Daniela Spector - Abraham

Earlier this week at the Memorial Eve ceremony at the city square I was struck by how different the atmosphere was from last year. Last year it was a moment to stop day-to-day life and acknowledge the heavy price of the soldiers who lost their lives, it was a sad night but I remember talking carelessly afterward with a friend, discussing our Independence Day plans and moving on. This year it felt that there was no day-to-day life to stop, it was more like a darker day among dark days, in which we heard the painful stories from our fellow city residents, our neighbors, who for them it was their first Memorial Day as bereaved family members in the inner circle of grief. I couldn't help but think of a line I read that somberly stated that in this region, the only difference between a bereaved family and one that isn't is time. It could happen to any of us. 

This year's Independence Day also had a very different vibe, with broadcasters airing a pre-recorded torch-lighting ceremony while showing images of the alternative torch-dousing ceremony happening in real time. It was painful to see the ceremony split into two but I understand why it was done. The organizers wrote in a statement "While the government is holding an ostentatious parade which is cowardly, contemptuous, disconnected and without an audience, families of the hostages and concerned citizens hold a dignified and appropriate ceremony that's plugged into the public sentiment". Daniela Spector was one of the singers at the event and when she performed this timeless song I felt a chill run down my spine, the lyrics echoing in my head ever since.

Abraham

Don't touch this child

He doesn't belong

Can't you see

There's no time

Don't go captive after

The pillar of smoke

An old story

Wake up

Forever

Look for the hidden path

To come back home

You fight

You work every day and try to get by

With what there is and the never-ending pain

You fight more

Abraham...

Daniel Solomon and Daniela Spector - My Sweetheart

Daniel Solomon is probably one of Israel's most appreciated (and melancholic) singer/songwriters today. And it's quite justified. When reading the lyrics of this song I can really believe that they belong to Daniel. It never ceases to amaze me that certain feelings I have, or thoughts in my head, can be found in so many other people and that I'm not as special as I thought. It's also quite comforting. I guess that's the idea behind the video. Sort of. Daniel's kind of speaking the words and not really singing so Daniela Spector's chorus really completes the song and makes everything flow.

I’ve wasted many years being sad
Closed and unsure, like a lion in a cage
Always yearning to go out into the freedom
And the lock is open, but not in my head
Many women passed here, and those that stopped
Were closed up like me, or they simply saw
That my heart is gone, it’s probably with you
And in their faces I searched but only your gaze
That touch and smell, that piece of peace
That wasn’t really inside you, but you wanted it
And God knows, in your name I yell
And nobody hears when the entire house is empty

My crazy sweetheart
Calling my name maybe he’s coming
My far one, I’ll be yours
My sweetheart when will you find me

I’ve wasted many years being alone
I was taken and thrown, falling from side to side
I’ll always miss what is not mine
Were you really mine, or was it just in my head
Many women passed here, and those that stopped
Were broken like me, or they simply saw
That something is missing in me, it’s probably with you
And in their bodies I searched but only the warmth of your body
That touch and smell, that piece of innocence
That wasn’t really in you, but you liked to dream
And god knows, with me it hasn’t passed
What’s gone is gone what’s left is left

I’ve wasted many years, being sad
Closed and unsure, like a lion in a cage
I’ll always miss what is not mine
Were you really mine, or was it just in my head
Many women passed here, and those that stopped
Were broken like me, or they simply saw
That something is missing in me, it’s probably with you
And in their bodies I searched but only the warmth of your body
That touch and smell, that piece of innocence
That wasn’t really in you, but you liked to dream
And god knows, with me it hasn’t passed
What’s gone is gone what’s left is left

http://www.myspace.com/danielsalomonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/danielaspector