Bring Us Back

Joshua Aaron's song 'Bring Us Back' is a poignant reflection on the Jewish people's longing for their homeland, drawing heavily from the biblical Psalm 137. The lyrics open with a vivid image of the rivers of Babylon, where the Israelites, exiled from their homeland, sit and weep. This setting immediately evokes a sense of loss and yearning, as they remember the days in Zion when they could freely sing the Lord's song. The repetition of the plea 'Bring us back' underscores their deep desire to return to their roots and their spiritual home.

The song's chorus, 'How can we sing in a foreign land,' captures the profound disconnection and sorrow felt by the exiles. Their harps, once instruments of joy, now hang unused on the willows, symbolizing their inability to find happiness or express their faith in a land that is not their own. This imagery of captivity and the longing for freedom is a powerful metaphor for any displaced people yearning to return to their homeland and reclaim their cultural and spiritual identity.

The inclusion of the Hebrew phrase 'Im eshkachech yerushalayim, tishkach yemini' (If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill) adds a layer of cultural and historical depth to the song. This phrase, also from Psalm 137, is a solemn vow to never forget Jerusalem, reinforcing the theme of unwavering devotion and the hope for eventual return. Joshua Aaron's musical style, which often blends contemporary worship with traditional Jewish elements, enhances the emotional resonance of the song, making 'Bring Us Back' a moving anthem for anyone who has ever felt the pain of exile and the hope of return.