Songful Style! “Over the Rainbow”

“Over the Rainbow”

I know I complained the last time I did a Songful Style about how slowly the month was passing. Well, September just sorta flew by! I can’t believe it is the last Monday of September, 2022! I did miss last month’s Songful Style. Suzy and Shelbee, though, both came up with wonderfully meaningful posts. Having said all of that, it is the last Monday of the month which means it’s time for Songful Style! I chose this month’s selection because I love the song and I find Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s voice and arrangement to be just the calming thing I need right now. Songful Style is the brainchild of Suzy and Shelbee. They decided to play on the idea behind Style Imitating Art and apply it to music! What that means is each month, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, and I share looks based on a song selected by one of us. You can find us on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Last month, Shelbee chose “Mama” by Beth Hart. I do hope you click through the links above to see how both of my lovely friends styled this song. And, don’t forget! We’re throwing a link party, and you’re invited! 

The artist…

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was born in Honolulu on March 20, 1959 (coincidentally, that is my brother’s birthdate). He grew up in Kaimuki where his parents had met and married. At age eleven, IZ (or Bruddah Iz) began playing music with his older brother and a cousin. Both of his parents worked in a Waikiki nightclub where IZ would hear the music of Peter Moon, Palani Vaughan, and Don Ho. When IZ was in his early teens, his family moved to  Makaha. He met Louis Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jeremy Koko. Along with his older brother, Skippy, IZ and the other three formed the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. IZ was committed to creating music with the sounds of traditional Hawaiian music. The band toured Hawaii and the mainland and released 15 successful albums.

A little more…

The Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau was Hawaii’s most popular contemporary traditional group. The 1984 album, Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha, became the group’s breakout album. IZ’s last recorded album with the group was in 1991 and is titled Ho’oluana. It is the group’s top-selling CD. In 1990, IZ released his first solo album, Ka ‘Ano’i. Two years later, he produced the album, Facing Future, which contained a version of “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.” That album is the top selling album by a Hawaiian artist. The song “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” was recorded one very early morning in 1988! A friend called Milan Bertosa at 3:00am one day and asked if he could borrow Bertosa’s recording studio. The answer was yes as long as they could get there within 15 minutes. IZ and friends arrived; a steel chair was procured as IZ really needed to sit down. Bertosa got things set up for recording. IZ played his ukulele, sang the song, and recorded it in one take! Spending 185 weeks on top of the World Digital Songs chart, IZ’ version of this song is the longest leading number one hit on any of the Billboard song charts.

Still more…

On June 26, 1997, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole passed away from complications of obesity and heart disease. He was 38. In 2010, NPR named him the “Voice of Hawaii,” and I would have to agree with them. Part of IZ’ legacy is his commitment to the Hawaiian indigenous culture. He believed native Hawaiians were relegated to a second class citizenship as a result of the tourist industry and used his music to promote Hawaiian rights and independence.

The song (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole version)…

Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby, oh

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh
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
Bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can't I? I

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 top that's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to
Why, oh why can't I? I

Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ah-ah-eh-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

The song (Judy Garland version)…

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?

What does it mean…

The song was written for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The story goes that Harold Arlen came up with the melody as he and his wife were driving down Sunset Boulevard. He then went to his pal, Yip Arburg, for the lyrics. Arburg was less than thrilled with the melody but came up with the now famous lyrics. Surprisingly, the song was cut from the movie not once, not twice, but three times. Hollywood bigwigs didn’t like the idea of their big star, Judy Garland, belting out the tune in the barnyard. Once they heard and saw her, they realized she’d personified the innocence of the song in her performance. And, the rest, as they say, is history! The song basically is about escape from the harsh realities of life. Remember, this movie was released in 1939 during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. People were trying to escape their lives, and this movie promised to do just that. I’m sure people then, just as today, could see themselves in that young girl as she sang about flying over the rainbow where dreams came true.

Interesting covers…

It seems almost everyone has covered this song in one form or another. In fact, there is another version of Israel singing this song and seamlessly including “What a Wonderful World” into it. You can see that video here. Actually, I think they just replay the original video, but the two songs work wonderfully together. For my friends in Australia, here is Billy Thorpe’s version. For those of you who only know Mandy Patinkin from his “Criminal Minds” gig, here‘s a much younger Mandy. Switching gears a bit, how about the Ramones? While I am not a fan of country music, I do like Willie Nelson. You can watch him here. Finally, if you’re having a bad day, watch this! I am pretty sure you’ll be smiling by the end of the video!

My interpretation…

I have to be completely honest with you! When I picked this song, I did it purely because I think it’s magical. I had no idea how I would create a look for it! And, moments before we did the photos, I still had no idea. I watched IZ’s video over and over hoping for some kind of inspiration. Nothing. So, I decided to go with the feelings of relaxation and celebration this song and artist seem to produce. I have never been to Hawaii (on my bucket list), but I decided something floral was needed. This little swing dress from April Cornell is so comfortable, has pockets, and is such a gorgeous color! I forgot to mention it’s also jersey and on sale (in limited sizes). I like this dress, but I’m not in love with it. I need to add some kind of embellishment at the neckline because it’s missing that little bit of zhuzh! I’m wearing a half tee from Halftee. This is such a genius idea! The tee is a silky rayon blend and ends just under your bosoms! I have to admit it takes a little bit of getting used to! I kept wanting to pull it down! There is a nonslip band so it stays put! The other nifty thing about this particular one is you can reverse it for a higher neckline!

The Lewk:

I went pretty simple on the accessories for this styling. I wanted the dress to do most of the talking! I added this old Brighton bracelet with enameled flowers and butterflies as well as an old pair of Stella & Dot chandelier earrings. I’m having a problem with earrings showing up since my hair is longer. But, I know they’re there so it’s all good! I added the Jack Rogers sandals (I know they look kinda grody but that’s what old sandals look like) to complete my wannabe Hawaiian look!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

For a brief moment, I toyed with the idea of wearing a blue gingham dress and red shoes! Oh, who am I kidding! I don’t have a blue gingham dress, and I’m too lazy and cheap to order one from Amazon just to wear once! I love the movie, The Wizard of Oz, and I can remember waiting for it to be on television that one time a year! Now, of course, you can probably stream it anytime! I like Judy Garland’s version of the song (what a voice), but IZ’ version is just so peaceful and makes me smile just thinking about it. So, can we talk? Are you a fan of The Wizard of Oz? Do you prefer the Judy Garland version? Is there a movie you wait for every year because you only watch it once a year? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as possible!

Affiliate links and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I recently became a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. You can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Thank you!

A huge and heartfelt thank you goes out to all of you who regularly read my blog! I appreciate you all, especially my subscribers! If you’d care to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here. Please feel free to share my blog if you’d like!

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also host Final Friday Print Mixing on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

And, now the party starts!

Next month’s song is “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift. Suzy chose it for its spooky looks! I can’t wait to see what both of my fabulous friends come up with on this one! I need to start planning now! Please link up your favorite song posts, fashion posts, creative posts…well, you know what to do!

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