Israel, a country with a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories, also boasts a vibrant music scene that has captivated audiences worldwide. Israeli songs often reflect the nation’s diverse influences, from Middle Eastern melodies to Western rock and pop. For language learners, delving into Israeli music offers a unique opportunity to grasp the nuances of Hebrew in a fun and engaging way. This article will explore some famous Israeli songs, breaking down their lyrics to help you understand the language and cultural context better.
Hava Nagila
One of the most internationally recognized Israeli songs, “Hava Nagila” (הבה נגילה), which translates to “Let’s Rejoice,” is a staple at Jewish celebrations around the world. The song’s history traces back to the early 20th century and its lyrics encapsulate a spirit of joy and unity.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
הבה נגילה הבה נגילה
הבה נגילה ונשמחה
הבה נגילה הבה נגילה
הבה נגילה ונשמחה
העורו העורו
בני אלי העורו
העורו בני אלי העורו
ונשמחה
“`
Hava nagila, hava nagila
Hava nagila ve-nismecha
Hava nagila, hava nagila
Hava nagila ve-nismecha
Uru, uru achim!
Uru achim be-lev sameach
Translation:
Let’s rejoice, let’s rejoice,
Let’s rejoice and be happy
Let’s rejoice, let’s rejoice,
Let’s rejoice and be happy
Awake, awake, brothers!
Awake brothers with a happy heart
Explanation:
The repetitive nature of the lyrics makes “Hava Nagila” an excellent starting point for beginners. The word “hava” means “let’s,” and “nagila” means “rejoice.” The song is a call to celebration and unity, making it a go-to anthem for joyous occasions.
Yerushalayim Shel Zahav
“Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” (ירושלים של זהב), or “Jerusalem of Gold,” is a deeply emotional song written by Naomi Shemer in 1967. It captures the spiritual and historical significance of Jerusalem, particularly in the context of the Six-Day War.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
אויר הרים צלול כיין
וריח אורנים
נישא ברוח הערביים
עם קול פעמונים
ובתרדמת אילן ואבן
שבויה בחלומה
העיר אשר בדד יושבת
ובלבה חומה
ירושלים של זהב
ושל נחושת ושל אור
הלא לכל שירייך אני כינור
“`
Ovir harim tz’lul kayayin
Vere’ach oranim
Nisa beruach ha’arbayim
Im kol pa’amonim
Uv’tardemat ilan va’even
Shvuyah bachalomah
Ha’ir asher badad yoshevet
Uvelibah chomah
Yerushalayim shel zahav
Veshel nechoshet veshel or
Halo lechol shirayich ani kinor
Translation:
The air of the mountains is clear as wine,
And the scent of pines
Is carried on the breeze of the evening
With the sound of bells.
And in the slumber of tree and stone,
Captured in her dream,
The city that sits solitary,
And in its heart, a wall.
Jerusalem of gold,
And of bronze, and of light,
Behold I am a violin for all your songs.
Explanation:
This song is poetic and rich in imagery, making it a bit more challenging for learners. “Yerushalayim” means “Jerusalem,” and “shel zahav” means “of gold.” The lyrics describe the beauty and solitude of Jerusalem, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance.
Tzena, Tzena
“Tzena, Tzena” (צאנה צאנה) is a cheerful song that became popular in Israel in the 1940s and later gained international fame. The song invites the girls to come out and see the soldiers in the fields, reflecting the communal spirit of the time.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
צאנה צאנה צאנה
צאנה הבנות וראינה
חיילים במושבה
אל נא אל נא אל נא
אל נא תביטו אחורה
הניחו לנו וראינה
שאו זמר שירו שירו
שאו זמר שירו שירו
בואו נא במחולות
שאו זמר שירו שירו
שאו זמר שירו שירו
בואו נא במחולות
“`
Tzena, tzena, tzena
Tzena habanot u-re’ena
Chayalim bamoshava
El na, el na, el na
El na tabitu achora
Hani’chu lanu u-re’ena
Se’u zemer, shiru, shiru
Se’u zemer, shiru, shiru
Bo’u na bemacholot
Se’u zemer, shiru, shiru
Se’u zemer, shiru, shiru
Bo’u na bemacholot
Translation:
Go out, go out, go out, girls,
And see the soldiers in the moshava.
Do not, do not, do not,
Do not look back,
Come and see us.
Sing a song, sing, sing,
Sing a song, sing, sing,
Come in the dances.
Sing a song, sing, sing,
Sing a song, sing, sing,
Come in the dances.
Explanation:
The word “tzena” means “go out” and is repeated to create a lively and inviting tone. “Bnot” means “girls,” and “chayalim” means “soldiers.” The repetition and simple structure make this song accessible for beginners.
Eretz Yisrael Sheli
“Eretz Yisrael Sheli” (ארץ ישראל שלי), which means “My Land of Israel,” is a nostalgic song that expresses love and longing for the land of Israel. It was written by Naomi Shemer, a prolific songwriter known for capturing the Israeli spirit in her music.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
ארץ ישראל שלי יפה וגם פורחת
מי בנה ומי נטע כל המשאלות
מי ייבש ביצות, מי פיתח תעשייה,
וכל אלה בזכותך – ארצי היפה.
ארץ ישראל שלי יפה וגם פורחת,
מי בנה ומי נטע כל המשאלות.
מי ייבש ביצות, מי פיתח תעשייה,
וכל אלה בזכותך – ארצי היפה.
“`
Eretz Yisrael sheli yafa ve-gam porachat
Mi bana u-mi nata kol ha-mish’alot
Mi yivesh bitzot, mi pita’ach ta’asiya,
Ve-kol ele be-z’chutach – artzi ha-yafa.
Eretz Yisrael sheli yafa ve-gam porachat,
Mi bana u-mi nata kol ha-mish’alot.
Mi yivesh bitzot, mi pita’ach ta’asiya,
Ve-kol ele be-z’chutach – artzi ha-yafa.
Translation:
My Land of Israel is beautiful and also blooming,
Who built and who planted all the wishes?
Who dried swamps, who developed industry,
And all these thanks to you – my beautiful land.
My Land of Israel is beautiful and also blooming,
Who built and who planted all the wishes?
Who dried swamps, who developed industry,
And all these thanks to you – my beautiful land.
Explanation:
This song celebrates the achievements and natural beauty of Israel. “Eretz Yisrael” means “Land of Israel,” and “yafa” means “beautiful.” The lyrics highlight the collective efforts in building and nurturing the land, making it a song of pride and admiration.
Shir LaShalom
“Shir LaShalom” (שיר לשלום), or “Song for Peace,” became an anthem for the peace movement in Israel. Written by Yaakov Rotblit and composed by Yair Rosenblum in 1969, it calls for an end to conflict and a new era of peace.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
תנו לשמש לעלות
לבוקר להאיר
הזכה שבתפילות
אותנו לא תחזיר
מי אשר כבה נרו
ובעפר נטמן
בכי מר לא יעירו
לא ישיבו לכאן
איש אותנו לא ישיב
מבור תחתית אפל
כאן לא יועילו
לא שמחת הניצחון
ולא שירי הלל
לכן רק שירו שיר לשלום
אל תלחשו תפילה
מוטב תשירו שיר לשלום
בצעקה גדולה
“`
T’nu la-shemesh la’alot
La-boker le-ha’ir
Ha-zaka she-ba-t’filot
Otanu lo tachazir
Mi asher kava ne-ro
U-va-afar nitman
B’chi mar lo ya’iru
Lo yashivu le-kan
Ish otanu lo yashiv
Mi-bor tachtit afel
Kan lo yo’ilu
Lo simchat ha-nitzachon
Ve-lo shirei halel
Lachen rak shiru shir la-shalom
Al tilchashu t’fila
Motav t’shiru shir la-shalom
B’tza’akah g’dola
Translation:
Let the sun rise,
The morning light up,
The purest of prayers
Will not bring us back.
He whose candle has gone out
And is buried in the dust,
Bitter crying won’t wake him up,
Will not bring him back here.
No one will return us
From a dark and deep pit.
Here, neither the joy of victory
Nor songs of praise will help.
Therefore, just sing a song for peace,
Do not whisper a prayer.
Better to sing a song for peace
In a loud shout.
Explanation:
The song’s poignant lyrics are a powerful plea for peace. “Shir LaShalom” means “Song for Peace,” and “shalom” is a word that signifies peace, completeness, and welfare. The lyrics emphasize the futility of war and the hope for a peaceful future.
Chai
“Chai” (חי), which means “Alive,” is a spirited song performed by Ofra Haza in the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest. The song is a declaration of resilience and survival, reflecting the Jewish people’s enduring spirit.
Lyrics and Translation:
“`
עם ישראל חי
עם ישראל חי
עם ישראל חי
עוד אבינו חי, עוד אבינו חי
זה היום קיווינו לו
עוד יגיע ונשיר
עוד אבינו חי
עם ישראל חי
עם ישראל חי
עם ישראל חי
עוד אבינו חי, עוד אבינו חי
“`
Am Yisrael chai
Am Yisrael chai
Am Yisrael chai
Od avinu chai, od avinu chai
Zeh hayom kivinu lo
Od yagia ve-nashir
Od avinu chai
Am Yisrael chai
Am Yisrael chai
Am Yisrael chai
Od avinu chai, od avinu chai
Translation:
The people of Israel live,
The people of Israel live,
The people of Israel live,
Our father still lives, our father still lives.
This is the day we hoped for,
It will still come, and we will sing,
Our father still lives.
The people of Israel live,
The people of Israel live,
The people of Israel live,
Our father still lives, our father still lives.
Explanation:
The word “chai” means “alive” or “living.” The repetition of “Am Yisrael chai” (“The people of Israel live”) reinforces the theme of resilience and continuity. “Od avinu chai” means “Our father still lives,” referring to the enduring legacy of the Jewish people.
Final Thoughts
Exploring famous Israeli songs and their lyrics provides a window into the cultural and historical context of Israel. For language learners, these songs offer a rich and engaging way to practice Hebrew while gaining insight into the country’s spirit and values. Whether you’re drawn to the joyful melodies of “Hava Nagila” or the poignant call for peace in “Shir LaShalom,” Israeli music is a treasure trove of linguistic and cultural learning opportunities. So, put on your headphones, sing along, and let the music guide your Hebrew language journey.