E.Y. Harburg

E.Y. (Yip) Harburg was an American lyricist and poet who wrote the lyrics for multiple Broadway musicals and Hollywood films during the Golden Age of musical theater and film. His most famous work includes writing all the lyrics for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, including "Over the Rainbow," which was voted the greatest song of the 20th century by the Recording Industry Association of America. During the Great Depression, Harburg wrote lyrics that often contained social and political commentary, including the Depression-era standard "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" His collaboration with composer Harold Arlen produced numerous celebrated songs, and their partnership became one of the most successful in American popular music. Harburg's Broadway credits include Bloomer Girl, Finian's Rainbow, and Jamaica. His work was noted for combining whimsy and social consciousness, often addressing serious themes of poverty, racism, and political corruption through clever wordplay and fantastical storylines. The lyricist's career was temporarily derailed during the McCarthy era when he was blacklisted from film and television work due to his political views. Despite this setback, Harburg continued writing for Broadway and remained active in the music industry until his death in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of more than 600 songs.

E.Y. Harburg maintains a small but devoted following among musical theater enthusiasts, with readers appreciating his lyrical wit and social commentary. His lyrics from "Over the Rainbow" and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" receive particular attention in reader reviews. Readers highlighted: - Sharp political commentary woven into accessible songs - Clever wordplay and rhyme schemes - Integration of humor with serious themes Common criticisms: - Some find his political messages too overt - Lesser-known works can feel dated - Limited availability of complete collections Ratings: Goodreads: - "Who Put the Rainbow in The Wizard of Oz?" (2013) - 4.0/5 (28 ratings) - "Rhymes for the Irreverent" (1965) - 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: - "Yip Harburg: Legendary Lyricist" (biography) - 4.7/5 (6 reviews) Note: Limited review data exists as most readers encounter Harburg's work through songs rather than books.

Finian's Rainbow (1947) - A satirical musical about an Irish immigrant who steals a leprechaun's pot of gold and brings it to America, addressing themes of racism and economics.

Bloomer Girl (1944) - A musical set during the Civil War that combines women's suffrage themes with an anti-slavery narrative.

Jamaica (1957) - A musical depicting life in a Caribbean fishing village and the impact of American tourism and commercialization.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Song lyrics for the film adaptation including "Over the Rainbow," following Dorothy's journey through a magical land.

Hooray for What! (1937) - An anti-war musical satire about a small-town chemist who invents a powerful weapon.

Walk in the Sun (1944) - A collection of wartime poems addressing social and political issues of the era.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (1932) - A Depression-era song depicting the plight of the common man during economic hardship.

April in Paris (1932) - A romantic ballad about springtime in Paris, composed with Vernon Duke.

It's Only a Paper Moon (1933) - A popular song about love and belief, written during the Great Depression.

Last Night When We Were Young (1935) - A melancholic reflection on past love and youth, composed with Harold Arlen.