At this New Year's observance, especially in the light of the warlike state of things in the world, I find the words of this song inspirational: BASHANA HABA'AH W: Ehud Manor; M: Nurit Hirsch, 1970 Bashana haba'ah neshev al hamirpeset V'nis por tsiporim no d'dot. Y'la dim b'chufsha y'sachakuto feset Ben habayit l'ven hasadot. (Chorus) Od tire, od tire, kama tov yiye Bashana, bashana haba'ah. (Repeat) English paraphrase: Next year, when peace will come, we shall return to the simple pleasures of life so long denied us. You will see, you will see, oh, how good it will be, next year! My singable translation: In the coming new year, Peace will come and find us, And no longer will we live in fear Then the pleasures of life That have long been denied us Will be ours once again, come next year. (Chorus) You will see, you will see, Oh, how good it will be! If we share, if we care, you and me! Wait and see, wait and see-- What a world it will be If we care, if we dare to have peace.*
---------------- The more commonly known English version: Soon the day will arrive when we will be together, And no longer will we live in fear. And the children will smile without wondering whether On that day thunderclouds will appear. Wait and see, wait and see What a world there can be If we share, if we care, you and me. Wait and see, wait and see what a world there can be if we share, if we care, you and me. Some have dreamed, some have died, To make a bright tomorrow, And their vision remains in our heart. Now the torch must be passed With hope and not with sorrow And a promise to make a new start.
* 1st verse & chorus translation adapted by R. J. Pratt, 1995
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