Newtown Students & Ingrid Michaelson Sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Students from The Newtown Music Project and folk singer Ingrid Michaelson have recorded a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in support for – and solidarity with – the students of Sandy Hook Elementary School. One month after the horrific school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the children and Michaleson have come together to help those affected by the tragedy: The song, which they performed on Good Morning America today, is available for download on Amazon and iTunes, with all proceeds going to the Newtown Youth Academy and the United Way of Western Connecticut. 

 

 

Sabrina Post, a Newtown music teacher, told Good Morning America: "So many of the students came to me, and all I could see in their eyes... is 'How can we help?'" When banners and ribbons weren't enough, the students channeled their feelings into song. One student told GMA: "I hope that someday our world will be peaceful and loving, no violence at all." 

The lyrics of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," perhaps best known via the film "The Wizard of Oz," express the children's message beautifully: 

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.

Michaelson and the students aren't the first to respond to the Newtown tragedy through music, and they probably won't be the last. Still, we'll be listening to this heartfelt song on repeat all day long. Tell us what songs get you through difficult times in the comments.