LYRICS
Zionist Approach
Similar to their approach to politics, the Zionists looked at music as a way of uniting the people for a common good. Zionists felt that the significance of unification and nationalism was the most important message to send the Israeli population. Zionists’ lyrics were directed towards the new immigrants to Israel, known as olim. Lyrics covered everything from personal life experiences encountered by young hopefuls, to the physical and societal labor of building the state of Israel. The fulfillment of their national destiny (to build and sustain the state of Israel) was essential to Zionists and often shone through in their lyrics.
Borrowed Melodies
Much of Israeli folk lyrics stem from biblical verse even though many Israelis were not religious. Utilizing biblical text as lyrics was not done to emphasize religion, but to, once again, bring about a common, uniting theme. While many Israelis were not observant, they were still able to relate to the history of the Jewish people. Throughout the Diaspora, a great deal of music drawing from various cultures was created. Because nationalism and unification was so important in Israeli culture, this melting pot of style did not suffice. With the desired for a new, unique and united style of music, the olim turned to their neighboring Middle Eastern countries for a bit of eccentricity in their melodies. Some musicians, however, found it difficult to leave behind trends from Eastern European music and created an aesthetically pleasing combination. Some of those successful in this endeavor include Mordecai Zeira, David Zehavi and Moshe Wilensky. Often times, music was composed to fit the rousing lyrics of Hebrew poets such as Naomi Shemer and Chaim Nachman Bialik.
Lyrics After 1948
Following the War of Independence and the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 the subject of Israeli folk lyrics changed drastically. What was once a uniquely hopeful outlook on the future turned into an examination of Israel’s politics and hardships endured during and after war. Also after 1948, a more heterogeneous group of Jews immigrated to Israel, which added further diversity to the already eclectic music genre.