This, of course, is from The Wizard of Oz. It is one of several individual songs in an extended set-piece performed by the Munchkins, Glinda and Dorothy, highlighted by a chorus of some of the Munchkins. The song was also sung by studio singers, and also by the Winkie soldiers. This group of songs celebrates the death of the Wicked Witch of the East when Dorothy's house falls onto her. The song was composed by Harold Arlen, and the lyrics written by E. Y. Harburg, the same team behind the movie's signature song, "Over the Rainbow."
The song reached #2 on the UK Singles chart in 2013, following the death of Margaret Thatcher.
In 1967, the band Fifth Estate scored their biggest hit with a cover of the song that included an interlude from the "Terpsichore Suite" by Michael Praetorius. The song was released in five different languages and achieved the highest American chart position of any Harold Arlen or Wizard of Oz song. An article on the band can be found here.
9 comments:
You have me singing every morning as I remember another fun song from the past. I think this one will be with me all day. :)
The song was a fitting tribute to Margaret Thatcher.
You have me wanting to watch the movie now.
Nice! I've always liked the Wizard of Oz.
Yes, this one I know. I didn't know about the cover version, though.
I loved that movie. The song, too, though I never gave much thought to who created it.
mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/
An excellent D:)
I seem to remember this tune being played at Thatcher's funeral. Poor thing. I always loved this tune
Nice pick for D. But I also didn't know the cover version.
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