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Israel Kamakawiwoʻole — Somewhere/Wonderful
Album: Facing Future
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 6473









Released: 1993
Length: 5:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby (Ai)

(Oh) Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of,
Dreams really do come true (ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh)

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

(Oh) Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can't I (hai hai, ai ai ai)

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 bright bliss 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
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I, I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than we'll know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world (urld urld, urld urld urld)

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 (hai hai, ai ai ai)

Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh
Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh Ah Ah Eeh Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah
Comments (941)add comment
It's amazing. Somewhare and Israel Kamakawiwo has more ratings than any other song I've seen on RP, including the Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, etc. etc. etc. I've loved this version from the first day I heard it. 
 Stetsonman wrote:

The Hawaiians were a slim race, island living good food, natural and wholesome.
Then the yanks turned up and shoved steroid infused meats down their necks and McDonald and donuts and look what happened to them..... obese fat bastards



I'm not sure it's accurate to say anyone force fed them or shoved anything they didn't want to eat down their throats. Lot's of thin Hawaiians out there. However there are a lot of Somoans in the Hawaiian islands and they are know for being genetically predisposed to obesity and being overweight, and that predates interaction with western culture. I'm sure this will garner me plenty of thumb down reactions but you can't lay all of the problems of overweight people in the world at the feet of western civilization. At some point you have to be responsible for your own actions. McDonald's and donuts are not the only food option in Hawaii. 
I just noticed this is listed as Somewhere/Wonderful. I seem to remember a longer title, but this is much more descriptive. Certainly a place I would want to be. 
 thewiseking wrote:

If there's a hell, this will be playing there on an endless loop




If there's a braindead troll hell, you'll be the longest serving resident.
heard this song in the episode when doctor greene died, to this day. can’t watch it without tearing up
Now that's how a cover ought to be done! Reinvent the original and arguably make it better.
 jjbix37 wrote:

why?   . . . .skip




Well based on the ratings - because apparently some people really like it? (And I'm one of them.)
Please play Olomana ~ Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u ~ if it is not already in your rotation,
why?   . . . .skip
 reallylost wrote:

Absolute drivel. EZ listening' elevator muzak.



Huh? RP must have played a different song for me. 
Glorious.
 Steely_D wrote:


Can you imagine how sick of it the people working in Hawaii's shops are? Especially since it takes the place of legit island music. 


My parents paid for a honeymoon for my wife and me in Kaua'i.  They got us a helicopter tour of the island, and as the copter took off, the pilot began playing this song through our headphones.  Of course I'd heard it plenty of times before, and my initial reaction was to feel sorry for the poor pilot who had to hear this song every day while flying Haole mainlanders around the island.  That reaction was quickly muted as we began to fly over the island, and the song became the soundtrack for Kaua'i's beautiful forests, mountains and coastlines.  It was the perfect music for a magical experience, and I honestly would have been disappointed if the pilot hadn't played it.
The world is a better place because Iz was part of it. Always with us. Never forgotten.
 tkelley wrote:

Iz was a gift to us.  This recording was done in the middle of the night in one take.  It was just something he needed to get done.  It will of course be his lasting legacy.  So gentle, so soothing, from the heart and so real given the mistakes in lyrics.  If you cannot appreciate this song then just remain quiet.


The story as I've heard it told;

In 1988 someone agreed to keep a recording studio open in the middle of the night so he could come in and put something on tape. Time went on and in 1993 he was recording the material for "Facing Future". The producer needed another track to fill out the album and remembered that "demo" Izzy did 5 years before. It was essentially an afterthought. It became his "Stairway To Heaven".

If there is a heaven, this will be on the continuous loop of music played there.
 reallylost wrote:

Absolute drivel. EZ listening' elevator muzak.



Can you imagine how sick of it the people working in Hawaii's shops are? Especially since it takes the place of legit island music. 
 rpdevotee wrote:

Why does this song make me want to cry every time I hear it?



Because it's designed to tug at your heartstrings - even though the juxtaposition of these two songs (wanting to leave/happy with where you are) makes absolutely no sense.
Such a happy joyous song, but yet my eyes get watery every time I hear it.
Iz was a gift to us.  This recording was done in the middle of the night in one take.  It was just something he needed to get done.  It will of course be his lasting legacy.  So gentle, so soothing, from the heart and so real given the mistakes in lyrics.  If you cannot appreciate this song then just remain quiet.
Big bloke, gentle voice, cutesy song.  The novelty soon wears off.  Can't believe all the gushy reviews on here. 
I remain astonished that this song has a rating of only 8.2.
In response to the nay sayers I have a complaint. Why didn't Bill play the "What a Wonderful World/Somewhere over the Rainbow" medley?
Voice of a carrebean god. Ok Hawaii :)
 reallylost wrote:

Absolute drivel. EZ listening' elevator muzak.



my, but we live a sad life, don't we?
Absolute drivel. EZ listening' elevator muzak.
The Hawaiians were a slim race, island living good food, natural and wholesome.
Then the yanks turned up and shoved steroid infused meats down their necks and McDonald and donuts and look what happened to them..... obese fat bastards
Wonderful world...that humans treat like a garbage dump..and have set on fire, while marginalizing people of colour and murdering species after species into extinction...humans are a plague....I wish that I could still hear the hopefullness...
What a pity. He defined....grossly obese! Nice voice though!
Also my wedding song a number of years ago, and that's a good story, heh, but I have a wonderful son, so a win! The song is absolutely lovely, though.
 bdwhitepm wrote:

I heard a story that said he called the studio in the middle of the night and said "I'm ready."

It was recorded in one take and he went home.

Anyone else here this?




No, but it's too good to check.
 thewiseking wrote:

Tiny Tim was better.



thewiseking: Once a jerk .... always a jerk
 grhorn wrote:

what's next- Jake Shimabukuro?



You should be so lucky
Here I am browsing some info on Hawaii...and up pops this tune with Izzy.  Thanks RP (..altho this was almost creepy coincidence..)
I heard a story that said he called the studio in the middle of the night and said "I'm ready."

It was recorded in one take and he went home.

Anyone else here this?
Adam Sandler ruined this song for me....
This was my daughter’s wedding song 12 years ago. Still happily married, I blame the song, haha.
 jelgator wrote:

We played this song at my wedding reception.  One of the few good memories of my marriage.

Easy 10 still, though.



Ditto, ditto in spades......after this song the nightmare began.
 reallylost wrote:

Insipid pablum.

Listen to the original - at least that some edge to it. This is trite, easy listening'. 



Agree. Now prepare to be downvoted, bruddah.

I’m in Hawaii at the moment and feel sorry for the clerks in stores who have to hear this every hour on the hour “for the tourists.” Wouldn’t visitors be better served by hearing some real music from the islands, even if only subliminally?
Insipid pablum.

Listen to the original - at least that some edge to it. This is trite, easy listening'. 
Used this for the slideshow at my sister's funeral.  Always gets me. 
 thewiseking wrote:

If there's a hell, this will be playing there on an endless loop


If there's a hell, your whiny posts will be playing on an endless loop.
 xc_para_puravida wrote:
crowhog2000 wrote: Yes, it's true indigenous populations have suffered dramatically as they've been force-fed crap, junkfood introduced by the so-called "developed" world while their native habitats have been converted to sugar plantations, pineapple farms and million-dollar coastal properties for the "white" exploitative class. Biology demonstrates that native peoples' metabolic systems can't cope with the alcohol, sugar, processed food and chemically-laden meat of the industrial food model - and other folks aren't doing too well eating that crap either. Ergo, this man died young! Despite that he sings with the voice of an angel proving he, at least, was above the evil and greed which helped form him!


What an idiotic assumption: FORCED FED? It's a choice and in many cases lifestyle. You won't be confused with having a degree in anthropology.
 rbb wrote:

The only song I've seen rated higher than this on RP is the Louis Armstrong original, What a Wonderful World (1968). Louis lived in a time of greater racial tension and hate than anything seen today (in America), yet produced a universal classic of optimism and appreciation of life.  I assume Israel would have agreed; that's why he covered it.



Greater racial tension than today? Are you sure you mean America on planet earth? Or do you maybe mean on Alpha Centaury?
Where have you been the last 50 years? Or on 25.05 2020?
When I read such crap I can'keep calm. Geez.
Story is that Iz did this song in a single take, a late night spur of the moment session. Such a gift to us all.
Its a marvel how such a huge person has such a light and weightless voice and is a master at playing a tiny ukelele. His life story is tragic and yet here is one of the most hopeful songs ever. The world is a better place for having a visit from souls such as his.
what's next- Jake Shimabukuro?
For me it will always be associated with that toys.com commercial that came out in the early 2000's  My kids were little and the song seemed so innocent and perfect to be associated with babies.
Always moves me with his sense of innocence that I lost so many years ago.
As I looked down, the vast white ocean covered my view. The unusually bright sun felt barely warm on my skin. As soon as it set, cold and heavy fog suddenly covered the parking lot and I hurried onto the bus.
We were ascending the darkening Haleakala; I put on this track and could feel that this moment would remain in my memory for the rest of my life. Now, whenever "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" comes up, I instantly teleport to that wonderful autumn evening in Maui.
I used this on my mom's memorial video. Now I can't listen to it without getting verchelmpt. Oy.
 U gotta smile
Absolutely perfect!
Elelction day, and RP is the only keeping me sane today. Many, many thanks R and B.
So tears really can be sad and happy at the same time...
Blessed Man 😇
I bumped this from 6-->8 today.

This Most Excellent track suffered from horrible abuse in TV ads and soundtracks, especially in the late 90s and early Aughts.  

I heard it today, and enjoyed it for the amazing performance it is. 
We still miss you glorious man! 🙏
Blessed talent, blessed spirit, blessed man 🙏
 kazoo wrote:

To paraphrase Charlton Heston - you'll have to take it from my cold, dead hands!

 Well, we arranged THAT, didn't we?


Very nicely sung IZ RIP🙏
We played this song at my wedding reception.  One of the few good memories of my marriage.

Easy 10 still, though.
fantasy..
Words cannot do this justice. 10.
Sometimes I think I ought to listen to this every morning when I get up, like a vitamin tablet for the soul. I hope I never get tide of it; that would be a sad day.
Always brings tears to my eyes... Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono
I remember watching the last episode of dr greene on ER and turnied me into a blubbering mess
yes...we needed this song now.  What wonderful music Izzy gave us...
I don't know where everyone is but ... perfect timing
 danthebeachman wrote:
We have friends in Hawaii,and Izzy was considered a God there.If you get a chance to watch a video of his ashes being scattered in the South Pacific,I challenge you not to come to tears!!...Great man..Great musician!!

 

 xc_para_puravida wrote:
crowhog2000 wrote:
Holy Cannoli, what an album cover! Although the gorgeous hair does complement the 8-man tent wrap around cover up. He could smack a Hummer down!.......Sir,would you like extra-extra cheese on your quadruple Whopper......Yikes!
Yes, it's true indigenous populations have suffered dramatically as they've been force-fed crap, junkfood introduced by the so-called "developed" world while their native habitats have been converted to sugar plantations, pineapple farms and million-dollar coastal properties for the "white" exploitative class. Biology demonstrates that native peoples' metabolic systems can't cope with the alcohol, sugar, processed food and chemically-laden meat of the industrial food model - and other folks aren't doing too well eating that crap either. Ergo, this man died young! Despite that he sings with the voice of an angel proving he, at least, was above the evil and greed which helped form him!
 

Why does this song make me want to cry every time I hear it?
So many great versions of this all time classic,  including this one!
Judy Garland's is still the best and Eva Cassidy's version is excellent  too
 fedtho wrote:

I think this cover is not about getting the original lyrics exactly right (he's not following the melodic line either, right?) - but I nevertheless think that  I understand how this could be deemed unworthy of thee original .
 
Typically I'd agree about a cover, however this one's a mashup of two songs (Wonderful World and Somewhere Over the Rainbow) which requires it to be different than either original song....and this tunes one of my 11 11s....I have no words worthy of describing how important this one is for me.  Long Live RP and memories of bruddah Iz!!
There are only a few male vocalist I feel have the voice of an angel and this is one of them.
 nitsirk90 wrote:
Always makes me ask "Who is Gabby?"
 
Gabby is Gabby Pahinui, a native Hawaiian slack key guitarist and singer (per Wikipedia).  I don't claim to know anything about him.

I discovered this song on NPR a long long time ago. I had the radio on in the background doing something else. I was somewhat aware they were talking to a DJ in LA about what obscure music he'd been listening to lately. The song started from the beginning and he explains a bit about who Izzy is and that the reference to Gabby was a show of reverence from one Hawaiian to another. Gabby was a Hawaiian who made music for Hawaiians. He then went on to talk about the song, the fact that it was a medley, all the while the song is playing between his observations. I think they played it all the way through. By the time it was done I had stopped doing whatever I was doing and was transfixed. It's what NPR calls a "driveway moment". I'll never forget it.

Then some time goes by, several months, a year? Then it pops up at the end of a movie. I think it was "Meet Joe Black" and I'm like "It's that song!". I thought I'd never hear it again. We didn't really have the Internet back then. Well, turns out I'm not the only  one that liked it and it started popping up everywhere.

Some may say it's overplayed. Frankly, I'm not sure how you could do that.
 Ginetta wrote:

Me!{#Frustrated}
 
To paraphrase Charlton Heston - you'll have to take it from my cold, dead hands!
human is marvellous
 xray38 wrote:
Reminds me of the  slogan from the 1800's, on Lyle's Golden Syrup:
"From the Strong, came forth sweetness"
 
I think this cover is not about getting the original lyrics exactly right (he's not following the melodic line either, right?) - but I nevertheless think that  I understand how this could be deemed unworthy of thee original .
I'm with SpencerAR:
"Finding Forester" had a huge impact on me on so many levels... And it kind of softly killed me when Israel's voice and unique way, out of nowhere, started over the end titles.
For years afterwards, I couldn't listen to the song for fear of too much, uhm, sadness - that's what I felt the first time. Deep, sweet, sadness like saying goodbye to a friend.

Now it's bliss 🌞
sweet version.  but he doesn't get the lyrics right, which irks me.  
Reminds me of the  slogan from the 1800's, on Lyle's Golden Syrup:
"From the Strong, came forth sweetness"
My first exposure to this version of the song, I think, was at the end of the movie "Finding Forrester."  A great movie (imo) finished off by a great song.

RIP Israel.
Dude. it's poi.

 
ThePoose wrote:
He chowed down on too much pig, poke and poy--and keeled over. 
A big loss.
 


He chowed down on too much pig, poke and poy--and keeled over. 
A big loss.
 thewiseking wrote:
a modern day Tiny Tim. Even worse, actually.
 
You idiot.
Mr Kamakawiwo'ole makes a great song spectacular
 jp33442 wrote:
 thewiseking wrote:
Tiny Tim was better.
 Are you fucking kidding
          



 nitsirk90 wrote:
Always makes me ask "Who is Gabby?"
 
Probably  Gabby Pahinui, Hawaiian slack-key guitarist.
 thewiseking wrote:
Tiny Tim was better.
 Are you fucking kidding me

Aloha R.P
Mahalo ~ for this one
so Sweet!
Tiny Tim was better.
Always makes me ask "Who is Gabby?"
most lovely!
 xc_para_puravida wrote:

Yes, it's true indigenous populations have suffered dramatically as they've been force-fed crap, junkfood introduced by the so-called "developed" world while their native habitats have been converted to sugar plantations, pineapple farms and million-dollar coastal properties for the "white" exploitative class. Biology demonstrates that native peoples' metabolic systems can't cope with the alcohol, sugar, processed food and chemically-laden meat of the industrial food model - and other folks aren't doing too well eating that crap either. Ergo, this man died young! Despite that he sings with the voice of an angel proving he, at least, was above the evil and greed which helped form him!
 

and we can see this trend amongst all natives of the Americas.   Except for hard alcoholics who are skinny, as soon as they start to eat some sugar, they get fat really quick.
 hbs47 wrote:
Is this the only song he recorded??
 
Maybe you overlooked his discography?  See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Absolutely love this song. The simple arrangement, the ukulele, and his voice make this so enjoyable. RIP
Is this the only song he recorded??
Song transports me to Manoa.
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I'm happy with this until the daft rappy bit at the end.  Don't know what that's all about, but my ears don't approve.
 
That little part at the end makes me smile a bit, eases me out of the sadness and melancholic reflection of those lost over the years this song always brings to me. 

Beautiful. The whole thing is just beautiful.
So simple.  A voice and a ukulele.  That's it.  Yet such a pure, excellent arrow straight to the heart of everyone who listens to it.  Seldom is there music that's better than this.   As another poster stated, the musical embodiment of a contemplative prayer.  

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Years ago I was in an ABC store in oahu. Wife was shopping for awhile. Long enough I noted this playing over and over. I ask the guy working there does that not get on your nerves after a while? He just look at me like dear lawd kill me now. I felt for him.
 idiot_wind wrote:
Played this at my mom's funeral, couple months ago. A real tear jerker.   
 
Ain't it tho? Hope you and yours are well, idiot_wind.

Long Live RP!! And memories of the dearly Departed, including Iz.
Wonderful, we played this at our wedding, every time I hear it, I pause and enjoy. 
Thank you RP
This song is essentially a prayer. Relax and enjoy!
Makes me feel bubbly inside:)
Some covers deserve an 11.  This is one.
Hooray for the new player!!!

This came on right as I needed to leave for a meeting.  I hit pause, and now that I'm back in my office, I'm loving it.

I needed this song today.
Always wondered who did this version. Most excellent interpretation.
Played this at my mom's funeral, couple months ago. A real tear jerker.   
a modern day Tiny Tim. Even worse, actually.
I'm happy with this until the daft rappy bit at the end.  Don't know what that's all about, but my ears don't approve.
 poetdancer wrote:
When I gave birth (an emergency C-section) the anesthesiologist put on his CD. Have loved it ever since.
 
{#Good-vibes}
It's not possible to write enough positive things about Iz and his masterpiece. The world slows down and my vision gets blurry when this plays.
such
beauty
in such an animal
as
we
{#Heartkiss}
When I gave birth (an emergency C-section) the anesthesiologist put on his CD. Have loved it ever since.
{#Hearteyes}
epic
Eva Cassidy version is also wonderful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rd8VktT8xY

Got married to this
 grahamdillabough wrote:
Wonderful.  I had to stop and listen. 

If the numbers could go higher than 10, I would have to say 10 squared!  And I don't care how overplayed it is.

 
My feelings too!  His voice is/was unmatched.  If you (or anyone) is inclined to learn more about Bruddah Iz, there is an excellent documentary about his life, music, weight and health issues, fame, family, and most chilling, his death and funeral.  He was the 3rd person in Hawai'i to ever get a "state funeral" and the first not to be in government. State flags at half-mast, a convoy of semi trucks and everyone blaring their horns....the dumping of his ashes into the Pacific....all very chilling and well deserved respect.  And after he died (June 26, 1997) this track took off (originally released in 1993 I think) and became what it is today, going platinum in 2005.

And it's a bittersweet track for me;  I played this at my mom's funeral in 2008 and then at my dad's in 2015. 

Long Live RP!