The Untold Story Behind 'Over The Rainbow': Why Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s Lyrics Still Haunt Us

The enduring power of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," as performed by the late Hawaiian musician Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole, continues to resonate globally, cementing its place as an iconic piece of modern music history. As of late 2025, the song's popularity remains undiminished, frequently appearing in films, television shows, and viral moments, a testament to its simple yet profound emotional depth. The search query "over the rainbow israel lyrics" almost universally points to this Hawaiian artist, whose gentle voice and minimalist ukulele arrangement transformed the classic 1939 tune into a hopeful anthem for a new generation. This article dives deep into the life of the man affectionately known as "Braddah Iz," the incredible, impromptu story behind the legendary recording session, and the powerful, often-overlooked political and cultural meaning embedded in his interpretation of the lyrics. It's a story of a voice that was much larger than life, a voice that became synonymous with the spirit of Hawaiʻi and a quiet but firm call for Hawaiian sovereignty.

The Life and Legacy of Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (often shortened to Iz) was a musical and cultural giant whose influence stretched far beyond the shores of the Hawaiian Islands. His gentle demeanor, powerful voice, and masterful ukulele playing made him a beloved figure, known as the "Voice of Hawaiʻi."

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: A Complete Profile

• Full Name: Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
• Nickname: Iz, Braddah Iz
• Born: May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaiʻi
• Died: June 26, 1997, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (Age 38)
• Cause of Death: Respiratory failure due to health complications related to his weight.
• Musical Career Span: 1976–1997
• Primary Instrument: Ukulele
• Band: Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau (with his brother Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole)
• Iconic Recording: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" (1993 album release, recorded in 1988)
• Key Themes: Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian sovereignty, love, and hope.
• Posthumous Honor: The Hawaiian flag flew at half-staff on the day of his funeral, an honor usually reserved for government officials.

Iz began his musical journey early, forming the popular traditional Hawaiian music group Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau with his brother Skippy in 1976. Through his music, he was not just an entertainer but a passionate advocate and activist for Native Hawaiian rights and the movement for Hawaiian sovereignty. He used his platform to promote the values and culture of his islands, ensuring that his people's identity was not lost to mainland influences.

The Legendary Single-Take Recording Session

The most incredible aspect of Iz's signature song—the one that contains the "Israel lyrics" the world searches for—is the almost mythical story of its creation. The track, a medley combining "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from *The Wizard of Oz* and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," was recorded in a single, impromptu take in the early hours of the morning.

3 AM Phone Call and a Single Take

The year was 1988. Studio engineer Milan Bertosa was locking up his Honolulu recording studio around 3:00 a.m. when he received a phone call from a client. That client was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Iz, inspired and ready to record, insisted on coming in immediately. Bertosa recalls that Iz arrived with only his ukulele and his voice, and the recording was done in a rush. Within 15 minutes of Iz's arrival, Bertosa had the tape rolling. Iz sat down and performed the now-iconic medley in one continuous, flawless take. The raw simplicity of the recording—just Iz's clear, soaring voice and his gentle, rhythmic ukulele—captured a moment of pure, unadulterated musical genius. This single track was eventually included on his 1993 album *Facing Future*, and its popularity exploded years later, particularly after its use in films like *Meet Joe Black* and *50 First Dates*.

The Deeper Meaning of the "Israel" Lyrics

While the song's popularity is often attributed to its calming melody and Iz's unique vocal style, the true topical authority of his rendition lies in the subtle yet powerful way he recontextualized the original lyrics, connecting them to his own life and his people's struggle. The "Israel lyrics" are not just a cover; they are a statement.

A Hawaiian Dream of Hope and Sovereignty

The original "Over the Rainbow" is a wistful song about escaping to a better world, a place "where the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true." Iz's medley takes this sentiment and grounds it in his Hawaiian identity. 1. The Ukulele: The instrument itself is a symbol of Hawaiian culture. By performing the song with only the ukulele, Iz was showcasing and celebrating his heritage to a global audience. 2. The Medley: By seamlessly transitioning into "What a Wonderful World," Iz shifts the song's perspective. The dream is no longer a distant fantasy; it is the world he sees around him in Hawaiʻi—the "trees of green," "red roses too," and "bright blessed day." He is singing from *within* his own wonderful world. 3. Activism and Hope: For Iz, a vocal champion of Hawaiian rights, the song became an expression of hope for a future where his culture and land are fully respected and sovereign. The "rainbow" represents not just a magical place, but the promise of a better, self-determined future for his people. The emotional resonance of the song comes from this blend of personal pain (Iz was constantly battling health issues) and profound cultural pride. He saw the beauty of his home and sang a lullaby of hope for its future.

Addressing the "Hebrew" Connection

It is important to note that while the artist's name is Israel, the song is not inherently connected to the country of Israel. However, the original "Over the Rainbow" has been translated and performed in Hebrew, often as "Ei Sham Me'Ever LaKeshet" (אי שם מעבר לקשת). Notable Israeli artists, such as Esther Ofarim, have performed the Hebrew translation, often in the context of the original *Wizard of Oz* song, not Iz's famous medley. This secondary connection is what sometimes leads to the confusion in search queries. In conclusion, the magic of the "over the rainbow israel lyrics" lies entirely with the Hawaiian legend, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. His single-take medley is more than just a beautiful song; it is a powerful cultural artifact, a testament to the enduring spirit of Hawaiʻi, and a timeless message of hope delivered by the gentle giant known as Braddah Iz.