie. Amazing.
February 29th, 2004 at 12:17 pm
So the song is “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole? And, yes, it WAS in ’50 First Dates’.
March 11th, 2004 at 8:40 am
I’d like to find the sheet music (guitar chords) for this rendition. If anyone knows where I can get it on-line, please let me know. Thanks
March 15th, 2004 at 3:09 pm
i love that song are you sure the title is “over the rainbow”?
March 20th, 2004 at 8:49 pm
Isn¬¥t it the same song that is listened in “The big bounce” trailers??’ and in a mastercard or visa commercial?? im from venezuela and i¬¥ve heard it and loved it for a long time, but i¬¥m not sure….
April 6th, 2004 at 1:48 am
For anyone who wants the guitar chords for this great song-go to this site:
http://www.fretplay.com/tabs/i/israel_kamakawiwo_ole/somewhere_over_the_rainbow-crd.shtml
April 9th, 2004 at 2:05 am
I first heard the song in the movie “Finding Forrester” starring Sean Connery. Then I kept hearing it again in “ER” and then yet again in “50 first dates.” Thanks for the info on who it is that sings this beautiful version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
April 15th, 2004 at 11:12 pm
You can also find the guitar chords at
http://www.hawaiianislandmusic.com/Merchant2/izlyrics.html
May 15th, 2004 at 5:33 pm
THe song Somewhere over the rainbow is also in the sound track for Meet Joe Black, sung by Thomas Newman.
May 15th, 2004 at 5:40 pm
Scratch my last comment. I believe I have the wrong singer mentioned.
May 17th, 2004 at 7:34 pm
i got hooked on israel from a etoy commercial with
a kid playing lincoln logs with his dinner asparagus
cosmic for both israel and etoy no more
June 20th, 2004 at 11:24 am
Hi everobody:
Thanks for all
Guido
June 23rd, 2004 at 9:03 pm
hola a todos; me gustaria que alguien me ayudara a encontrar las letras d ela canción somewhere over the rainbow de Thomas Newman(banda sonora de la pelicula meet joe black)y no se si es la misma de Israel Kamakawiwo, que sale en el capitulo de ER; gracias
June 26th, 2004 at 8:32 pm
Thanks for having this site….Ive been looking for this version since it aired on ER..
July 16th, 2004 at 11:11 pm
It’s good to know I’m not the only one who has found this rendition of “Over the Rainbow” to be a soothing and charming winner. Thanks for the info and links.
July 19th, 2004 at 1:59 am
i can’t figure out which version to buy — ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ is featured as a medley (with ‘its a wonderful life’) on IZ’s ‘facing future’ album — also as a medly on ‘meet joe black’ and ‘finding forrester.’ but then there is a version of ‘sotr’ without ‘it’s a wonderful life’ on IZ’s posthumous album, it’s IZ world. which is the one that wa played in the ER episode? are they the same? help
btw, a found a download here:
http://mediakit.blogspot.com/Israel%20Kamak%20-%20Over%20The%20Rainbow.mp3
July 22nd, 2004 at 7:30 pm
What a beautiful song. So peaceful and romantic, yet i wish i can own Iz’s real version on mp3 format. I am happy and thankful to anyone who can help me out.
Ps: some reason joe’s link dont work.
July 23rd, 2004 at 10:00 am
I really like that song Somewhere over the rainbow in 50 first dates by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, if someone has this song in mp3format, could you please send it to me, in the stores here the cd is not available
Many thanks,
Bouw van Wijk
The Netherlands
July 23rd, 2004 at 3:28 pm
What a beautiful song! Who want’s this song on the mp3 format send me an email at doky_ro2000@yahoo.com. It’s free. This is a great song and I want to share with everybody
July 23rd, 2004 at 4:40 pm
If you want to listen to this song online go to http://www.npr.org/programs/asc/archives/index.html Click on “Kamakawiwo’ole, Israel”
July 25th, 2004 at 8:08 pm
Hi, does anyone know where I can buy or download the melody version of IZ – Somewhere over the rainbow?
August 2nd, 2004 at 9:22 pm
its on the sleepless in seattle soundtrack
August 8th, 2004 at 5:15 pm
this is one of the best songs i have ever heard. if there is anyone ho needs it. just send me a email then i will send you it by mail. freee
kasper@aarby.com
August 17th, 2004 at 4:28 pm
My friend is dying and mentioned he wanted the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Iz. Can you help?
Many thanks,
marlene
August 17th, 2004 at 11:34 pm
I recently discovered this song – I heard it on Dave ‘Til Dawn at an Un-Godly hour on my way to work. When I heard it, I immediately fell in love with it but also sensed tragedy associated with the song. Then I the credits included the death of the singer and also learned that it was also used as the 2002 Season Finale of ER with Dr. Green’s Death in Hawaii (sorry I never saw this episode). I just can’t seem to get rid of this song in my head and have it on continuous play with Realplayer. I listen to it day and night. Do you have a similar problem? Please help!!!
Peter
Who is hopelessly hooked on Iz Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of Somewhere over the Rainbow…
August 20th, 2004 at 10:48 am
IZ’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow…” moved me as well… and without knowing the story of the artist or the time period in which it was performed (for whatever reason I associated the sounds of IZ’s version to be the late 1940’s or early 1950’s), the song stirred me emotionally. I had recently experienced the loss of a loved one and IZ’s voice soothed me, as if to say, “despite your loss and the pain you feel, your life will be renewed again.”
Well, needless to say, I’m going to go out this weekend and try and find his CD’s… with such a voice, I’m sure many of his songs have the ability to stir emotions.
August 21st, 2004 at 11:40 pm
Being a Hawaiian music fan, I’m amazed I first heard IZ sing this on the Finding Forester soundtrack. I’m hooked. I listen to it all the time. Am just starting to learn the ukelele. This will be a song I learn ASAP.
August 23rd, 2004 at 1:42 pm
I’m absolutely in love with the song. After my fiance and I heard this song in 50 First Dates, we decided immediately that we wanted to dance to this song for our first dance in our wedding next month! I cry thinking about it…
August 25th, 2004 at 10:43 pm
The Israel¬¥s versi√≥n is… inocently and beautyfull
I´m sorry. I don´t speak english very well.
August 25th, 2004 at 10:44 pm
The Israel¬¥s versi√≥n is… inocently and beautyfull
I´m sorry. I don´t speak english very well.
August 27th, 2004 at 3:35 am
I also got hooked on Iz’s medley of “somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world” after I heard it on Dr. Greene’s (ER) final episode. I just recently got a copy of his CD and kept playing it over and over. This is one CD I will really treasure!
August 31st, 2004 at 12:43 pm
This song is so peaceful, My girlfriend downloaded it the other day and was playing it, my ears shot up and I instantly knew the beginning, but from where, I havent seen Meet Joe Black, or 50 first dates, or ER. I KNOW i have heard this song before because of the unmistakable “CHIMiney TOPS” part… can anyone assist??
thanks!
September 6th, 2004 at 6:28 am
MATT, this song has just been used in the UK on the latest Lynx deoderant advert. This may be where it’s got into your head.
September 9th, 2004 at 4:16 pm
I thought I was the only one that fell in love with IZ’s rendition of Over the Rainbow.
After watching 50 First Dates It’s the part when Drew Barrymore was coming out from below on the Boat and the song ends so quickly
I kept rewinding over and over to hear this soft voice singing Over the Rainbow, I couldn’t stop had to hear again and again. I was hooked, What a Master Piece.
Move Over Judy Garland,
There’s a New Deputy in Town and his name is IZ
We have to get the Whole Wide World to hear this
song!!!! It’s the Song that would end the War,
I cant believe the all your responses for this
simple song.
September 10th, 2004 at 1:04 pm
i heard the song on ER and i just love it .
September 12th, 2004 at 7:17 pm
this is the first song 2 ever make me cry! it is so amazing! his voice gives me chills
September 15th, 2004 at 5:08 am
anybody got the music download link…???
September 15th, 2004 at 2:29 pm
Hey, I really love Iz’s version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow and I am trying 2 find either a download or CD and the only CD is the Meet Joe Black Soundtrack – i am considering buying it even though none of the other songs are very good but could someone tell me whether it is the Full version of the song or the What a Wonderful World Medely because i dont know what the medely sounds like. Also i hav tried all the sites on this page and i cant download his song anywhere. Thanx a lot
September 16th, 2004 at 7:01 pm
CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE SONG:
CLICK HERE
September 17th, 2004 at 11:28 am
Thanks, Neilson! I just saw 50 First Dates last night for the first time and when I heard the song, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I knew I had heard it before, but couldn’t remember where. First thing this morning I found this page and saw your download link. You’re a godsend. Thank you!
September 17th, 2004 at 6:46 pm
yeah thank you so much for that I watched 50 first dates last night too and I have been looking for that song all day, I cant stop playing it now !!
September 17th, 2004 at 6:52 pm
Amazing, heard the song on Finding Forrester and kept watching the end of the film just to listen to the song. Now after 50 first Dates i have to admit that this song is not only emotional but makes you realise that theres more to life than the crap bits.
Thank you for the link…
Big Paul
September 19th, 2004 at 8:35 am
Blimey, people have been chatting about this tune for almost a year now and I’ve only just heard the sucker on the Lynx advert. I feel cheated that someone hasn’t pointed me in it’s direction sooner. Lovely piece.
September 19th, 2004 at 12:43 pm
Yey!!! Have been trying to remember the ‘wonderful world’ part of the song and now I have it. Just downloaded the tune… what a treat! Have been hearing this song for ages and love it. Cheers!
September 21st, 2004 at 1:17 pm
Thanks for the download Neilson have been searching all day for that song.It is one of the most beautifull covers of Over The Rainbow! makes you realise your problems are never that bad!
September 22nd, 2004 at 6:51 am
What an overwhelming collection of experiences – the commercial to the personal – this sacred little tune has weaved itself into. This song was used in the final scene of a play ‘Cosi’ recently performed in Melbourne. The song was so impacting, with such an ability to tear back the superfluity and reveal emotional truth in its purity. I think we’ve all experienced that of this song. Thought I might mention that there are a number of Albums available – 5 i believe, though “IZ” died in 1997. This peaceful song is track 14 on ‘Facing Future’ by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ available quite easily online. Dreams really do come true.
September 22nd, 2004 at 7:18 am
can some one please please send me the guitar chords for this song.?
October 5th, 2004 at 3:04 pm
Hey, you good and lovely people everywhere around the world !!! I felt I had to let you all know about an artist I KNOW YOU WILL ALL ADORE, since you are all so totally head over heels with this gorgeous version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow – as am I.
This artist is Cat Power (real name Chan Marshall) – If you have Limewire, download the following of her songs, in a vague order of greatness (IMHO) (If you DON’T have Limewire or a similar peer-to-peer program, download one of ‘em first, obviously):
– Maybe Not
– Fool
– (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (yes, it’s a cover of the Stones song)
– Sea Of Love (also a cover – one of her albums is just cover version, and is called, unsurprisingly, The Covers Record)
– Wonderwall (yes, the Oasis song – available as a Peel session, but sadly I’ve only seen it in crappy 128 kbps – I actually have it on a MiniDisc somewhere recorded from the radio when the session went out, but it’ll take me a while to find it)
– Baby Doll
– I Found A Reason (Velvet Underground cover)
– Ice Water
Take care, people, and maybe you can e-mail me and let me know what you think…
October 5th, 2004 at 3:26 pm
Oh, Lordy, I almost forgot about one other song that’s guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, ESPECIALLY if you’ve seen it in the context of the film it was used for, the 2001 Italian production The Son’s Room (La Stanza del figlio). If you’ve seen this wonderful, emotional, quietly affecting film, this song is ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEED TO SEND SHIVERS DOWN YOUR SPINE – and even make you shed a tear or two…
Brian Eno – By This River
You’d NEVER in a million years think this song was made in 1977 if you didn’t know it…
October 6th, 2004 at 5:12 pm
Thanks Neilson! My little granddaughter loved that song when I danced to it for her from the radio. When she sees me now she puts her hands over her head like I did and wants me to sing and dance to it. Now I can play it for her all the time.
October 7th, 2004 at 11:26 am
Thank you Neilson! I’ve been trying to get hold of that song for ages, and you’ve made my day
October 7th, 2004 at 10:32 pm
This song is really beautiful after some of my friends left for college it was hard to let them go but this song reminds me of them. Everytime i hear it I remember all the good times i spent with them.
October 8th, 2004 at 11:19 pm
I wanna thanx Neilson too! Great song…
I saw 50 First Dates today and i must say i’m really touched. This movie make me believe in love again…
October 9th, 2004 at 7:57 pm
I want to thank Neilson too!!! My brother had a tape copied by a friend and he didn’t know who this song was by, I just loved it and then I watched “50 first dates” and I couldn’t believe it!!! This song!!! And know I’ve got it thank you so much.
October 11th, 2004 at 3:11 am
Hey all
First up this is an amazing song! The movie Meet Joe Black aired on our national South African TV 2. I could’nt get enough of this song!
Truly wonderful. So calming, relaxing, soothing. A song of hope, peace and life. There are four songs I treasure in my life This is one of them.
Also I really enjoyed all the comments, good to know that this song also rocked a few other people!
Peace, Much Respect
Mo
October 11th, 2004 at 8:11 pm
Some times a song comes along that is so good you need to pass it on to more people to share in it….this is one…..there ain’t that many
October 14th, 2004 at 4:44 pm
Hello pour ceux qui parlent fran√ßais svp de me r√©pondre si vous pouviez me filer la tablature de Somwhere over the rainbow ce serait super simpa merci (pour les ptites anglaises j’habite a paris et je suis simpa!!!!lol)
October 14th, 2004 at 7:26 pm
Hei all.
Thanks for the link. I was watching the moviem, and there is also a tv commercial here in Iceland that contains this song… It’s great song.
October 16th, 2004 at 10:11 am
heard this song on the lynx advert and it was so beautiful it made me cry! a song that can make you cry at an advert has to be owned!
thanks
October 19th, 2004 at 4:56 pm
Thank you for posting the link to the song. It is truly a beautiful song. The more I think of it, the more I realise that in that ER episode it wasn’t so much the events of the episode which made me cry but the song. The simple listening of it amplifies whatever beautiful emotions are in me at the time. It is truly a magnificent song. A shame that the singer is dead, but I hope he died in peace – singing one song like this one, even just the one, is a lifetime achievement.
October 22nd, 2004 at 3:52 am
Here is a download link that works… mediakit.blogspot.com/Israel%20Kamak%20-%20Over%20The%20Rainbow.mp3
same as joe’s link, but without the http://
Enjoy all…
October 22nd, 2004 at 5:01 am
Tnx a bunch Nelson. I have been looking for this song for the past couple months. It is a very touching song. This is the first time I actually heard the whole song since I saw it on 50 First Dates. Again, tnx a bunch.
October 24th, 2004 at 1:58 pm
I have gone to the website posted by Neilson and it plays the song but doesn’t download it. It plays it with Quicktime but wont let me right click or save it. Does anybody know what I am doing wrong? I am desperate to get this song in MP3!!!
PLEASE HELP!!!
October 25th, 2004 at 10:29 am
You probably did not right click and say “save as”.
BTW, great song. loved it from the first tome I heard it.
October 26th, 2004 at 3:56 am
Finally! An mp3 for this wonderful, wonderful wonderful song! gosh! I am so captivated by this.. thanks all.
November 1st, 2004 at 8:01 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this great song. I’ve been searching for it for such a long time and now finally i found it. Thank you!
Bye, Markus
November 2nd, 2004 at 8:45 am
There is always someone willing to put something filthy on a comment board like this one… thanks “gay” person, we all apreciate your thoughtless contribution.
Anyways, this is indeed a wonderful song. I too heard this for the first time watching “50 First Dates”. It does lift our thoughts and inspires us to live a little bit better. We should praise things of this nature, especially in times like these when the majority of the influences in todays world are sliding downhill.
I am glad there are so many people who feel the power of this song.
November 2nd, 2004 at 4:22 pm
Wow. I saw 50 First Dates last weekend. What a suprise. I love the film. I expected a slap stick version of Groundhog Day. But it was much, much better. It dealt with the sticky subject of mental illness in a tasteful and humerous manner. And what a love story! Ok, it does have the visual, slapstick comedy moments, (Lucy beating Ola with a baseball bat). I bought the soundtrack on cd and was soooo disapointed to find this song was missing! It was the highlight of the soundtrack for me. So thanx Nelson for the download. It does work, and in 128k too!
Mind you, if you liked Isreal’s version of this classic, you may also enjoy Eva Cassidy’s version! I do
November 3rd, 2004 at 12:33 am
Wow… I just caught the part of “Finding Forrester” with this song on it, and was instantly hooked. I had no idea who or what it was, so I Google searched ‘The version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by the guy with a ukelele’. It worked and I found this wonderful site, with people who find all these different ways to download it so those with picky computers can download it and listen to the majesty of IZ.
November 10th, 2004 at 5:31 pm
Thanks for all the info guys! I cried the very first time I saw 50 first dates! I was also very disappointed to find the song missing from the soundtrack!! So being able to download the link from here was great!
Thanks!
November 26th, 2004 at 4:29 am
Ive been looking for that song since i watched 50 first dates. thanks for your help. I already downloaded it and enjoying it at this very moment.
It is good to know there are still songs of this kind.
jaces
philippines
November 27th, 2004 at 4:13 am
Hey, cheers for the download, awesome song but can anybody tell me how long its supposed to last? my copy seems to cut out after 3:08 is this right? cheers again.
December 5th, 2004 at 1:50 pm
Hello, does anyone know the tabs for the song somewhere over the rainbow for the uke?
December 9th, 2004 at 2:40 am
It’s been quite a search to find out who sang over the rainbow in the movie 50 first dates. Thankyou for identifying such a hidden talent.
December 10th, 2004 at 5:07 pm
Anyone know where i might find a .wav version of this song?
December 12th, 2004 at 2:17 am
hello. i love over the rainbow as well as everyone else in this forum. does anyone know any songs similar to this? please e-mail me! thank you!
December 16th, 2004 at 11:21 pm
Thank you very much for the song.
I really like 50 first dates.
Peace out. Aloha (as in goodbye..)
December 21st, 2004 at 2:56 am
cried the first time i heard this on the lynx ad as well. and then again on 50 first dates, kept rewinding over and over and couldn’t understand why my sister didn’t getit!
December 27th, 2004 at 11:27 am
Holas!
Adoro la cancion Somewhere over the rainbow … me hace sentir relajada, sensible y en paz. Me la regalo Lalo, mi novio, por navidad como sorpresa ya que yo la habia buscado por bastante tiempo y no la habia encontrado.
Me encantaria escucharla al atardecer, en la playa. Lo hare.
De
December 27th, 2004 at 4:46 pm
Yesterday, I watched 50 first dates movie, and today I tried to find the the song somwhere in the rainbow, and I find this site, thanks everybody, around the world.
December 27th, 2004 at 5:10 pm
I am sorry the name is somewhere over the rainbow,
anyway, thanks to all the people around the world,
that feel things, like me.
Un amigo.
aangmen@yahoo.com.mx
81 80327984
January 1st, 2005 at 9:54 pm
In case anyone was curious, the melody was also used several years ago during etoys.com commercials. The cute ones with the kid building something out of his green beans and his mom buys him a construction kit from the internet or something. Or the one with the little girl catching fireflies and her daddy buys her a real bug box and then picks her up and puts her on his shoulders. sob. I loved those commercials. It was also used on the show Gidoen’s Crossing back in like 2001 on ABC. I think the other references have been said already: ER, Finding Forrester, 50 First Dates, etc. So it has been recognized by Hollywood as an amazing song. I heard it in the airport in Hawaii the same time the etoys.com commercials were on and it haunted me. I used it in my wedding when my grandparents walked down the aisle (the version with Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World). Beautiful song. Glad others out there enjoy it as much as I do.
January 9th, 2005 at 10:39 am
i love the song “somewhere over the rainbow” but is everybody talking about eva cassidys version that is the best! its relaxing if only she was here to see how much her songs are loved.
January 11th, 2005 at 12:07 am
which part of Meet Joe Black do they play this version of ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ by IZ?
January 13th, 2005 at 5:47 pm
Many thanks. Have been trying to find this song for ages and not known who its by! One guess what’ll be on my ipod tomorrow?!
For anyone interested another truely moving song is “Sweet Mary” by a band called “Equalizer” which I’m sharing on Kazaa.
January 19th, 2005 at 4:21 pm
Yes, this same version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was played on the episode of E.R. where Dr. Greene dies of a brain tumor. It was sad, and this beautiful song added a powerful touch.
February 2nd, 2005 at 1:51 pm
Ok..I am mad because I was reading all of the other thingeys and they heard it from ER or some movie!!!It’s from my favorite movie The Wizard of Oz!
February 6th, 2005 at 9:41 pm
It’s a wonderful thing to see all the people that have been touched by Israel. My wife and I were lucky enough to have a local tell us about him when we visited Kauai, we now own all his CD’s. Listen to some of his other work, we lost a good one when we lost him. But be warned, he was very-very native and didn’t care much for the way we mainlanders have treated the islands.
February 12th, 2005 at 3:07 am
I kinda scrolled thru the other commments…yah, this song has been used…maybe a bit abused throughout a number of venues….commercials, TV shows, movies…
ok….sure we mainlanders (whatever the hell that is supposeed to mean) surely did not appreciate the enormous talent of Iz …kinda phunny that….Iz…and Oz…
…bottom line is…this song and its rendition is sweet….I’m a 50 year old man…and damn if this song doesn’t make me tear up every time I hear it.
Losing Israel was truly a loss….
It’s not often most of us are graced to be in the presence of the immortal..hear this song once…and you just might be.
Tom J.
February 14th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
I first heard the IZ version of over the rainbow while on a Celebrity Cruise. They played it as background music on their TV station. Just recently found out who IZ is.
February 24th, 2005 at 10:37 am
thank you so much!!! i badly needed this song for my powerpoint presentation… i love this song a lot… cause it brings inner peace and calmness… it gives encouragement too. thanks a lot!!!
March 6th, 2005 at 3:24 pm
i first heard this in ER where i could not stop crying and when i finally got round to watching 50 first dates, i cried again because it is truly one of the most beautiful songs ever. such a gorgeous version of a fantastic classic – check out eva cassidy’s version too!
March 7th, 2005 at 6:56 pm
this song was on the episode of cold case last night and immediately fell in love with the song and had to find out who sang it and download it…thank you everyone
March 8th, 2005 at 6:45 am
Yes, I agree with everyone on this board that this is a wonderful remake of a wonderful song! If anyone’s in Salem, OR on 3/19/05, my music group will perform this song (almost verbatim) at the Dragonfly Coffee & Tea shop. I’m originally from Hawaii, play the ukulele, among other things and had the pleasure of listening to Brudda IZ and his cousins (Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau) play live at several venues and clubs around town (Honolulu) back in the 70’s & 80’s – way before he ever recorded this song. Their music and vocals are legend in Hawaii. Then I moved to the mainland
– but the music of the islands will never leave my heart and soul. It’s just da best da kine!
April 11th, 2005 at 8:34 pm
Looks like I am the newest and very latest to post about Iz and his haunting rendition of Over the Rainbow. Ken, sorry to be on the opposite coast or I would have tried to catch your show. Because of this song I actually sat thru a Hallmark card commercial. Now I can put the artist with the song. Bless him as he plays his music forever! gitfiddle
April 15th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
Does anyone know where I can get a download of “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” by Edison Lighthouse? I would like the original version that was a pop hit back in the seventies.
April 19th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
This song is the best, does anyone know who the original artist of Somwhere over the Rainbow was? And is this song and A wonderful life the same songs?
April 22nd, 2005 at 9:47 pm
I cry with the tears of joy when I haer that song, so simple but speechless!
May 2nd, 2005 at 8:57 pm
WHAT IS THE URL FOR THIS SONG?
May 5th, 2005 at 12:04 am
I found this version to be extremely well done and soothing as well. I am looking for an mp3 version or an album that contains it so I can buy it outright.
May 5th, 2005 at 12:31 pm
does anyone have a download for somewhere over the rainbow (not the medley)?
thanks
dave
May 5th, 2005 at 7:43 pm
please, i need a download for ‘iz’ sotr not the medley
thanks
dave
May 6th, 2005 at 8:22 am
After seeing 50 First Dates, I really was impacted by the song, but nearly forgot about it until a Hallmark Card ad reminded me! I took me 3 ad viewings to place where I had heard it before, and since it didn’t make it onto the movie soundtrack (a real mistake on their part), it took me a few more days of humming it to figure out it was “Somewhere over the rainbow” (the ad only plays the oo-oo-oo part) So glad this site helped me find this song. I was saddened to discover that the performer died in 1997. I plan to walk down the aisle to this song on July 1.
May 16th, 2005 at 9:06 pm
just wanted to add.. this song is also in the wizard of oz except that it didnt have the wonderful world part.
May 17th, 2005 at 1:51 pm
No really stupid! That’s the original…
September 24th, 2005 at 7:42 am
For all you aussies, some years back (quite a few), John Laws played this great song on his program for awhile. maybe thats where some of you may have heard it before. He wouldn’t give the name of the artist away. Used to drive me nuts. Also special song for me……for many personal reasons. glad to see Im not the only nut that plays it over and over…:)
September 29th, 2005 at 10:18 pm
Hello. I am trying to get this song to use on my wedding video, but I can only seem to find the regge version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World. I clicked on the links above, but was not able to download it..just to open it. Can someone HELP!?
September 30th, 2005 at 1:36 pm
My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Honolulu and we of course knew the song already, but being there and hearing others perform Somewhere Over the Rainbow was amazing. It was truly a magical feeling. Just got back home and will going to buy his CD tonight! It will forever be our song from when we visited paradise!
October 11th, 2005 at 5:20 am
Wow I really love this song. Its very emotional – simply great. Ive just heard it on “50 first dates” with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymoore. Thank you all for the info about the artist.
Greetings from Austria
Nagash
October 12th, 2005 at 11:40 am
Can anyone direct me to a download of Judy Garland’s version of “Over the Rainbow”?
October 16th, 2005 at 3:19 pm
I’ve heard this song so much lately. Can anyone name any of the TV shows that have featured this song?
October 25th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Wow what an awesome song.
Do you all kow that this song is even HUGE in Sydney, Austalia!!!!!
Hawian music is actually getting very popular here.
R.I.P. ISRAEL
October 26th, 2005 at 3:57 am
Hello, this song is so cool…..The first time ive heard this song is from the movie Meet Joe Black….& Later it was also used for the soudntrack in 50 First Date……I loved it! cool rendition by Israel….
October 26th, 2005 at 4:15 pm
Simply beautiful, genuine, full of deep honesty, and from the heart! Thank you, to the Hawaiian
SJ
October 27th, 2005 at 7:02 pm
Hi folks …..
A really really nice track ….. and it has been used in so many good
movies over the years …. since being sung by Judy Garland in ‘Oz’. IZ’s version is great as a medley …… and his voice is really powerful.
But have anybody heard Harry Nilsson’s version of SOTR (You’ve got Mail) …. not the medley ? and Louis Armstrong’s version of WAWW ? They are the nicest I have heard in a non-medley version.
I have Armstrong’s version of WAWW …. want it ? mail me at kachra.dabba@gmail.com ….. !! free of course …. and let me know if anybody out there has Nilsson’s version of SOTR (only) as mp3 !
ciao
XeRiOn
November 2nd, 2005 at 6:41 pm
Hello. Thank you so much for the web sites, Im from Perú and since I hear that song I loved it, I hope there will be more songs like this.
The web sites that are shown up there work well if somebody wants to download it try it.
November 2nd, 2005 at 6:54 pm
Hello aley1698, if you can’t download the sound.
When you open the file to listen it you can record the song with the windows sound recorder as a wav file.
November 9th, 2005 at 1:58 pm
What a powerfully moving song, I just watched ER with Green’s last show. I think this show,and that song will leave an impression for alot of days to come. I wish i heard it alot sooner,but better late than never i suppose. I hope more people are moved by it, because i think it will bring alot of people together!
December 5th, 2005 at 12:52 am
Hi SOTR lovers,
I’m glad to join the fans of this number, a lovely composition which leaves an everlasting effect on me. I just got to hear a midi version of the number which can be downloaded from http://www.sunnycorner.com/movies/featured/ygm/album/orainbow.mid but I would be awesomely thanful to anyone who can tell me about a mp3 or wav or ram format of Harry Nillson’s track in ‘You’ve got mail’.
Christopher
December 23rd, 2005 at 10:05 pm
Go to Joe’s post on July 19, 2004 and right click on his link…select “save target as”…this will allow you to save it in MP3 format to your desktop…I first heard the song on a cruise…Celebrity looped the song on their information channel on an Alaskan Cruise…then when we watched 50 First Dates my wife and I were blown away…Since then not a day passes that I don’t listen to it at least once………Awesome song!!!!!!!
December 26th, 2005 at 1:09 am
I heard this song at the end of Finding Forrester and it stuck in my mind because it was so simple and beautiful. When I heard it again at the end of 50 first dates I remembered it so I had to look it up on the internet. Great song, simplicity at its best.
December 26th, 2005 at 8:09 pm
Well, the midi link provided works, but it is for the original song, from the Wizard of Oz. IF anyone has the link for Iz’s song, I’d appreciate your posting it here.
January 3rd, 2006 at 8:36 pm
I loved this song the first time I heard it from Finding Forrester! Beautiful! I searched on our local stores but cannot find his album. Good thing I got an mp3 now from this thread.
Thanks guys!
January 10th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
I always have been a late bloomer in life… but I’ll make up for it! I just saw the rerun of ER when Dr. Mark died in Hawaii and cryed and fell in love with the song and decided that I will have it played at my own funeral. Today I heard it for the first time on the radio and called to find out who sings the song. I was at the cemetary feeding the ducks on the 17th anniversary date of my father’s death when it came on. Being very grief stricken as of late due to the recent death of my mother, I felt like they were reaching out to me to let me know that somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, where skies are beautiful and always rich and blue, that they are okay, and I will be too. Both my parents died young, dad 51 and mom 65. It’s just me and my beautiful 11 yr old daughter now and she never had the chance to know her granddaddy but was fortunate to have grandma for 11 yrs. Thanks for this website:)
January 18th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
I have been looking everywhere for the MP3 for Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “somewhere over the rainbow/wonderful life “ and Lucked -IN here WOOOOOHOOOOOO………… i am planning to convert it to wav and place on my website for easier downloading for those who wish to have the wav. Thanks Joe !!!!!!
January 23rd, 2006 at 8:27 pm
THIS MORNING… WHEN I WAS WORKING OUT I HEARD THIS MUSIC AND I HAVE ASKED WHAT THE NAME WAS AND THEY TOLD ME… THANKS GOD I FOUND IT AND NOW I CAN LISTEN EVERY TIME I WANT…. THIS MUSIC IS GREAT… I CANT EXPLAIN WHAT THE FEELINGS ARE LIKE ..JUST WONDERFUL
andi_sance@hotmail.com
Januari 23,2006 at 22:25pm
January 25th, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Everyone…when you love any song that is beautiful, it does not matter a bit what advertisements it is used in…keep on listening and enjoy for yourself!
January 26th, 2006 at 9:42 am
I also found the version of Over The Rainbow by Iz to be very moving. I added a link to my new website of the lyrics/chord changes thst I was able to figure out. I’ll be adding the fingering for the chords soon. I figured the tune out on guitar; you can capo at the fifth fret (I don’t usually use a capo) and the top four strings are tuned the same a tenor uke in G tuning (G C E A). The chords listed on my site are the chords as they sound – not the capo version.
January 29th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
So beautifull song. I’m very happy to found you, who is like me. When i first heard the song in 50 first dates i couldn’t keep my tears. Since then i allways wanted to watch that movie because of the song. Then heard it in Finding Forrester , which is a great movie too. So i realised the song is the bigger than the movies. And i’m searching this song for long time.
But Joe and Neilson’s site’s are both not available for me. However, Jane’s listening site was great. I listening it now. Thank you Jane.
I really need your help guys, please please help to find the downloadable mp3 version of this song. I will always thank you when i hear it
Thank you , Bolor
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:13 pm
this song was played at my late cousin’s viewing.. makes me sad but reminds me of him when i hear this song. rip phillip april 20th, 1972 to january 13th, 2006 !!! god bless
February 11th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
IZ does indeed haunt. His perfect legacy perhaps. NEILSON
many thanks for passing it along. (Mine too cuts at 3:08, but there’s something seemingly appropriate in the tease)
February 15th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
Thanks very much Neilson for enabling us all to download this wonderful song. Haunting is not the word – it is magical
February 23rd, 2006 at 6:54 am
thank you so much for the song, after a long search i have found the song and got to know the “gentle giant “ IZ Kamakawiwo’ole as the singer thru many tributes to this great Hawaiian icon.
What a beautiful song, so peaceful and romantic, and will cherish it for as long as I may live…….
Manila , Philippines
February 27th, 2006 at 9:08 am
hi everyone
i have heard this song on a couple of movies and it keeps popping up
in commercials
right here is a question can anyone tell me where do find this version
on midi file cos i would love to sing it
i have the judy version and and dont use it because i much prefer israels
if you can help please email me at
pballen@hotmail.com
thanks a lot
phil, taiwan
March 5th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
Hey, guys! This is a great site. I’ve loved this song (Iz’ version only, of course) for a long time now; it moves me in so many ways, and I think the whole screwed up world needs to hear it too. It just might bring a lot of barriers down and end a lot of terrible things in this world. Good luck to all of ya learning to play it. I wish I had that kinda talent. I’m sure glad that I’m not the only crazy (Canadian) to play this song a hundred times over and still LOVE IT!! I can’t wait to play this song for my future babies!
R.I.P Iz Kamakawiwo’ole
April 16th, 2006 at 7:36 am
First heard it in “Finding Forrester”…I love the movie but the love the song more.I keep watching the end of the movie just to hear the song…over and over again…I unconsciously wanted the song but soon forget about it until “50 First Dates”. Then I got this link…and I got the download. I’m grateful to note that I’m not alone and in the great company of others who love the song all over the world… IZ’s rendetion of the song is simple,pure and it’s goes straight to the heart. If a song is ever considered as language of soul, this is one… I’m grateful for IZ, for his rendition of this song…I’m gratified that there are others who have been touched by this song, that I’m not alone…
May 5th, 2006 at 3:55 pm
I first heard this song version coming back from a trip to the grand canyon…
Truly majestic to hear while trveling through such awesome scenery.
Once this world comes to abrupt close, and everything hits the fan, and World Leaders have lined there pockets of oil and gold at the cost of our precious loved ones…and suddenly the look of impending doom fills there eyes…I plan on playing this song as loud as a can and watch the world go… full of peace.
weapons of mass destruction…where are they? pee on my leg and tell me its raining…everybody gets whats coming to them…firm believer of that.
Its songs like this that give peace and maybe even a bit of hope amid living in a world thats so in a dire need of a end…a end to many things.
July 2nd, 2006 at 9:43 am
Glad to see such heart on the web. I’ve been looking for the ukelele chords for this song. Old sites with them have disappeared. Anyone have an idea?
Many thanks,
John
July 4th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Thank’s for the Song
September 1st, 2006 at 8:50 pm
I’m so glad I found this site. I was trying to find that song ever since I heard at the end of “50 first dates”. The soundtrack for the movie doesn’t have it. But then I searched for Israel Kamakawiwo’ole on allofmp3.com and they have a whole album of his songs, that one included. It’s sooooo beautiful. Thanks guys
September 6th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
first heard this with the etoys comm’l,the one with the dad and his daughter. having two little girls at the time, it stuck with me, made me cry. can’t help myself, i cry everytime i hear it, and i don’t know why. what the hell’s wrong with me? recently tracked it back to Israel and was saddened to know he had died, and so young. truly a beautiful song.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:04 am
hey guys…all da linx r expired now
boo hoo
can sum one plz plz plzzzzzzzzzzzz post up a link for IZ’s over the rainbow………..omigosh..what can i say….i am utterly moved.
October 17th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Had the mp3 on my computer 2 years ago, but must have deleted it.
Song holds special meaning for me because it was playing at the hospital when my son was born.
Try the following link for the mp3:
http://www.espew.com/cgi-bin/spew/4148169/Somewhere%20Over%20The%20Rainbow.mp3
October 24th, 2006 at 10:55 am
i’m glad to see i’m not the only one this song touches. it’s got such an innocent sound which is why so many appreciate it. this man’s voice is like a childs. makes us recall a more uncomplicated and innocent time in each of our lives. it drums up memories that are dear to my heart. makes me remember growing up and not worrying about anything. just having fun and being innocent and carefree and thinking that everything remains the same as it does at that moment, that we don’t grow old, parents don’t get sick and we all don’t die. it makes me think of my son and his growing up, and the only thing that’s important to him is to be silly, to laugh and to enjoy all his waking moments.
what a beautiful version of this song Iz left us to enjoy before he left this earth. god bless him.
January 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Hello everyone! I was looking for the artist who sang “somewhere over the rainbow” in the hawaiian version and came accross IZ. I too love the song and feel at peace when I hear it. I think of my one and only sibling who passed away 3 years ago. I hear the song and feel as if he’s with me. The voice of IZ is truly calming,peaceful,and beautiful. Thank you IZ for such a wonderful version of “somewhere over the rainbow. I enjoyed it as a young girl and enjoy it even more now with my children. I love and miss my brother and I know he sees and hears beautiful things somewhere over the rainbow.
May 27th, 2007 at 2:37 am
This great song also is one of my most favor song. I don’t know how to say. But whatever I am happy/unhappy, hen listen it. the feeling is different. ….and wonderful. Did you?
Thanks to ‘Gemtle Giant’ You really play a good song and classic.
March 13th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Does anyone have the guitar background of this song ??? like the karaoke file ^^~ I kinda need this file right now ^^~
Thannk you
May 21st, 2008 at 5:36 am
Hi there…Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts about banda eva..what a nice Wednesday .
August 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Thanks. I have been searching for who sings this version of the song for a long time.