John Ondrasik talks concerning the new model of his tune “Superman.” In 2001, the tune turned an anthem honoring 911 first responders. He is rewritten it to recollect Israeli hostages nonetheless held in Gaza.
A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:
Persons are utilizing an outdated hit tune to name consideration to Israeli hostages nonetheless being held in Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “SUPERMAN (IT’S NOT EASY)”)
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: (Singing) I am greater than a chicken. I am greater than a airplane.
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
“Superman” has been linked to the information earlier than. Again in 2001, it was an anthem for 9/11 first responders. It was written by John Ondrasik, higher recognized by his stage identify 5 for Preventing.
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: I occurred to be in London on 9/11. You recognize, whereas I used to be over there, varied information organizations had been utilizing “Superman” to acknowledge the heroes that bumped into these buildings.
MARTÍNEZ: Here is what occurred extra lately. After Hamas took Israeli hostages, a hostage’s mom requested the tune to name consideration to her son, 24-year-old Alon Ohel.
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: So after they reached out, I am like, after all. I am honored to do that. And really rapidly, it turned clear that “Superman” must be the tune.
INSKEEP: That was the tune, however one of many lyrics did not really feel proper. Here is the unique model.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “SUPERMAN (IT’S NOT EASY)”)
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: (Singing) Discovered solution to lie a couple of house I am going to by no means see.
I could not have that line, a house I am going to by no means see, as a result of all of us hope and pray they are going to see – and most of the hostages have come house.
MARTÍNEZ: So Ondrasik modified these lyrics, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “SUPERMAN (FOR ALON, THE HOSTAGES, AND THEIR FAMILIES)”)
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: (Singing) Discovered a solution to fly to a house I’ll quickly see.
To me, this can be a ethical subject. It is not political. It is not spiritual. All people must be demanding to launch the hostages. It will put rather more strain on Israel to finish this warfare.
INSKEEP: Final yr, Ondrasik carried out “Superman” at Hostage Sq. in Tel Aviv. Ohel’s brother performed the piano.
MARTÍNEZ: Ondrasik says the subsequent time he performs the tune, he hopes Ohel will likely be at his facet.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “SUPERMAN (FOR ALON, THE HOSTAGES, AND THEIR FAMILIES)”)
FIVE FOR FIGHTING: That is for Alon, all of the hostages and their households. Could they be house quickly.
(Singing) I can not stand to fly. I am not that naive. I am simply out to seek out the higher a part of me. I am greater than…
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