Al Naharot Bavel

Meydad Tasa's song "Al Naharot Bavel" (By the Rivers of Babylon) is a poignant reflection on the Jewish people's exile and their deep yearning for their homeland, Zion. The lyrics are derived from Psalm 137, a biblical text that captures the sorrow and longing of the Israelites during their Babylonian captivity. The song opens with the image of the exiles sitting by the rivers of Babylon, weeping as they remember Zion. This powerful imagery sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the pain of displacement and the deep emotional connection to their homeland.

The song continues with the exiles hanging their harps on the willows, unable to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. This act symbolizes their profound sense of loss and the impossibility of finding joy in their current situation. The captors' demand for a song of Zion is met with a poignant question: "How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" This line underscores the tension between the exiles' faith and their current reality, highlighting the struggle to maintain their cultural and religious identity in the face of adversity.

The final verses of the song are a solemn vow to never forget Jerusalem. The singer pledges that if they forget Jerusalem, their right hand should wither, and their tongue should stick to the roof of their mouth. This vow is a powerful declaration of loyalty and love for their homeland, emphasizing the centrality of Jerusalem in their identity and their hope for return. Meydad Tasa's rendition of this ancient text brings a contemporary resonance to these timeless themes, reminding listeners of the enduring power of memory and the deep human need for a sense of place and belonging.