No, the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was not featured in the Disney animated film Moana.
While both the song and the movie evoke themes of natural beauty, hope, and a connection to the Pacific, they are entirely separate creations with distinct musical scores. The confusion might stem from the song's strong association with Hawaiian culture through Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's popular rendition, and Moana's setting in a Polynesian island environment.
Understanding the Moana Soundtrack
Moana's critically acclaimed soundtrack was primarily composed by a trio of talented artists:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Known for his work on Broadway hits like Hamilton and In the Heights, Miranda contributed many of the memorable lyrical songs.
- Opetaia Foa'i: A Samoan musician and founder of the band Te Vaka, Foa'i brought authentic Polynesian musical elements and a deep cultural understanding to the score.
- Mark Mancina: A veteran film composer, Mancina contributed to the orchestral score and overall musical direction, having previously worked on Disney's Tarzan and The Lion King.
The film's songs, such as "How Far I'll Go," "You're Welcome," "We Know The Way," and "Where You Are," are original compositions crafted specifically for Moana's narrative and cultural setting. They tell the story of Moana's journey of self-discovery and her quest to save her island, incorporating traditional Pacific rhythms and vocal styles.
The Enduring Popularity of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is an iconic song from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, originally sung by Judy Garland. However, it gained renewed global popularity through the unique ukulele medley performed by Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, often combined with "What a Wonderful World." His version became a cultural touchstone, beloved for its simplicity, emotional depth, and connection to the spirit of Hawaii.
Interestingly, the decision to include his cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was said to be a last-minute one by Kamakawiwoʻole and his producer, Jon de Mello, before its release. This spontaneous inclusion likely contributed to its organic spread and enduring appeal across various media, although Moana was not one of them.
Key Differences at a Glance
To clarify the distinction, here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole version) | Moana Soundtrack |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Film | The Wizard of Oz (1939) | Moana (2016) |
| Primary Artist | Israel Kamakawiwoʻole | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina |
| Cultural Tie | Broadly American, strongly associated with Hawaiian culture | Polynesian (specific islands and cultures represented) |
| Themes | Hope, dreams, escapism, longing | Identity, heritage, adventure, environmentalism |
| In Moana? | No | Yes (all original songs) |
Despite their shared themes of beauty and hope, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and Moana's musical landscape exist independently.
