We are currently living during times of uncertainty for many. Many people are looking for answers and solutions, but they are hard to come by at this very moment. During uncertain times like this it is important to remember that throughout history there have been many moments of uncertainty. During those times music and the arts has been able to help people find comfort.
Two classic songs that help people feel comfort are “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”
These two songs have been remade and covered over hundreds, if not thousands, of times throughout the years. The United States Navy Band contributed to these covers by beautifully singing these two classics. The United States Navy Band has a specific mission to,
“provide musical support to the President of the United States, the Department of the Navy (DON), and other senior military and government officials. … the U.S. Navy Band inspires patriotism, elevates esprit de corps, enhances Navy awareness and public relations, supports recruiting and retention efforts, preserves the Nation’s musical heritage, and projects a positive image at home and abroad.”
Musical support is needed now more than ever, so this video of the US Navy Band can be a balm for many people. The US Navy Band perform their concert outside in the open in Washington D.C. It is a beautiful day for the perfect concert. The band chose the version “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
William F. Edwards is the chosen singer from the US Navy Band to sing the beautiful song.
The lyrics of the chosen song are so gorgeous and ring true for many people throughout the world. He sings,
“Someday, I 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”
While William F. Edwards is the lead singer for the song, this is a full band ensemble. The band has a member on the ukulele that is up front and center with Edwards but have many supporting players behind them. The band has musicians throughout but also background singers as well.
The harmony of the background singers is just as gorgeous as Edwards voice too.
When the song transitions into “What a Wonderful World” it lets its viewers know by the coloring of the video. During “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” the entire video was in black and white, but when it starts into the lyrics of the second song everything changes to color.
This videographer took a cue from the movie “Wizard of Oz” and brought in the colors.
The lyrics from “What a Wonderful World” is just as poignant as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Edwards sings,
“Well, I see trees of green and red roses too
I’ll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world”
The US Navy Band’s rendition of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s “Over the Rainbow” has been viewed over six million times since it has been uploaded.
Viewers cannot get enough of their version and some have stated,
“I’ve found this excellent group accidentally . So soothing to listen to. Wow very smashing good…Thank you US NAVY group.”
“I LOVE♥️THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We Need The Rainbow🌈On These Trial Times, now with the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemia, We will get through to better days and remind ourselves that we need to help each other and be in tune!!!! Thanks So Much!!! PEACE”
Watch the beautiful rendition below.
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