FOREIGN LANDS LYRICS
ARE YOU STILL ALIVE, BROTHER?
© Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
We stood there in line together
Father, Shloimele and I
Mother held the infant close to her heart
In silence she prayed, “Don’t break us apart!”
But they did – they tore him away
Our baby was gone forever
Our lives were spared, but we suffered
Mother fell, starving and still
We ran to get Father out on the streets
And found him collapsed on a hill
Oh, Shloimele – you’re all that was left
We’ve gone through so much together
We scrounged for our meals – potato peels
But we live and remember forever
Oh Shloimele – I wish you were here
They’ve taken our father and mother
I silently pray that I’ll see you one day
My heart craves so much for a brother ….
He took me away from my troubles
And raised me just like his own
He taught me the arts, the songs and the sports
And soon I received the highest awards
I achieved, accomplished
He made me the man that I am
I vaguely remember my mother
It pains me to think of my past
Yet sometimes I wonder – “Where did they go
And how did I lose them so fast?”
Yisroel – you’re all that was left
We’ve gone through so much together
We scrounged for our meals – potato peels
But we live and remember forever
Yisroel – I wish you were here
They’ve taken our father and mother
I silently pray that I’ll see you one day
My heart craves so much for a brother
3. My heart is filled with desires
I want to be open and free
To shout and proclaim all over the land
“Hashem is my King – I obey His commands”
I will sit with the Torah - I’ll kiss it and hold it close
I’m tired of praying in silence
Unable to speak of my faith
If Eretz Yisroel was closer a bit
I’d crawl on the ground to its gates
Oh, Shloimele – you’re all that was left
We’ve gone through so much together
We scrounged for our meals – potato peels
But we live and remember forever
Yisroel I wish you were here
They’ve taken our father and mother
I silently pray that I’ll see you one day
My heart craves so much for a brother ….
FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES
© Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
Can I help you please?
Where is your valise?
A picture I.D. is all I need, sir
So, if you’ll keep going
Follow level ‘C’
On the left will be your gate
And we’ll be leaving instantly
So follow me – to level ‘C’
Passengers with little children and the elderly
Rows 1 thru 7, 8 thru 11
Watch your step and guard your baggage very carefully
How are you today?
I’m on my way
So, tell me, where will you be flying?
Where I wish I’m going, I doubt I’ll ever be
Where I have to go, I’d rather stay home warm and comfortably
You never know where you may go
The journey of your life can surprise you with its turns
So as we’re soaring – the engine’s roaring
Greet each turn and it wil greet you in return
Fly the friendly skies of United
Fly and let your spirit soar
Take a peek out of that little window at your side
See the world in all its splendor
Nothing left to hide
Can I get you a drink
Or something else instead?
A blanket to warm you
Or a pillow for your head?
You can dream directions
But only Heaven knows
Where we’re flying, where we’re riding
Where the traffic stops and goes
So follow me to level ‘C’
Passengers with little children and the elderly
Rows 1 thru 7, 8 thru 11
Watch your step and guard your baggage very carefully
Fly the friendly skies of United…..
You never know where you may go….
FRUNZER ESHALON
© Composed by R’ Yom Tov Ehrlich
Translated by Mrs. Dina Storch
Somewhere on the journey our train comes to a halt
Another train’s approaching, the Frunzer Eshalon
And gazing through its windows happy faces glow
Countless Jews and Jewesses looking on
From Kielce and Tarnow, from Bendine
From Cracow, Lodz and Radzimin
From Pinsk, from Grodno and Navarodok
From Galitzia, from Wohlin
From Pshemishl and Lublin
Also Lomza and Bialistok
A little girl survivor with no adult to guide her
Pauses suddenly before a car
She strains her eyes a little and sitting in the middle
A man who seems familiar so to her
“Excuse me” – “Bita”
“From where?” – “From Lita”
“Your name?” – “Nota”
“Tatte!”
And so together others gather
Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers
Welcoming each other in surprise
Hear this tale unfold before us
What relief this train has brought us
A daughter has her father recognized
Yeh! A daughter has her father recognized!
One by one the travelers leave their railroad seats
They straighten out their backs and they stretch their tired feet
They quickly cross the station and climb another train
They go from car to car and ask again
Is anyone here from Bendine?
From Lodz, from Kielce, from Radzinim?
Maybe someone’s from Navarodok?
Perhaps there’s one from Kattovitz?
From Reisha or from Soshovitz?
The Rovno section or Bialistok?
A woman, heavily bandaged, her face is scarred and damaged
Studies every face in every seat
A man hobbles towards her, a cane – his sole supporter
And suddenly their eyes each other meet
“Excuse me” – “Prosha”
“From where?” – “From Parmosha”
“Chaim!” – “Dvosha!”
“Oy Bashefer!”
And so together others gather
Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers
Welcoming each other in surprise
Hear this tale unfold before us
What relief this train has brought us
Husband, wife each other recognize
Yeh! Husband, wife each other recognize!
I stand there in the middle choking up this view
Everyone’s familiar but I cannot pinpoint who
I recognize so many, I’ve seen them now or then
I simply can’t remember where or when
Perhaps they stir a memory of years before this tragedy
Recollections from before the war
Perhaps we’ve met as refugees while running from the enemies
Or maybe on this train…just moments before
Yeh! Maybe on this train…just moments before
My mind is not returning, my heart is filled with yearning
It seeks to have a little peace at last
I grab a Jew behind me – he smiles and slowly eyes me
And in the softest whisper I ask
“From where?” – “From Lida”
“Your name?” – “Vider”
“Brider!”
To my heart I quickly press him
But he stares with no expression
“I’ve no brothers – no one left to love”
“So” – I tell him – “Don’t be bothered
We are Jews – we have one Father
He is our Creator – up above!”
Yeh! We have one Father – He is up above!
GOING FAR AWAY
© Lyrics: Mrs. Dina Storch
Going far away, our hearts remain in Yemen
Leaving memories of centuries in Yemen
Who can light the spark that made us dance in unity
No one else can understand our music in it’s beauty
My mother said, Grandmother said
Ya be ye – Ya be ye!
My father said, Grandfather said
Ya be ye – Ya be ye!
We always stayed together – never alone
I melted gold and silver , hammered it flat
Cross-legged, carving figures, on a straw mat
Peace everyone, may G-d be with you
(and watch yourselves, protect yourselves)
Peace everyone, our thoughts are with you
(and keep yourselves from harm)
peace everyone, remember Yemen
(we wish you all a journey safe)
To Jerusale – And good luck, and good luck, and good luck!
Hold our tradition and cherish it well
Remember our family, our stories you’ll tell
My mother said … Hold on, hold on, hold on fast
Remember, remember our past
Yemen, our home , our song
Remember our people, our?
I stood beside my mother, stirring a stew
And when it bubbled over, she stirred it, too
Outside in our garden herbs we would plan
Picked them, then dried and crushed them in our hands
Peace everyone…
Hold our tradition …
My mother aid …
Interlude
Going far away, our hearts remain in Yemen
Leaving memories of centuries in Yemen
Who can light the spark that makes us dance in unity
No one else can understand our music in its beauty
We never lose the bond of a Yemen family
Yemenites we always were – Yemenites we’ll always be
We never lose the spark of a Yemen family
Yemenites we always were = Yemenites we’ll always be
I'M GOING
© Music and Lyrics: Mrs. Dina Storch
I’m going, I’m going far away
Don’t know when my plane will bring me back again
Got my chopsticks right here at my side
Gonna get me one big lion’s hide
Paris has that special gourmet touch
Merci beacou - and thank you very much
I’m going to Africa today
Pretty sure that once I’m there I’ll want to stay
I’m frightened stiff, but still I need to go
The wilderness is just for me, I know
I hear it now – the close call of the wile
I see them – oh, I better run and hide
I’m going; I’m going off to France
Why living there just makes you want to sing and dance
First in Paris I will settle down
Then I’ll be touring every part of town
After that I’ll find some work to do
But that won’t be before a year or two
I’m going to China in a while
Don’t know ho to stretch my eyes, I guess I’ll smile
Just can’t wait to eat those bamboo shoots
Cut my bangs and throw away these boots
China, in just hours I’ll be there
Throwing pretty flowers in the air
I’m going; I’m going off to Rome
Once I’m there, I’ll call it ‘quits’ and build my home
Just a little mansion on the sea
A mistress who will serve me cake and tea
A little boat to take me on a cruise
Built from glass, so I can watch the view
IMAGINE
© Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
IMAGINE days before us, before our folks were born,
Everyday began at sunrise, or way before the morn.
IMAGINE all the people running miles to shul,
The roads were wet and bumpy, fallen trees were in the way
No street light on to guide them, nor yet the glimpse of day.
IMAGINE all those people, only children and wives at home
Chorus:
The thought is cold and yet it warms me
Giving me the strength to go on
I only hope this thought could teach me
Where to walk and where to run
I hear their stories and I wonder
I’m so secure yet look at me
Couldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be
IMAGINE a few possessions, I wonder if you can
A crust of bread for each to munch on
And off to school the children ran
IMAGINE each of these children…bringing home a friend to feed
They crowd around the table
Stretching out their hands
And Mother feeds potatoes
Scraping out the pan
She promises to the children “The day will come and we’ll have more”
Chorus:
The thought dry, and yet it fills me
Giving me strength to succeed
I only hope this thought could teach me
I mustn’t have what I don’t need
I hear their stories and I wonder
I’m so secure, yet look at me
Couldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be
IMAGINE dim lit classrooms…no doors to block the wind
No heat…not even windows…to let the sunshine in
IMAGINE all the Rebbes…warming children with a smile
The benches filled with splinters…the pages old and worn
Sweet little faces beaming…sound of Torah keep them warm
IMAGINE all those people…making their lives worthwhile
Chorus:
The thought is dark yet it enlightens me
Giving me strength to learn much more
I only hope this thought could teach me
Which satisfaction to look for
I hear the pain and tears of yesterday
And now a world of comfort faces me
Wouldn’t this world have been a better place
If we were the way we used to be?
LULLABY
© Music and lyrics by: Mrs. Dina Storch
They say there’ll come the day
Very soon when the moon
We be large as the sun in the sky
Wipe your tears, shed your fears
Know, my darling, that Hashem cares
He always watches while we sleep, both you and I
All the dreams, my child, that you dream tonight
Will come true, you can be sure
Close your eyes, and dream of tomorrow
For tomorrow there’ll be more
You’ll have teddies, you’ll have dollies
There’ll be pretzels and bialys
Filled with cherries and with berries, big and small
There’ll be candies for you to lick
Rosy apples on a stick
We’ll have stuffed goose, hot and sweet, enough for all
For we’ll fill every cupboard
And we’ll fill our little cakes with cream
We will have and we will give others
Hush, my baby – sleep and dream
SONG #30
MY SHTETELE
© Written by: Mrs. Dina Storch and Bracha Storch
My Shtetele
©Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
My shtetele, my shtetele - The only place I knew
Pinsk, my little shtetel - Where I was born and grew My shtetele, my shtetel - It’s been so long since I’m gone Yet those pleasant memories of my shtetel still live on
Something warm about it, the simchos that we shared We laughed and cried together, we kept so close we cared And that is why my shtetele as small as it may be
Warms my heart forever and means so much to me
I remember Mama as she led me down the street
Her hands so warm and gentle, her voice so soft and sweet
Mama reassured me that the learning won’t be tough
She promised I’d be smarter and the Rebbe won’t be rough
He greeted me so warmly, he taught me with a song
He told me happy stories, he kept me oh, so strong! And Papa was so proud of me, I brought him so much joy He called me Talmid Chacham, no more little boy! (chorus)
I used to be so helpful, I’d fix things when they’d tear
I’d patch my brothers’ trousers when they had no more to wear
I spent the afternoon with friends washing all the clothes
We scrubbed and rinsed together, we laughed and splashed our toes.
At home it wasn’t over, I did the household chores
I wore the same two dresses, although I wanted more
And Mama kept me close to her, and taught me all she knew
I dreamed I’d grow to be like her, my husband like Papa, too (chorus)
The questions that the children asked would often make me cry
They saw their Mama smiling, and wanted to know why
For Papa was away from us, the bread was only crust
On frosty nights we shivered, but I taught them how to trust.
I promised they’d be happy, I taught them many songs
I showed them how to daven, and soon they sang along
We learned to smile like rich men, we pitied all the poor
I fed them and they thanked me, they never asked for more
My shtetele, my shtetele, I hate to leave you so
Pinsk, my little shtetel, no matter where I go The memories and melodies of all my shtetel days Linger on no matter where, or how far away!
OPEN YOUR SHORES AMERICA
© Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
OPEN YOUR SHORES – AMERICA!
OPEN YOUR DOORS – AMERICA
FREE THE DISTRESSED OF NATIONS OPPRESSED
AMERICA – YOU’RE MINE, YOU’RE MINE
YOU’RE A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
A LAND THAT WELCOMES ALL
AND WHILE OTHERS RULE ACROSS THE SEA
YOUR FREEDOM BELL – IT CALLS
AMERICA – YOU’RE MINE, YOU’RE MINE
AMERICA
STAND BESIDE HER AND GUIDE HER
THROUGH THE NIGHT WITH A LIGHT FROM ABOVE
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE PRAIRIES
THROUGH THE OCEANS WHITE WITH FOAM
AMERICA – YOU’RE MINE, YOU’RE MINE
MY HOME, SWEET HOME
AMERICA – YOU’RE MINE, YOU’RE MINE
AMERICA (MY HOME, SWEET HOME)
REGARDS FROM OUR SHTETELACH
© Adapted from Yom Tov Erlich original by Mrs. Dina Storch
Far in Europe, somewhere in the middle
‘midst the mountains and the hills
There once was the Yishuv of the Yidden
And its memories echo still
Narrow alleys, long and winding pathways
Always crowded, always full
Little children running off to Cheder
And their fathers off to shul
On the roads, coaches filled with Orchim
The horses gallop to their tune
For Shabbos, arriving are Chassidim
yes, they will greet their Rebbe soon
In the kitchens housewives work and bustle
’til late at night, they’re on their feet
The girls are out and picking flowers
Lekovod Shabbos - something sweet
Regards from our shtetelach, regards from our gesalach
Regards from what we called the “alte heim”
Regards from every winding street
Little houses trim and neat
Regards from every door and windowpane
Regards from porches bending low, candles burning all aglow
The picture - forever will remain……
Regards from little farming fields, regards from a small water mill
Regards from the surrounding forest deep
Regards from merchants selling goods, markets filled with freshest foods
Regards from the town shlepper - fast asleep
Regards from neighbors big and small, friends you cherished one and all
Memories that you will always keep
Every morning the shamash rises early
And with a fiddle plays his tune
Near each window he stops and gives a twiddle
“wake up, Yidden! Shacharis is soon!”
As the children rub their weary eyelids
Every father’s long since gone
The sweetest sounds of voices learning Torah
From the Bais Medrash carry on
In the streets are rushing crowds of women
Dressed in their best, they’re off to a Bris
The children scatter alongside them
Hoping the party they won’t miss
And at the outskirts there is a levayah
One of the elders of the town
The Kohen behind a house is hiding
As the procession comes around
Regards from our shtetelach, regards from our gesalach
Regards from what we called the “alte heim”
Regards from every winding street
Little houses trim and neat
Regards from every door and windowpane
Regards from porches bending low, candles burning all aglow
The picture - forever will remain……
Regards from what seems yesterday
Impressions linger still today
In our street corners and in our shuls
A Zaidy who can tell his tale
Sweet and sour - ginger ale
Mixed emotions - Hope has been his tool
A life of simple honesty, sharing joys and tragedies
And most of all ‘lived by the Torah’s rule’
A shorter version of the song:
Far in Europe, somewhere in the middle
‘midst the mountains and the hills
Life in Russia was pleasant for the Yidden
And its memories echo still
Narrow alleys, long and winding pathways
Always crowded, always full
Little children running off to Cheder
And their fathers off to shul
On the roads, coaches filled with Orchim
The horses gallop to their tune
For Shabbos, arriving are Chassidim
yes, they will greet their Rebbe soon
In the kitchens housewives work and bustle
’til late at night, they’re on their feet
The girls are out and picking flowers
Lekovod Shabbos - something sweet
Regards from little farming fields
Nearby a round water mill
Regards from what we called the “Alte Heim”
Regards from every winding street
Little houses trim and neat
Regards from every door and windowpane
Regards from neighbors big and small
Friends you cherished one and all - the picture - forever will remain……
SHEFFORD
© Composed by Mrs. Dina Storch
Are you coming to Shefford with me?
Families broken apart – taken away
Where the river flows ‘long the green
Mothers torn from their children
And the shutters of small, white painted houses
ASHES –SOAP BARS – YELLOW STAR
Ruffle their curtains and sway with the breeze
What remains …… but a memory ……
Freshly cut grass – abundance of flowers
They’re coming, they’re choosing – what if it’s me?
Every petal dampened by dew
I’m scared, I’m hungry, my mouth is dry
Across from the haystack – a garden of colors
Hiding in haystacks – ‘talis’ and ‘tefilin’
The deepest of RED – the softest of ‘blue’
No more song…… no strength to pray ………
A row of shops, elderly merchants
Trains are traveling – human cargo
In each window, a can filled with treats
Scarred faces…… SULLEN …… and ‘SUNK’
One little boy licks on a lolly
No expression, no will to live
While Mother fills her basket with sweets
Maybe the dead have it better
Out in the field, a school bell is ringing
Whistles shrill, at the blink of an eyelash, a wail
And the children giggle with fun
Gone are the thousands – gone with the sun
The clouds are “PUFFED” – the sun sort of misty ….
PANIC – CONFUSION – OH, HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?
Hinting signs, ‘the day will be done’
Piles of ashes …… pillars of smoke
Grandmother rocks, pussy is sleeping – SHHH!
“Run away, child, the link of our family you are”
And the night’s as calm as the day
We are just “numbers” but you’ll carry on
She sips her tea and munches on pastry
“Run, child, faster – for the sake of your father!”
She rolls up her yarn and puts it away
“Never forget the face of your mother”
The cottage “STILL” – the wind is a whisper ……
I’ve heard there are children who still bear a smile
And the children dream with the moon
Where are these children? Take me to them!!!!
Another day in the history of Shefford
SAVE ME! BROTHERS! HELP ME BE FREE!
Familiar sounds and similar tune
I live for the sake of my family ………
THE AMERICAN REALITY
© Written by: Mrs. Dina Storch and Bracha Storch
He’s Off On His Own To A World Unknown
No One To Carry Him Through
How Will He Withstand The Tests He Will Face
Will He Recognize The Truth
Oh, Why Must My Son Be A Sacrifice
To Leave Our Shtetel Alone
Here, His Faith Is Strong – Will He Ever Belong
Can He Kindle The Flame On His Own?
I’m Scared And Yet So Brave
Going On My Own
Not Ready For What Lies Ahead
Yearning For Evertyhing Back Home
I’m Leaving Behind An Entire World
Feeling So Far Away
Who Knows What I Face In This Strange And Foreign Place
Will They Recognize Me When We Meet Someday?
I’m Traveling Miles And Weeks Over Seas
Oh, Take Me To Where I Am At Ease
How Have I Left The Life I Love In Exchange For The Unknown? How Do I Leave My Family Before I’m Really Grown?
Streets Of Gold – Send Him Back To Me
My Son Is Not Yet Ready For That Harsh Reality
Innocent His Soul – No Need To Be Free
Treat My Child With Care – A Good Jew Let Him Be
In Those Streets Of Gold
Streets Of Gold – Beckoning To Me
I’m Hoping To Discover A New Reality
Innocent My Soul – No Need To Be Free
Open Up Your Shore So All This I Can See
In Those Streets Of Gold
So I Say A Little Prayer
And Shed A Silent Tear
Asking For Your Help
Trusting That You’re There
I Stand Before You
Humbly Making A Vow
To Place My Will Into Your Hands
And Continue As I Am Now
I Will Not Change My Values
Or Fall Into The Trap
I’ll Look At Things With Care
How Will I Bridge The Gap?
Streets Of Gold – Home Land Of The Free
You And I – We’re Trapped – No! This Is Not Reality
Burning Heart And Soul, Never Home To Me
This Land Is Corrupt – The Truth We’ll Never See
Not A Street Of Gold…
There’s No Milk And Honey Here
There’s Barely Any Money Here
Soon They Will Be Here
To Find No Comfort Here
Oh, What A Shame For You
Who Traveled Oceans On This Boat
How Will You Ever Keep
Your Hopes Afloat?
So I Say A Little Prayer
And Shed A Silent Tear
Asking For Your Help
Trusting That You’re There
We Stand Before You
Humbly Making A Vow
To Place Our Son Into Your Hands
And Continue As He Is Now
Don’t Let Him Change His Values
Or Fall Into The Trap
Help Him Pass Each Test
So He Can Bridge The Gap
(Son)Streets Of Gold – Beckoning To Me
(Parents)My Son Is Not Yet Ready For That Harsh Reality
(Immigrants)You And I – We’re Trapped – No! This Is Not Reality
(Son)Open Up Your Shore – (Immigrants)Never Home To Me
(Parents)Treat My Child With Care - A Good Jew Let Him Be
(Immigrants)The Truth He’ll Never See
(Son) A Good Jew Let Me Be
(Son And Parents)In Those Streets Of Gold
(Immigrants) Not A Street Of Gold…
(Son) Where Are Those Streets Of Gold
Let Me Be! Let Me Be! Let Me Be!
WAITING IN THE TRAIN STATION
© Tune: uvenei yisroel yotzim beyad romoh – avram fried
Lyrics: Mrs. Dina Storch
Waiting in the train station
Clickety Clack
We are heading on our way
And we are coming back
Bags are locked
And trunk are labeled
Find your seats and off we go
Downtown – where the noise is
Uptown – where the ‘shtatz’ is
Out of town – where the mountains rise before your eyes
Urban – underground
Suburban – not a sound
And Subway – it’s the only way we get around
Rolling through the countryside
We’re racing in our seats
Scenic valleys, bridges, lakes
The picture is complete
Chug Chug
Clickety Clack Clack
Chug Chug
Clickety Clack Clack
We’re riding home
WE'RE OFF WE'RE GOING
© Music and Lyrics by Mrs. Dina Storch
We’re off – we’re going
747 Boeing
The pilot’s boarding, boarding
Oh! My heart is soaring
Have you checked your luggage?
Labels here for all your baggage
Has your kosher meal been ordered?
Have you tipped the porter?
Going far away, our hearts remain in Yemen
Leaving memories of centuries in Yemen
Who can light the spark that makes us dance in unity
Noone else can understand our music in its beauty
Going off to China
For a little while
Eat with chopsticks
Chinese style
Maybe find a baby sleeping in the sun
OOPS! MY PLANE! I MUST RUN!
Thank you, thank you Mr. Taximan
Thank you, thank you for the ride
I’m off – to catch a flight to Shefford
My associates are waiting here inside ba da da da da da
Got my stopwatch and my walking stick
Just can’t wait to see the green
“Paging Mr. B” they’re calling someone
FAREWELL – it must be me they mean
Forever my Yerushalayim
I leave with teardrops in my eyes
My heart’s with you, Yerushalayim
And so – I never say goodbye
I may be far away in London
It’s not by choice that I have flown
My heart’s with you, Yerushalayim
You’ll always, always be my home
We’re off – we’re going
747 Boeing
The pilot’s boarding, boarding
Oh! My heart is soaring
Have you checked your luggage?
Labels here for all your baggage
Has your kosher meal been ordered?
Have you tipped the porter?
Get set, we’re going going
The conveyer’s rolling, rolling
No delays, they’re calling, calling
Hear the engines roaring
We’re off to different places
Different styles and different faces
Each man to his destination
Flying’s a sensation…. Flying’s a sensation