In Jewish tradition, the prophet Eliyahu is the harbinger of the coming of the Messiah. Tradition emphasizes his humble origins, implying that he was a man of the people. This piece posits the possibility that each of us has Eliyahu within, and thus has the potential to bring about a Messianic age in which everyone is safe, fed, and at peace. The musical patterns here span continents - from the Middle East through Eastern Europe to South America - as the Jews have spanned these places throughout history.
Eliyahu hanavi, Eliyahu ha Tishbi
Eliyahu hagiladi, aifo Eliyahu?
Eliyahu hanavi, Eliyahu ha Tishbi
Eliyahu hagiladi, aifo Eliyahu?
Ay yay ...
Eliyahu hanavi, Eliyahu ha Tishbi
Eliyahu hagiladi, aifo Eliyahu?
Eliyahu balibi, Eliyahu barashi,
Eliyahu banishmati -- hiney Eliyahu!
Ay yay ...
Eliyahu the prophet, Eliyahu from Tishbeh
Eliyahu from Gilad, where is Eliyahu?
Eliyahu is in my heart, Eliyahu is in my head,
Eliyahu is in my soul -- Eliyahu is here!
credits
from EZUZ,
released May 26, 2020
Music, Lyrics, Arrangement, Lead Vocals: Jessi Roemer
Support Vocals: Meara Lebovitz, Naeemah Maddox, Karinne' Andonian
Flute: Eve Friedman
Oud: Roger Mgrdichian
Percussion: Joseph Tayoun, Jim Hamilton
Drum Kit: Jonathan Singer
Bass & Keyboards: Loren Gildar
Clarinet: Bob Butryn
Recorded, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered at Rittenhouse Soundworks, PA by Jim Hamilton and Brian Boland
Originally sung by Holocaust survivors in Yiddish, Polish and French, this moving album is now available in a gorgeous LP package. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 11, 2022