This nationalistic ballad transforms Ethiopia into a maternal deity through imperial-era poetic devices. The refrain “Ethiopiyaye” (My Ethiopia) employs the -ye possessive suffix, evoking both personal belonging and sacred duty. Rahel’s vocal tremolos mirror the qenet modal system used in Orthodox liturgy, while lyrics like “Land of 13 moons” reference Ethiopia’s unique calendar. The song’s 3/4 waltz rhythm paradoxically blends European military marches with kebero drum patterns, sonically representing Ethiopia’s non-aligned movement during the Derg era. A masterclass in patriotic ambiguity – celebrating nationhood while subtly critiquing 1980s political turmoil through double-entendre (e.g., “Your soil drinks tears”).