His most successful song was The Real Thing, written by Johnny Young, and produced by Ian Meldrum. It was the biggest selling Australian Single of 1969, and was released when Morris was 20 years old. The song was released in two halves on a small label in the United States of America and received limited international success as a result, although it did reach #1 in large cities such as Chicago.
More recently, his music has appeared on the soundtrack to The Dish, and has appeared on the ABC show Long Way to the Top.
The Wings Of An Eagle
Russell Morris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
by Russell Morris
[Verse 1]
Well I'm looking up at an overcast sky in the morning
I can't hear the warning as it calls to you
As the birds migrate and the wind is raised
Although I'm just a pawn in nature's game like you
Wah hoo wah hoo, wah hoo ...
[Chorus]
On the wings of an eagle I find myself lifted through the skies
Lifted up above the world to see
On the wings of an eagle I find myself lifted through the skies
Lifted up above the world to see
Can you see me? Can you see me?
[Verse 2]
As the days roll on and the nights get long
The changing of the seasons
And the falling autumn leaves they bring me down
They bring me down, they bring me down
[Instrumental]
[Verse 3]
Do you lose your way in the middle of the day
Do you see your brother crawling?
And all the while he's calling out for help from you?
Wah hoo wah hoo, wah hoo ...
[Chorus]
On the wings of an eagle I find myself lifted through the skies
Lifted up above the world to see
On the wings of an eagle I find myself lifted through the skies
Lifted up above the world to see
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
Can you see me? Can you see me?
The lyrics of Russell Morris's "The Wings Of An Eagle" explore the theme of rising above the hardships of life and seeing the world from a higher perspective. The song begins with the singer looking up at an overcast sky, unable to hear the warning as it calls out. However, as the birds migrate and the wind is raised, the singer sees an eagle soaring, lifting them up above the world to see. They acknowledge that they're just a pawn in nature's game, but the eagle offers a sense of hope and freedom.
As the days roll on and the nights get long, the changing of the seasons and the falling autumn leaves bring the singer down. But again, the eagle comes to lift them up and offers a sense of clarity and understanding. In the final verse, the lyrics shift to a broader perspective, asking if we lose our way in the middle of the day, do we see our brother crawling and calling out for help? The eagle becomes a metaphor for looking beyond our own struggles and seeing the world with empathy and understanding.
Overall, "The Wings Of An Eagle" is a powerful representation of how we can rise above the difficulties of life and see the world from a higher perspective. The eagle serves as a symbol of hope and freedom, reminding us to look beyond ourselves and find empathy for others.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm looking up at an overcast sky in the morning
I am staring at the sky which is covered with clouds in the morning.
I can't hear the warning as it calls to you
I am unable to hear the cautionary signals that nature is sending you.
As the birds migrate and the wind is raised
Birds are flying towards distant locations as the wind picks up.
I'll see the eagle soaring
I am able to witness the eagle flying high up in the sky.
Although I'm just a pawn in nature's game like you
Both you and I are merely pawns in this vast game played by nature.
Wah hoo wah hoo, wah hoo ...
This is just the vocal expression of joy or excitement.
As the days roll on and the nights get long
The days progress and the nights become longer.
The changing of the seasons
These changes signify the arrival of different seasons.
And the falling autumn leaves they bring me down
The falling leaves of autumn make me feel sad.
They bring me down, they bring me down
This is a repetition of the previous line.
Do you lose your way in the middle of the day
Do you ever feel lost and directionless during the day?
Do you see your brother crawling?
Have you noticed your brother struggling and needing help?
And all the while he's calling out for help from you?
Even while your brother is struggling, he is reaching out and calling for help.
On the wings of an eagle I find myself lifted through the skies
I am lifted and carried through the skies by the strong and powerful wings of an eagle.
Lifted up above the world to see
I am raised to a higher vantage point where I can see more of the world.
Can you see me? Can you see me?
This is a repetition of the previous line, possibly asking someone if they can see me from above.
Contributed by Chase G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jennklein1917
Australia's most durable singer/songwriter ever💖💖💖 My favourite
@kevinchambers7085
This is the song that's going to be played at my funeral brilliant song
@totalis1964
I so love our real country, i am a descendant from aboriginal blood, so,so very proud of that, a true AUSSIE
@justinantebellum1320
everyone is related...there are no races or breeds..I had a black thumb nail once...get over this race thing and look at genetics...a million years ago homo sapiens started from 12 people on the shores of the Medditaraen sea...there are no aborginals...we are all related mate...I live near Russel Morris in Doncaster when we were young...stop playing the race card...ridiculous....we all c ome from the same genes...apes that became human...wite skinned hpeople are mutants...do your homework...supposed aboriginal..interesting homework you dullard...I am a mutant white guy from Africa like all white people
never mix race with music
@gustaaf1892
One of the first songs I heard on the radio after coming to Australia. It deserved to be a worldwide hit because it was and still is great.
@grantbowtiefanaccount2437
a good mate of mine was taken too early by cancer. He loved Russell Morris' music. It seemed so fitting to play this song at my friend's funeral, and to imagine him soaring like an eagle, "lifted up above the world to see". Cheers Mck
@fayeleister437
I want this one for one of my three funeral songs too. It's perfect and I've loved it since it came out when I was a young child.
@mereditharbon9918
My cousin had this playing as his coffin was leaving the Church. CRIED SOOOOO MUCH! This footage is taken very close to where I live, Faye. In the BEAUTIFUL Flinders Ranges
@mereditharbon9918
AND, the Adelaide Hills
@maurojselva
HI is in A BETTER PLACE, with family past. You don't need to reply, sorry for the lose. I KNOW HOW IT FEELS , more so when its our father