☝️ Key Points
- The text expresses the desire to send the thoughts and dreams of the Hebrews on the wings of hope, longing to reach their beloved homeland again.
- The Hebrews yearn for the gentle and sweet hills and valleys of their homeland.
- The loss of home and memories causes pain and sadness among the Hebrews.
- The song raises the question of why the golden harp of the prophets is silent, and urges them to revive the memories and tell of the past.
- At the end of the text, the Hebrews implore God for inspiration and help to find strength in their suffering regarding their deep longing for freedom and home.
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Va' pensiero sull'ali dorate' come from
Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Nabucco'. It is also known as the 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves' and represents the despair and longing of the Jewish people in Babylonian captivity.
'Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate' means 'Fly, thought, on golden wings'. Here, the song expresses the longing to send thoughts and dreams on the wings of hope to reach the beloved homeland again.
'Va, ti posa sui clivi, sui colli, Ove olezzano tepide e molli L'aure dolci del suolo natal!' Here, the Jewish people yearn for the hills and valleys of their homeland, where the air is sweet and gentle.
'Del Giordano le rive saluta, Di Sionne le torri atterrate... Oh mia patria si bella e perduta! O membranza sì cara e fatal!' The lyrics express the pain and sadness over the loss of the homeland and memories.
'Arpa d'or dei fatidici vati, Perché muta dal salice pendi? Le memorie nel petto raccendi, Ci favella del tempo che fu!' Here, it is asked why the golden harp of the prophets is silent. The harp is supposed to rekindle the memories and speak of times past.
'O simile di Solima ai fati Traggi un suono di crudo lamento, O t'ispiri il Signore un concento Che ne infonda al patire virtù!' In these last lines, the Jewish people ask God for inspiration to find strength and virtue in their suffering.
Overall, 'Va' pensiero sull'ali dorate' is a song of longing, sadness, and hope. It expresses the deep desire for freedom and homeland and remains a symbol of Italian patriotism and national identity to this day.