Published in 1900, writer L. Frank Baum and illustrator W. W. Denslow bring to life child-like curiosities and adventures that are now considered timeless in The Wizard of Oz. Move forward to 1939 and the children’s novel series is magically transported to the screen for parents and children to enjoy. Starring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Jack Haley (The Tin Man), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), and Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion), this movie spins a magical and musical tale that encourages children to be the best version of themselves regardless of their faults. In remembering the movie and the musicians—Harold Arlen (composer), Herbert Stothart (adapter), and Yip Harburg (lyricist)—who designed the sound, let’s take a journey through some of the film’s iconic musical moments and what they mean.
Over the Rainbow
Nearly two and a half minutes long, this track is the most iconic one in the 1930s movie. Graced by Judy Garland’s beautiful voice, she complements the orchestra perfectly after thirty seconds of string instruments and flutes playing. The slight flutter of the flute beckons Garland to join in. Once she does, the nostalgia becomes so present in the song that you are just enveloped by her dreams that are over the rainbow. This track happens before any adventure, before any realization that her dreams are not far at all, and before her growth.
Cyclone – Extended Version
The title of the song says it all; Dorothy is stuck in her house when a tornado strikes and the tornado, Cyclone, takes her to a foreign place. Terrifying yet mystifying, this track conveys an eerie sense that what is to come is not part of a well-known reality. Like Dorothy, the song conveys a spiraling sensation that then sparks a sense of curiosity quickly as Dorothy sees (not completely normal) figures stuck in the tornado as she is. Suddenly, in impending doom, the percussion counts down the seconds before Dorothy’s rude awakening when the house lands and kills the Wicked Witch of the East: she is definitely not in Kansas anymore.
We’re Off to See the Wizard – Quartet
After meeting The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and The Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and her new friends take it upon themselves to seek out the wizard in Emerald City. I can’t tell you how many times I blurted this song out of nowhere when going on a long walk. This hopeful and jolly track is swift and swings in tune with everyone’s skipping. With some sharp notes hit, this tune makes anyone smile in the hope that they do succeed in their shared goal.
If I Were King Of The Forest – Extended Version
If I remember anything from this track, it is The Cowardly Lion’s vibrato and the medieval-like horns showing off the lion’s newfound prowess. Unlike in the other tracks, the horn really shapes the scene as The Cowardly Lion finds courage in himself. Bells ring as the orchestra booms in pride and renewed strength in this lion. The loud music with bells and string instruments mirrors the coronation of a king coming into himself as ruler. The very end of the track is playful, yet frightening as it reflects the immense power the lion now holds within himself.
The Jitterbug – Outtake
Tension hangs in the air as Dorothy and the rest encounter something unmistakably dangerous. The dull thrumming that stays consistent in the background grounds the ominous tone in this scene, paired with the sudden bursts of instruments rising in volume and horror. Where the flute is always light and playful, it becomes a note of warning to this cast of characters as they are wondering in someplace they shouldn’t be. Soon that all falls away and what they deem as unknown and therefore frightening, is a Jitterbug they have to look out for. This particular track plays the most with different tones from fear to playful intrigue.
Dorothy’s Rescue – Extended Version
The horns blare out right from the get-go. This is a warning that tension is high and Dorothy’s fate hangs in the balance. The familiar spiraling sound from Cyclone – Extended Version happens yet again in this tense moment, reminding us that her imprisonment prevents her from going home. All the while, the bursts of horns, string instruments, and tempo make this moment the height of the movie. This is all counteracted by the portrayed stress of the situation by the individual plucking transforming into an orchestra. Then, almost as if the orchestra is melting over the strain of Dorothy’s dilemma, the music clashes together in a well-thought-out chaos as she is rescued.
There are so many more tracks from The Wizard of Oz soundtrack that should be featured on this small list, but alas, not all of them could make it. Whimsical and timeless, this book and movie continue to be incredibly moving and relatable more than 100 years later.
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