I think Israeli pop music is special because often the lyrics are taken verbatim from Israeli poetry of the modern era, not to mention an entire genre of songs by religious performers, for the religious sector of Israeli society, who have produced some majorly rockin’ vibes of Biblical verses and passages. As a more secular listener, I especially love the songs that bring to life the words of such poets as Leah Goldberg, Natan Alterman, Yehuda Amichai, Chaim Nachman Bialik, Rachel, Natan Zach, and others. In fact, one of my favorite albums is called “An Evening of Poets’ Songs” (Erev Shirei Meshorerim).

One of the loveliest songs in this little sampler is Asthar Shamir’s Gachliliyot (Fireflies), music and lyrics both written by the singer. I found a translation of the lyrics online and am posting them here, maybe those who don’t speak Hebrew will enjoy the song more once they know what it’s about.

All credit and appreciation for the translation goes to Ayelet Bukai of Sunnyvale, California, who is listed on the website [...] as the translator.

I’m returning to the forest to gather fireflies

Tiny lights I have left behind

Words heavy from grief

that couldn’t fly

Songs I didn’t gather when I left.

I’m returning to the past to gather fireflies

To build with them a ladder of stars

Pathways I didn’t take, which could not have been there

Maybe they are still waiting there for me

If you will go there, my heart

Come to the past without stopping

We will gather all the good

We will gather all the innocence

We will gather fireflies and return

A girl is there waiting, she falls in love without seeing

Fireflies surround her with bright light

Come back to me, I will keep you from harm

Together we will grow stronger

I go back to the past, with no fear of the time

I can tell right from wrong

We will gather all the good, the light and the innocence

And bring them back here

If you will go there, my heart

Come to the past without stopping

We will gather all the good

We will gather all the innocence

We will gather fireflies and return


Rating: 5 / 5

I’m not familiar with Israeli music, but I found it a good variety in sounds (with an upbeat folk feel, or light pop). Pleasant to listen to, and catchy.

I got the album as a free sampler, but if that option isn’t available to you, I still recommend buying it.
Rating: 4 / 5

How disappointing they didn’t include the artist names – You’d think a Sampler, in particular, would do that. Thanks to the previous poster who included the artists.

Five Stars

Rating: 5 / 5