Yip Harburg

Yip Harburg was a prominent American lyricist, born in 1896, who made significant contributions to the film industry. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous renowned composers, resulting in the creation of timeless songs. His notable works include the iconic lyrics to "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", "April in Paris", and "It's Only a Paper Moon". Harburg's most notable achievement, however, was penning the entire soundtrack for the classic film The Wizard of Oz, which featured the beloved song "Over the Rainbow".

Harburg's lyrics often incorporated social commentary, reflecting his strong left-wing political views and advocacy for social justice. He was a vocal supporter of racial, sexual, and gender equality, as well as labor unionism. His criticism of high society and religion was also a recurring theme in his work. Through his songs, Harburg aimed to convey meaningful messages, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music and film. He passed away in 1981, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and thought-provoking lyricist.