Freedom Flight
Eli Nathan Lyrics
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Engines warming on a MiG preparing for an illegal flight
The Russian air force pilot on his forehead beads of sweat
Racing down the runway now on a ride he won't forget
Chorus
Oh! Up, up and away
It's a flight for freedom
Got to leave, can't stay
It was some time later when an alarm went off at base
And from somewhere behind him planes took up the chase
On and on they flew hot on his track
Push the throttle to the speed of sound 'cause there's no turning back
Oh! Up, up and away
It's a flight for freedom
Onwards to that day
Got to leave, can't stay
Somewhere in Tel Aviv there's a bleep on a radar screen
The prime minister's awakened; a Russian Mig has been seen
"Identify yourself!" the radio crackled. "Are you friend or foe?"
He answered them with the only two Hebrew words that he did know
Ani Yehudi
I'm flying for my freedom
Just one Jew alone
I'm on my way back home
The lyrics of Eli Nathan's song "Freedom Flight" tell the story of a Russian air force pilot who risks everything for his freedom, flying an illegal flight out of Russia. The song begins with the pilot readying himself for the flight, his nerves palpable in the sweat on his forehead as the darkness of the night hides him from view. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency, as the pilot prepares for takeoff, it becomes clear that he won't forget this ride.
As the song progresses, we learn that the pilot has been tracked by other planes, and a chase ensues. However, the pilot is determined to succeed. Pushing the throttle to the speed of sound, the pilot makes a break for freedom, highlighting his unwavering courage and determination. The chorus, "Up, up and away, It's a flight for freedom, Onwards to that day, Got to leave, can't stay" emphasizes the bravery of the pilot and the urgency of the situation he finds himself in.
The climax of the song takes place in Tel Aviv, where the prime minister is alerted to the presence of the pilot. The lyrics here are particularly poignant as the pilot utters the only two Hebrew words he knows, "Ani Yehudi". This phrase, translated as "I am a Jew," is a powerful statement of identity, underscoring the Jewishness that ties the pilot to the Israeli nation. The song ends with the pilot's ultimate goal, a defiant determination to return to his homeland.
Line by Line Meaning
The moon obscured by the dark clouds, it was a black Russian night
The night was black as the moon was hidden behind the dark clouds in Russia.
Engines warming on a MiG preparing for an illegal flight
A MiG was getting ready for an illegal flight as its engines were warming up.
The Russian air force pilot on his forehead beads of sweat
The Russian pilot had beads of sweat on his forehead due to fear.
Racing down the runway now on a ride he won't forget
The pilot was racing down the runway and knew that the experience would be unforgettable.
Oh! Up, up and away
The excitement and thrill of going upwards and away was overwhelming.
It's a flight for freedom
The flight was for freedom and liberation from oppression.
Onwards to that day
The pilot was heading towards a future of freedom.
Got to leave, can't stay
The pilot had to leave immediately as there was no other option.
It was some time later when an alarm went off at base
After some time, an alarm went off at the base due to the missing pilot.
And from somewhere behind him planes took up the chase
Planes started chasing him as he was spotted flying illegally.
On and on they flew hot on his track
The planes kept flying behind him and were tracking his every move.
Push the throttle to the speed of sound 'cause there's no turning back
The pilot was compelled to increase the speed to its maximum limit as he could not turn back.
Somewhere in Tel Aviv there's a bleep on a radar screen
In Tel Aviv, a radar screen beeped indicating the presence of the pilot.
The prime minister's awakened; a Russian Mig has been seen
The Prime Minister of Israel was alerted as the Russian Mig was spotted by the radar.
"Identify yourself!" the radio crackled. "Are you friend or foe?"
The radio crackled with the command to identify and distinguish the friend from foe.
He answered them with the only two Hebrew words that he did know
The pilot responded to the command by saying the only two Hebrew words he knew.
Ani Yehudi
I am a Jew.
I'm flying for my freedom
I am flying for my liberation and freedom.
Just one Jew alone
The pilot was one Jew flying all by himself.
I'm on my way back home
He was on his way back home, to his country where he belonged.
Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.