In a poignant fusion of Broadway and Jewish resilience, the Maccabeats have transformed the iconic "Defying Gravity" from Wicked into a stirring Hanukkah anthem that speaks to what Jews all over the world are going through now.
The timing couldn't be more resonant. With founding member Mordy Prus currently in Israel working to support families of soldiers on the front lines, the song takes on additional layers of meaning.
What sets this adaptation apart is how it maintains the soaring spirit of the original while infusing it with Jewish themes and Hebrew phrases. The incorporation of "Od Avinu, Am Yisrael Chai" (Our Father still lives, the people of Israel live) seamlessly bridges Broadway theatricality with Jewish tradition.
The project extends beyond mere entertainment. Through Prus's work in Israel, the group is actively supporting military families by providing weekly meals and organizing activities for children whose parents are serving. "When soldiers know their loved ones are cared for, they can focus on their mission with greater strength and resolve," Prus explains.
Complete Lyrics
Some things have changed around us
Some things have stayed the same
Through every change we've weathered
Our spirit always burns the same.
When shadows rise to meet us
Our flame will burn through the night
An ancient spark ignites
And fills the void with light.
We'll rise above, defying gravity
Through every trial defying gravity
And they won't bring us down.
Our light will continue to shine
this flame is no trick or delusion
Never accepted limits,
Cause someone says they're so
Thousands of years so far
But we've still got a ways to go.
No time to be afraid of
Those who'd try to see us gone
They didn't know the strength
that we've had all along.
We'll rise above, defying gravity
Through every trial defying gravity
And they won't bring us down.
So if your faith is shaken
Pray to the Eastern sky
As someone told me lately
Od Avinu, Am Yisrael Chai
We're never flying solo
We're never left alone
To those who'd ground us
Here's a message of our own
We'll rise above, defying gravity
We'll shine our light, defying gravity
And we will make our presence known.
In every land that we call home
We'll say it loud and make it known,
You're never gonna bring us down.
The song is available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, with proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in Israel through Mordy Prus's initiative. Those interested in supporting the cause can donate directly at pe4ch.com/ref/UbyqPpil1cen.
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Full Credits
- Original Music: "Defying Gravity" by Stephen Schwartz
- Lyrics: Noey Jacobson
- Additional Lyrics: The Maccabeats
- Arrangement: Tom Anderson
- Video Direction: Atara Wolf
- Gaffer: Berry Cohen
- Assistant: Gitty Jakubo
- Editing: Alex Green for Plaid Productions
- Audio Mixing: Ed Boyer
