Lainey Wilson’s Touching Tribute to Judy Garland’s Wizard of Oz Inspired by Her Childhood and Texas Skies

Lainey Wilson’s new song “Somewhere Over Laredo” will take listeners on a heartfelt journey, inspired by the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. Co-written by Wilson along with Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, this track is a loving tribute to small-town life across America.

Lainey shared on Instagram how the song came to life during her travels: “When I’m flying between shows, I catch myself looking out the window, talking to God, dreaming, or reminiscing. ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ tells a story that speaks to all of that.”

Known for her gift of storytelling, Lainey said this song allowed her to revisit a part of her own past: “I’ve always loved putting myself in other people’s shoes to tell their stories, but with this one, I went back to shoes I wore years ago.”

The chorus beautifully captures the same wistful feeling that made Judy Garland’s original so beloved. Wilson’s lyrics and melody nod to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” sure to bring a smile to any fan of The Wizard of Oz:

“Somewhere over Laredo,
Dreamin’ about those rodeo nights,
Laid there on the banks of the Rio,
New silver buckle on your jeans next to mine.”

The song tells a story of young love and longing, with lines like:

“Couple wrong for each other,
Lone Star-crossed lovers,
Born to get gone from the get go,
But you’re on my mind every time I’m chasing this neon rainbow,
Somewhere over Laredo.”

Lainey is set to perform this beautiful new track at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 26. She’s also nominated for Favorite Female Country Artist, sharing the category with stars like Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Megan Moroney.

Fresh off the European leg of her Whirlwind Tour, Lainey’s next stops include the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, and shows across Myrtle Beach, Phoenix, Toronto, Nashville, Fort Worth, New York, Cleveland, and wrapping up in Orlando on November 8.

With “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson proves once again that her music not only tells stories—it touches hearts and takes us all on a little trip down memory lane.