Origins: Tzena, Tzena, Tzena (Weavers, et al.)

Subject: RE: Lyrics for Tzena, Tzena
From: Craig
Date: 08 Dec 98 - 11:20 PM

SteveF,

After reading this thread I went and got out my Weavers Greatest Hits CD and checked it out. They sang it in Hebrew exactly as you printed it out. Thank you.

Craig in Vista

Subject: RE: Lyrics for Tzena, Tzena
From: SteveF
Date: 08 Dec 98 - 09:47 AM

Thanks, Gene, I had not heard that version before. Curiously enough, it is a faithful translation of the Hebrew. Most people are surprised, even shocked, when they discover that Tzena is a song that encourages girls to welcome the advances of soldiers. In fact, why don't I just offer the original, and its translation:

Tzena
Words adapted from a text by Y. Hagiz;
Music by Issachar Miron and Julius Grossman

Tzena, Tzena, Tzena, Tzena
habanot ur'enah
chayalim bamoshavah
Al-na (4x) al na titchabenah
mi ben-chayil ish tzava.

Tzena, Tzena, habanot ur'enah
chayalim bamoshavah
Al-na (2x) al na titchabenah
mi ben-chayil ish tzava.

Tzena! (21x)

Translation:
"Go forth, O daughters and see the soldiers in the settlement.
Don't hide yourself from a soldier, a military man."

Now, does anyone know the lyrics made famous by the Weavers?

Subject: RE: Lyrics for Tzena, Tzena
From: allan.S
Date: 07 Dec 98 - 07:40 PM

We once sang a yiddish version that went Tzena, Tzena, Tzena, Ich hob faltza Tzena Teath, Teath, Teath I have false teath

I dont remember if there was any more. Allan S.

Subject: RE: Lyrics for Tzena, Tzena
From: Gene
Date: 07 Dec 98 - 05:41 PM

Here is one version...

Tzena, Tzena, Tzena, Tzena
Words by Mitchell Parish, Issachar Miron (Michrovsky)
and Julius Grossman

Tzena, Tzena, Tzena, Tzena
Don't you know that you're the darling of the regiment?
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena, Tzena,
All the soldiers want to see you, why don't you consent?
See the handsome soldiers gaily riding
Come out from wherever you are hiding
Won't you smile a little for the colonel
Throw some kisses to the rest
Tzena, Tzena, Bashful little Tzena
Please don't be afraid of all the soldier boys, for
Tzena, Tzena, All the boys adore you
Calling for you
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena,

Subject: Lyrics for Tzena, Tzena
From: SteveF
Date: 07 Dec 98 - 04:33 PM

I know the original Hebrew lyrics of "Tzena, Tzena" and now can someone supply the popular English lyrics? I know that the Weavers and the Barry Sisters recorded very popular versions of this song.