The Wizard of Oz is a classic movie that has been cherished by generations. Its iconic music has been a staple in pop culture since the movie’s release in 1939. From the classic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” to the haunting lyrics of “The Wicked Witch of the West,” the songs of the Wizard of Oz have become some of the most beloved in movie history. In this article, I will explore some of the most memorable Wizard of Oz songs and provide the lyrics for each one. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just want to enjoy some classic tunes, this article has something for everyone. So, if you’re ready, let’s take a journey down the Yellow Brick Road.
Wizard of Oz Songs
The Wizard of Oz (1939) is a beloved classic film, and its iconic soundtrack has become just as iconic! With classic songs like “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain,” the film is filled with musical numbers sure to get stuck in your head. According to a 2019 article by The Guardian, over a billion people have watched the film since its initial release.
The soundtrack of The Wizard of Oz features some of the most memorable songs in movie history, many of which were written by E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen. These classic numbers have been covered by dozens of artists in a variety of genres since the film’s release. “Over the Rainbow” has been covered by the likes of Judy Garland, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, and even Pentatonix.
For those looking to listen to the original, iconic soundtrack of The Wizard of Oz, there are a variety of streaming services available with the full album. Whether it be Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music, you can easily access the songs with lyrics in the comfort of your own home.
Many of The Wizard of Oz classic songs have become a part of pop culture. “If I Only Had A Brain” was featured in the musical Wicked, and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” was performed by John Legend in his 2017 singles collaboration album A Legendary Christmas.
The Wizard of Oz is a film with cultural and historical significance, and its soundtrack is just as unforgettable. From “Follow the Yellow Brick Road
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films of all time, and the soundtrack is just as iconic. Of all the songs featured in the movie, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is one of the most popular and recognizable tunes. Written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, the song was composed in 1938 and sung by Judy Garland in the movie. It has since been covered by a number of artists, including Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, who released a ukulele version in the early 90s.
The lyrics of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” are both simple and profound – they tell a tale of hope and longing for a better future. The song begins with a narrator pondering the possibilities of a faraway land that is free of sorrow and despair. The chorus then proclaims that the dream is attainable if one is brave enough to take the journey. The song has been used in a variety of contexts, from television commercials to political rallies.
The song has also been embraced by a number of LGBTQ+ communities. It has become an anthem for the struggle for equality and freedom from persecution and discrimination. The lyrics have been interpreted to represent a collective longing for a place where individuals can feel accepted and loved.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has won many awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939. It is also one of the top-ranked songs on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest songs in film history, coming in at number seven.
“Follow the Yellow Brick Road”
One of the most beloved films of all times, The Wizard of Oz, has some of the most iconic movie songs of all time. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” is an indelible classic, telling Dorothy and her ragtag band of friends to look for the answers they seek along the way. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and has been covered by everyone from Barbra Streisand to Ella Fitzgerald. As a testament to its timelessness, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
From a musical standpoint, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” is a perfect example of the Tin Pan Alley style, which was popular in the early 20th century. The song is built around a four-chord progression and its melody and lyrics are relatively simple. Its light-hearted feel and optimistic lyrics make it one of the most beloved songs in the Oz canon.
In addition to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” the Wizard of Oz soundtrack includes such standards as “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead.” Many of these songs were written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y. Harburg, who won an Academy Award for their work on the film.
The songs from the Wizard of Oz remain popular today, with countless versions available online and on streaming services. Kids of all
“Munchkinland”
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films in history, and its soundtrack is just as iconic. One of the most memorable songs from the film is “Munchkinland”, the opening song of the movie. It sets the tone for the entire movie, and its catchy tune and cheerful lyrics make it an instant classic.
“Munchkinland” was written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y. Harburg. It was performed by the cast of the Wizard of Oz, featuring Judy Garland as Dorothy singing the lead vocal. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song celebrates the joy of Munchkinland and tells the story of the Munchkins welcoming Dorothy to their land and pledging their loyalty to her. The lyrics are as follows:
“Come out, come out wherever you are
And meet the young lady who fell from a star
She fell from the sky, she fell very far
And Kansas she says is the name of the star
We welcome you most regally
To Munchkinland, come and see
We’re so glad you are our guest
We’ll have a festival
And we’ll give a toast to you
The Witch of the West, you mustn’t upset.”
The joyous song of “Munchkinland” captures the spirit of the Wizard of Oz and is one of the most iconic songs
“The Witch is Dead”
The Witch is Dead is a classic song from The Wizard of Oz, and is one of the most iconic films in the history of cinema. Written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, the song was performed by the Munchkins as a celebration of the Wicked Witch of the East’s death. It debuted in the 1939 film, and has since been a staple in the repertoire of many musicals, shows and movies.
The song is an interesting piece of history as it was actually the first song to appear in the American Singing Cartoon. This special style of animation allowed for the characters to lip-sync to the lyrics of a song, and was a revolutionary advancement in the art of animation at the time. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Ella Jenkins and even Judy Garland, who sang the song for the film.
The song has also been featured in multiple TV shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, The Brady Bunch, and the musical Wicked. This song has certainly stood the test of time, and continues to remain popular due to its catchy lyrics and unforgettable melody.
The original recording of the song has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which is a testament to its lasting legacy and popularity. It serves as a reminder of the power of music, as a single song can still evoke an emotional response from its listeners even after decades of its initial release.
The Witch is Dead is an important song in the history of popular culture,
“If I Only Had a Brain”
The classic song “If I Only Had a Brain” from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz is an iconic piece of American pop culture. Written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, this song has become a beloved classic for generations of fans. It’s been covered by some of the biggest names in music, including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and John Legend. With its clever lyrics and catchy melody, it’s no surprise that this song has become a staple of karaoke nights around the world.
The song is both a comical and poignant look at the dreams of the Scarecrow. He sings about the things he could do if he only had a brain, such as learning to play the violin and writing books. The Scarecrow’s dreams are universal: we all have dreams that we want to achieve, but sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to do so.
According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, “If I Only Had a Brain” is the second most popular song from The Wizard of Oz. It’s been included in thousands of movies, television shows, and commercials over the years, and is also the subject of many memes. It’s even been used in a series of educational videos aimed at teaching children about the importance of mathematics.
The song has become a mainstay of musicals, both professional and amateur, including performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Broadway cast of Wicked. It’s been parodied by
“We’re Off To See the Wizard”
One of the most iconic musical films of all time, The Wizard of Oz has some of the most unforgettable songs of all time. Topping the list is the classic ‘We’re Off To See The Wizard’, a song that has been covered multiple times over the decades. The original song has been viewed over 8 million times on YouTube alone, and is frequently described as one of the catchiest songs of all time.
The song, written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, is an upbeat and cheerful tune about following the yellow brick road to the Wizard. As the main characters make their way to see the Wizard, they sing this song to keep their spirits high and their determination strong.
‘We’re Off To See The Wizard’ became an instant hit upon the film’s release in 1939 and has since featured in many books, TV shows, radio plays and advertisements. Even today, references to the song remain popular, as evidenced by its 6,000 daily Spotify streams.
Aside from the lyrics, the musical arrangement of the song has been praised for its beauty and complexity. It is a great example of how music can be used to convey the power of hope.
Whether you are a fan of the film or not, this song is sure to get you singing along and is sure to be a classic for years to come. So come on and join the gang, and get ready to sing ‘We’re Off To See The Wizard’!
Conclusion
The Wizard of Oz is full of iconic and memorable songs that have been enjoyed for generations. From the spirited “We’re Off To See The Wizard” to the poignant “Over the Rainbow,” these songs have been covered and reinterpreted by countless artists. Learning the lyrics to these timeless songs is not only a great way to enjoy the film and its wonderful music, but also to experience the powerful emotions and messages embedded in its classic story. Singing along to the Wizard of Oz songs is an easy and fun way to appreciate its legacy and to share its timeless message with others. So why not take a trip over the rainbow and sing-a-long to these classic songs today?