Bob Marley is a huge influence to me as well.
Is somewhere over the rainbow originally IZ's song? I've heard so many covers and remakes I had no idea who the artist was until I saw it in your post.
You're a great songwriter listening to your lyrics, keep it up!
No it goes way all the way back to the movie "the wizard of oz". The other influences are songwriters, but IZ captured me more with his voice. Thanks for your kind words.