Livkot Lecha

Aviv Geffen's song 'Livkot Lecha' (translated as 'To Cry for You') is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the enduring bond between loved ones. The lyrics convey a deep sense of mourning and remembrance, as the narrator expresses his sorrow and longing for a departed friend or family member. The opening lines, 'Ani holech livkot lecha / Tihie chazak lemala' ('I go to cry for you / Be strong up there'), set the tone for the song, highlighting the emotional weight carried by the narrator as he grapples with the absence of someone dear to him.

The recurring theme of eternal remembrance is evident in the lines 'Lanetzach achi / Ezkor otcha tamid' ('Forever, my brother / I will always remember you'). This suggests that the bond between the narrator and the departed transcends time and space, offering a sense of solace amidst the pain. The imagery of 'gaaguai kemo dlatot / Sheniftachot balaila' ('my longing is like doors / that open at night') evokes a sense of vulnerability and the constant presence of memories that resurface, especially during quiet, reflective moments.

Geffen also touches on the collective experience of grief, as seen in 'Veiesh li chaverim / Aval gam hem kavim / El mul orchá hameshaguea' ('And I have friends / But they too are lines / Opposite your crazy light'). This line suggests that while the narrator is not alone in his sorrow, each person's grief is unique and deeply personal. The metaphor of the sea, 'Ksheatzuvim holchim laiam / Lachen haiam maluach' ('When the sad go to the sea / That's why the sea is salty'), further emphasizes the natural, almost universal aspect of mourning. The song concludes with a sense of resilience and continuity, 'Uchmo hagalim anachnu mitnaptzim / El hamezach el hachaim' ('And like the waves, we crash / Towards the horizon, towards life'), suggesting that despite the pain, life goes on, and the memory of the loved one continues to inspire and guide the living.