speed your journey meaning

• LYRICS TRANSLATIONS
• Italian lyrics translation

Translation of Va Pensiero lyrics

Thread: Translation of Va Pensiero lyrics

I've sung this in English to these words: Speed your journey my thoughts and my longings. Speed your journey through mountain and valley. Where the sweet scented air breathes a fragrance of my home long ago, far away. Golden harps of the prophets O tell me why so silent you hang on the willows. Once again sing the songs of my homeland. Sing again of the days that are gone. We have drunk from the cup of affliction and have wept bitter tears of repentance. O inspire us, Jehovah, with courage so that we may endure to the last (sing this bit twice) May endure to the last.

'Va, Pensiero' Song Lyrics

The Famous Hebrew Slaves Chorus from Verdi's 'Nabucco' Translated

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"Va, Pensiero," otherwise known as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, is perhaps the most beloved piece of music from Giuseppe Verdi 's opera "Nabucodonosor." It is so well liked that it often is performed twice, the second time as part of an encore. The English translation shows us the parallels Verdi draws between the Hebrews under Assyrian rule and the Italians under the Austrian occupation in the mid-1800s.

Nicknamed "Nabucco," this four-act opera takes place in Jerusalem and Babylon in 583 B.C. It tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar , the King of Babylon, and the Hebrews he has enslaved and then subsequently sent into exile. Against this tumultuous background, Verdi also gives us a triangular love story involving the characters of Ismaele, Fenena, and Abigaille.

Grief and Politics

Verdi wrote Nabucco after the failure of his second work, "Un giordo di regno" (King for a Day), and the deaths of his wife and young children. He had vowed never to write another opera, but the impresario of the La Scala opera house, Bartolomeo Merelli, persuaded Verdi to look at another composer's rejected libretto. Once home, Verdi reportedly threw in on the table in disgust, but then glanced down. The words "Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate" inspired him to write "Nabucco." 

Some critics believe that Verdi deliberately makes parallels in this opera between the Hebrews and the Italians, who in Verdi's time were living—some say suffering—under Austrian rule. In fact, after the curtain fell on the opera's final act at the conclusion of its premiere at La Scala on March 9, 1842, shouts of "Freedom for Italy," came from members of the audience, who recognized themselves in the Hebrews.

The opera is still popular today and has remained a part of the  Metropolitan Opera 's roster since it premiered there in 1960. So beloved is this work that when the Metropolitan opened its season 11 days after 9/11, the chorus began by singing "Va, pensiero" in honor of the victims of the attack.

The Chorus 

This song takes place in the opera's third act after the Israelites have been captured and imprisoned in Babylon. It's reportedly this part of the libretto that got Verdi interested in writing the opera. 

Italian Lyrics to "Va, Pensiero"

Va', pensiero, sull'ali dorate; Va, ti posa sui clivi, sui colli, ove olezzano tepide e molli l'aure dolci del suolo natal! Del Giordano le rive saluta, di Sionne le torri atterrate… Oh mia Patria sì bella e perduta! O membranza sì cara e fatal! Arpa d'or dei fatidici vati, perché muta dal salice pendi? Le memorie nel petto raccendi, ci favella del tempo che fu! 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!

English Translation of "Va, Pensiero"

Go, thoughts, on golden wings; Go, settle upon the slopes and hills, where warm and soft and fragrant are the breezes of our sweet native land! Greet the banks of the Jordan, the towers of Zion ... Oh my country so beautiful and lost! Or so dear yet unhappy! Or harp of the prophetic seers, why do you hang silent from the willows? Rekindle the memories within our hearts, tell us about the time that have gone by Or similar to the fate of Solomon, give a sound of lament; or let the Lord inspire a concert That may give to endure our suffering.

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Getting Up to Speed on (the History of) 'Speed'

What to Know Speed derives from the Old English spēd , which referred to prosperity, good fortune, and success. This sense of speed lives on in Godspeed , which comes from the Middle English phrase God spede you (meaning "God prosper you") and is now used to wish someone a prosperous journey.

We're making great time

When one thinks of speed , words like rapidness , quickness , swiftness , promptness , or other similarly suffixed -ness ideas likely come to mind, with the outcome (it is hoped) one of success . The Old English spēd (the ancestor of speed ) coincidentally denoted that result: it referred to prosperity, good fortune, and success itself—but not always with haste. Here are a few flashes from the past:

I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master…. — Genesis 24:12 (Authorized Version) Now Hercules be thy speed, young man! —William Shakespeare, As You Like It , 1599 In a word, I am assured of my speede. Such faire attempts led by a brave resolve, are evermore seconded by Fortune. — George Chapman, Widdowes Teares , 1612

Before we bring you up to a cruising speed, we should assuage the curiosity of our wordie readers: the words speed and succeed only have the initial s and the ending -eed in common; they are etymologically unrelated.

Many Uses of 'Speed'

The run of the "successful" contributions of speed to the English language have by now sped to an end. Thus, we have labeled them " archaic ." They were popular for centuries, however, especially in Scottish English. 18th-century Scot Robert Burns, for example, mentions the phrase "God send you speed" in his poem " Epistle to a Young Friend ," which was dedicated to his eldest son.

Today's ubiquitous "gear," "motive," and "photography" senses of the word (e.g., "10-speed bicycle," "speed limit," "shutter speed," etc.) also have antecedents in Old English. Additionally, there are the common superlative applications in reference to high gear, as in "full speed," "top speed," "high speed," and "lightning speed." Then, there is the phrase "up to speed," on whose use we would like to brief you.

Phrases Related to 'Speed'

" Up to speed " begins gathering momentum during the 19th century to describe something—be it human, animal, or machine—that has the power to operate at full effectiveness or potential. The expression later picks up an extended meaning in reference to the act of giving someone all the information they need in order to be effective or the result of being so informed, or briefed—for example, "The chief was brought up to speed on the case."

The corresponding verb (which semantically evolved with the noun) started its run in Old English in the form spēdan with meanings referring to succeeding, prospering, getting along, or faring well in an undertaking. Charles Dickens gives us an example of its use in A Tale of Two Cities , penning "I should like to know how you speed." Earlier, in his 1819 historical romance Ivanhoe , Sir Walter Scott writes: "Rowena waved a graceful adieu to him of the Fetterlock—the Saxon bade God speed him, and on they moved through a wide glade of the forest." Scott's quote assumedly brings to mind Godspeed . And, yes, speed meaning "success" survives in that compound, which is used to wish a person a prosperous journey or success.

Godspeed is derivative of the Middle English phrase God spede you —that is, "God prosper you" or "God grant you success." It was originally used to wish success to someone, like saying "May you prosper"; however, these days it's more often used to express hopes for a safe trip. It is a formal and old-fashioned word, but it is fun to say as a send-off when there is a sense of risk to the endeavor.

We hope this article was just your speed. Or, if you're taking things easy, rather your cup of tea .

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Godspeed Meaning: The History + Symbolism Behind the Phrase

Godspeed means wishes for a successful and prosperous new venture . This expression of well wishes is derived from a time when religion reigned supreme. The original phrase was lengthier and made a direct reference to God; the shorthand version we use today has lost some of its archaic meaning. The phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation as a way to say good luck. The sentiment remains the same, sans the religious undertones.

Godspeed Meaning in Religion

The original expression was “God speed you on your way.” At the time, speed did not have the same meaning it does today. It had nothing to do with getting somewhere quickly. Rather, it meant for your journey to be fruitful, to be prosperous, and achieve the end goal. The phrase can be found in the Bible with a similar sentiment, meaning “be well” or “rejoice.” Over the years, the expression eventually gave way to the godspeed meaning as we understand it today.

Godspeed is sometimes also used as a way to say goodbye to our loved ones who have passed on. It’s sad to think they are no longer here with us among the living, but we wish them well as their souls discover whatever happens next.

Godspeed Symbolism

The meaning behind the expression lends itself to having a physical symbol associated with it. In real-life scenarios, like starting a new job or heading off to college, people take tokens of comfort and home with them to serve as a reminder of where they came from and where they are going. The godspeed symbol is a beautiful design, incorporating feathers, interlocking shapes, and a crescent. Feathers are a powerful symbol representing the connection between the wearer and a higher power. The crescent shape is about trusting your intuition. The interwoven design is representative of the godspeed meaning; it demonstrates connection, positivity, and the strength to continue on .

Godspeed Jewelry

Wearing jewelry is a form of self-expression. How you choose to accessorize tells the world a little about who you are. Your unique personality shines through in your personal sense of style. The godspeed symbol makes for a meaningful representation of the personal journey we’re all on. It can be worn as a charm on a bracelet, as a pendant, or as a necklace.

No matter how you choose to style your godspeed symbol, the godspeed meaning will help guide your path. Look to it to provide clarity, reassurance, and, above all, the faith to push forward and accomplish all you set out to.

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Song Meanings and Facts

• Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed” Lyrics Meaning

by SMF · Published July 18, 2020 · Updated April 15, 2021

In the United States and several other English-speaking countries around the globe, the term “Godspeed” is a very popular noun. It is used when one is wishing well to someone about to embark on a journey. Simply put, you use this noun to wish someone a prosperous journey. And that is exactly how this term is used in this Frank Ocean song.

So accordingly, the song’s lyrics find Ocean wishing the addressee well as they part company. Despite Frank not making it abundantly clear who the addressee is to him, it seems as though he/she is an ex lover of his. And as they go their separate ways, he acknowledges that they would definitely meet hurdles along the way. However, the love they share would help them surmount these hurdles. He concludes by wishing the addressee good fortune and a happy life and promising to always be there for them.

Is Addressee Frank Ocean himself?

It should be noted that a school of thought reads the lyrics differently. According to this group, Frank is indeed bidding an addressee farewell and wishing them well. However, the addressee is none other than Frank himself. According to this school of thought, Frank is wishing himself good fortune as he transitions or rather journeys from one phase of his life into another. And said transition is actually his journey from boyhood to manhood.

Frank Ocean talks about meaning of “Godspeed”

Frank himself confirmed that he is in fact the addressee of the song. According to him, the song is about “a re-imagined part” of his boyhood years. And simply put he is basically wishing himself all the best as he transitions from his boyhood years into adulthood.

He revealed this in his ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ magazine. This magazine was released alongside his album “ Blonde ” (2016). And FYI, this is the album on which “Godspeed” appears.

Was this a single from “Blonde”?

No. Actually Frank’s “Blonde” had the support of only one official single (“Nikes”). And it also features Frank’s popular tune “ Self Control “.

Who sings the background vocals on “Godspeed”?

The vocals in question were handled by a gospel singer named Kim Burell.

Burell began her life and music career in Houston, Texas. As the daughter of a pastor, she began singing with the Youth Mass Choir organized by the late gospel singer James Edward Cleveland.

Burrell has released and been featured in a number of albums and singles that have earned her 5 awards. These range from the Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, and the Gospel Music Excellence Award as well as great spots on the Billboard charts and Grammy Nominations.

In 2016 and 2017, she made headlines for preaching sermons that were considered homophobic. Her scheduled appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres show was canceled, and her radio show was also canceled by Texas Southern University due to her comments.

Writing Credits

Ocean penned “Godspeed” alongside Grammy winning producer and songwriter Malay. The pair worked together on at least five other songs on “Blonde”.

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Speed Your Journey (Va Pensiero)

About this work.

‘Speed Your Journey’ (Va', pensiero) is a chorus from the third act of Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi. This arrangement by Geoff Kingston  may be performed by concert band alone or as an accompaniment to mixed voices or male voice choir. Scored in F major the original key, (F sharp), is also available on request.  Fully scored, this versatile arrangement is ideal for all occasions including the concert platform or the parade ground. Lyrics are available in either English or Italian.

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Updated: 04/04/2022 14:14:11

Verdi: Nabucco (Sung in English) • 2006

Nabucco (sung in english): part iii: the prophecy: chorus of hebrew slaves: speed your journey, my thoughts and my longings (hebrews).

Giuseppe Verdi

Leonardo capalbo, alastair miles, susan patterson, dean robinson, camilla roberts, opera north chorus, opera north orchestra, david parry, lyrics of nabucco (sung in english): part iii: the prophecy: chorus of hebrew slaves: speed your journey, my thoughts and my longings (hebrews) by giuseppe verdi,alan opie,leonardo capalbo,alastair miles,susan patterson,jane irwin,dean robinson,paul wade,camilla roberts,opera north chorus,opera north orchestra,david parry.

Contributions

God Speed Idiom – Unveiling Its Meaning, Origin, and Cultural Significance

Stepping into the wind, the mariner casts his sail, bound for unknown horizons. A voice from the shore whispers, “God speed,” a timeless wish intertwining divine protection and swift journeying. A phrase not merely reserved for sailors, “God Speed” extends its blessing to various ventures, beseeching divine favor for one’s endeavors and journey.

Key Takeaways

Delving into the meanings of “god speed”, literal meaning.

“God Speed” implies a blessing: May God grant you a successful and safe journey or venture.

Figurative Meaning

It represents a heartfelt wish for success and safety in someone’s endeavors or travels, often used to convey goodwill and hopes for favorable outcomes.

Tracing Back the Origins of “God Speed”

“God Speed,” with its roots in Middle English, has long been a staple in extending good wishes for journeys and ventures. Its appearance in literature, notably in the works of notable authors and various historical contexts, has solidified its place as a traditional expression of goodwill and blessing.

Country/Region of Origin

Bestowing blessings with “god speed” across cultures.

While “God Speed” has its origins in English-speaking cultures, variations of this benevolent wish exist globally, each sharing a common thread of desiring safety and success for those embarking upon a journey or undertaking. It transcends religious and cultural boundaries, emerging wherever well-wishing is expressed.

Usage in Sentences: Wishing “God Speed” in Various Contexts

Linking to related idioms and phrases.

• Safe and Sound
• Break a Leg
• Best of Luck

Expert Commentary: Unveiling the Benevolence Within “God Speed”

Dr. Martin Vance, a historian specializing in linguistic evolutions, shares, “’God Speed’ has become a linguistic vessel of good intent and benevolence, transcending religious literalism and adopting a more universally understood essence of well-wishing and hope for prosperity in one’s undertakings.”

In Conclusion: Embarking with the Blessings of “God Speed”

As we delve into the rich tapestry of “God Speed,” we uncover a wish, timeless and benevolent, that has accompanied many on their journeys through varied walks of life. It serves as a gentle, yet powerful, expression of goodwill, cherishing the endeavors and paths that each individual takes.

Embark on Further Explorations: How has “God Speed” echoed in your own journey? Share your stories and delve deeper into the world of idioms with us at AllIdioms.com, as we traverse the boundless realms where language, history, and culture converge and entwine.

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[ god - speed ]

• good fortune; success (used as a wish to a person starting on a journey, a new venture, etc.).

/ ˈɡɒdˈspiːd /

interjection

• an expression of one's good wishes for a person's success and safety

Discover More

Word history and origins.

Origin of Godspeed 1

Example Sentences

As we came on board we saw our ambassador, Mr. Van Dyke, tell some of his friends goodbye and wish them Godspeed.

It is heartbreaking to see them die here like dogs, with no one to say Godspeed.

A shoe store was hunted up before we proceeded to Shakopee, having first bidden a Godspeed to our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Moore.

Heaven will surely guide and protect its faithful knights, and his lady bids him Godspeed, though with tearful eyes.

Albert: Mother, you are a Southern woman; you ought to bid me godspeed.

Related Words

What Does 'Godspeed' Mean? Definition and Religious Origin

"Goodbye, good luck, and Godspeed ." It’s a phrase we rarely hear these days, and when we do, it’s usually ironically or in old movies. It was famously used to wish John Glenn luck in 1962, as he lifted off in the capsule Friendship 7, and also appears throughout classic literature. Uncover the meaning, origin, and Biblical usage of this timeless saying.

Generally, the word is used to wish someone luck or for a safe journey. But where did this phrase come from, when did it become popular, and does it have any connection to God? Uncover the meaning, origin, and Biblical usage of this timeless saying.

Meaning of Godspeed: Table of Contents

• Is 'Godspeed' about God?

'Godspeed' in the Bible

• Similar Phrases
• Is 'Godspeed' a Religious Phrase?

'Godspeed' Meaning

Godspeed is defined by Merriam Webster as “ a prosperous journey, success .” 

The term has evolved into a unique blend of well-wishing and deeper spiritual connotations. In its essence, "Godspeed" serves as a condensed invocation, a wish for success imbued with a subtle acknowledgment of a higher power's influence. Its historical roots make it a linguistic bridge, connecting contemporary usage with a rich tapestry of cultural and religious history.

'Godspeed' Origin

The first documented use of this expression is in the 1300s text, Lancelot of the Laik and Sir Tristrem . The excerpt reads, “He may bidde god me spede.” 

The Canterbury Tales from 1385 contains the line “God spede yow go forth and ley on faste.” 

"Godspeed" has been used throughout history and literature in classics such as Shakespeare's "Hamlet" , ranging from expressions of goodwill and departure to more complex and nuanced situations. The phrase's enduring presence in literature reflects its ability to encapsulate a spectrum of sentiments and wishes across different epochs and genres.

Etymology of  'Godspeed'

The Middle English spelling “god speid” eventually gave way to our more modern spelling. Because of the evolution of the English language, “speid” (or sometimes spoed) doesn’t actually translate to our understanding of “fast.”

“The noun ‘speed’ … originally meant ‘success, prosperity, good fortune; profit, advancement, furtherance,’ according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The OED cites this early example from a glossary, written around 725, of Latin and Old English terms: ‘Successus, spoed,’” explain Patricia O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman in their blog.

The word did not come to be associated with moving quickly until roughly the year 1000. The Oxford English Dictionary estimates the word was first used in that context in a manuscript of Genesis, when God promises to give Abraham and Sarah a son.

Is 'Godspeed' About God?

The question of whether "Godspeed" is about God involves an exploration of both linguistic history and contemporary usage. Because the term originates from Middle English, where "God spede" translates to "God prosper" or "God succeed", its historical context inherently ties the phrase to divine blessings and good wishes. It can be argued that the essence of "Godspeed" carries a subtle acknowledgment of God's providence and a desire for His favor in one's endeavors.

In a contemporary context, the usage of "Godspeed" may vary. For many, it has become a conventional way of wishing someone success or a safe journey without necessarily invoking religious sentiment. The term's enduring usage underscores its capacity to be used across secular and religious contexts.

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia , god'-sped is found in the Bible: "Godspeed" occurs only in 2 John 1:10-11 in the King James Version as the translation of chairein, the infinitive of chairo, and is rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) "greeting." 

Is Your Faith Just About Checking Boxes?

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

It means "rejoice," "be of good cheer," and "be it well with thee"; chaire, chairete, chairein, were common forms of greeting, expressive of good-will and desire for the person's prosperity, translated in the Gospels, "Hail!" "All Hail!" ( Matthew 26:49 ; 27:29; 28:9, etc.); chairein is the Septuagint for shalom ( Isaiah 48:22 ; 57:21; compare 2 Macc 1:10). "Godspeed" first appears in Tyndale's version; Wycliffe had "heil!" Rheims "God save you."

In the passage cited, Christians are forbidden thus to salute false teachers who might come to them. The injunction does not imply any breach of charity since it would not be right to wish anyone success in advocating what was believed to be false and harmful. We should be sincere in our greetings; formal courtesy must yield to truth, still courteously, and in the spirit of love. - W.L. Walker

'God' in Similar Phrases: Goodbye and So Help Me God

This contraction of God with other words or phrases was relatively common and is also seen in the word goodbye. Originally read “godbwye (1570s), a contraction of God be with ye (late 14c.),” spelling eventually shifted to what we currently use, according to the online etymology dictionary .

Another example is the phrase “so help me God,” often heard in courts of law or when taking an oath. Ray Soller writes that the oath is part of the longer phrase “So may God help me at the judgment day if I speak true, but if I speak false, then may He withdraw His help from me."

Is Godspeed a Religious Phrase?

While phrases relating to God can be found all throughout the English language, the above two are rather obviously petitioning God for safety of help. “Goodbye” hopes that God will give another person safety and protection, while “so help me God” asks Him for strength. What about Godspeed?

The online etymology dictionary explains that the word was likely part of the phrase “(I wish that) God (may) grant you success.” In this sense, it is indeed petitioning God. The speaker means to say they hope God will look after someone else.

That is not to say that any of the above phrases are considered religious. It has religious origins and may have been considered pious for 14th-century speakers, but any connection to God has since been stripped away. The way "godspeed" is used now appeals more to a sense of luck or general good fortune. Further, despite its association with astronauts, the phrase has nothing to do with how fast or slow the Almighty can move.

Bethany Pyle is the editor for BibleStudyTools.com and the design editor for Salem Web Network . 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/diego cervo

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