Inspiration Behind Let’s Roll:
Let’s Roll is about a group of individuals on Flight 93 which was highjacked by terrorists on September 11th, 2001. Today, marks the 25th anniversary of this tragic event. Yet this day in history would have been worse if not for some Americans who fought to take back control of their airplane. While the terrorists on board wanted to strike a building in Washington, D.C, brave Americans made sure this never happened. Before enacting their plan, “Let’s roll” was one of their last words spoken before their plan went down in a remote part of Pennsylvania.
Biblical Application:
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds, James 2:17-18.
Exegesis of Let’s Roll:
Please note that the attached version of Let’s Roll is a new version. Because of 9/11, I wanted to focus this exegesis on the original song lyrics by Neil Young.
I know I said I love you
I know you know it’s true
I’ve got to put the phone down
And do what we gotta do
One standing in the highway
Two more at the door
We’ve got to get inside there
Before they kill some more
Referring to Todd Beamer’s cell phone conversation with his wife Lisa while on board Flight 93. After receiving news about the other planes that had already hit their targets, Todd and a few other brave Americans we about to try to take back this plane.
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Let’s roll was the code to begin moving toward the front of the plane.
No time for indecision
We’ve got to make a move
I hope that we’re forgiven
For what we gotta do
How this all got started
I’ll never understand
I hope someone can fly this thing
And get us back to land
Thoughts going through the minds of these brave Americans. An appeal for forgiveness, an act of aggression to stop evil. The ideal scenario if everything works out according to their plan.
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll
The sense of urgency to act before the terrorists fulfill their own mission.
No one has the answer
But one thing is true
You’ve gotta turn on evil
When it’s coming after you
You’ve gotta face it down
And when it tries to hide
You’ve gotta go in after it
And never be denied
This event was so shocking, but America was unified on fighting evil. You have to fight fire with fire. You have to root out evil or it will prevail.
Time is running out
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Carrying out this plan immediately.
Let’s roll for freedom
Let’s roll for love
We’re going after Satan
On the wings of a dove
Let’s roll for justice
Let’s roll for truth
Let’s not let our children
Grow up fearful in their youth
This group of Americans realized that they were probably going to die. Yet they didn’t want to go down without a fight. Justice, truth and spiritual things are worth laying your life down for.
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Getting your mind straight, going over the plan before carrying out this plan.
Final Thoughts:
In the immediate aftermath of September 11th, 2001, I realized that I wasn’t doing what I was created to do. Subsequently, in the months that followed, I apllied for a teaching position, interviewed and was hired at the beginning of the second semester. I spent the next decade of my life challenging, developing and shaping the minds of teenagers. This may have never happened if September 11th never occurred. The heros of Flight 93 ignited a new generation of Americans with a sense of urgency to Let’s Roll.
by Jay Mankus
