Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Oooo, oooooo,ooooo,ooooooo
oooo,oooo
Ooooo,oooo,oooo
Oooooo,ooooo,ooooo,ooo,
oooo,oooo,ooo
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind….me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dream that you dare to
Why oh why can’t I
Well I see trees of green
And red roses too
I watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Well I see skies of blue
And I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
See friends shakin hands saying
‘How do you do?’
They’re really sayin,’I, I love you.”
I hear babies cryin
And are lost in hope
They’ll know much more than we’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Oh, someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dare to
Why oh why can’t I…I
Ooooo,oooo,ooooo,ooooo,oooo,oooo……
Don’t know how to write a eulogy or where to start? Why not begin with a happy memory you have with the deceased, or a funny anecdote or story he or she used to share with you?
Eulogies don’t always have to be sad and depressing. You can honor the memory of the dead without being too sappy and sentimental.
Same can be said when choosing funeral songs for the departed loved one.
The late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s medley “Somewhere over the rainbow / What a wonderful world” is one of the best choices for funeral-appropriate “happy” songs. While the song may not be something you could associate with death, it does take a whole new meaning when played during a funeral.
The combination of two cheery songs, plus the ukulele give this rendition a light and positive feel. The message it gives is that of hope that despite the loss, there will be a happier tomorrow to look forward to and that life is still beautiful and worth living. Playing this song in a loved one’s funeral can be very comforting and uplifting. It can leave a smile on everyone’s faces while they remember the happy memories they have with the deceased.
