Listen to this when
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World
For the days you need a soft voice and a little hope. 🌈
Who it's for
The recording is extraordinarily gentle: one soft voice and a ukulele, which lowers arousal and gives the nervous system something predictable to settle into.
Feelings it meets
What it is
This medley by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwoʻole joins "Over the Rainbow" (Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg) with "What a Wonderful World" (Bob Thiele and George David Weiss). It was recorded in a single take in 1988, during a late-night demo session at engineer Milan Bertosa's Honolulu studio. Five years later Bertosa played the demo to producer Jon de Mello, and it was released on the 1993 album Facing Future.
Where to find it
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music (widely available); the official video (on the Mountain Apple Company YouTube channel) is widely viewed.
Before you start
Heads up: Often played at funerals; may stir grief.
Age: All ages
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, Part 2, Chapter 44
