עניין של הרגל [Inyan Shel Hergel] [English translation]

To learn to kill

Is a matter of drive*)

The beginnings are easy

And then you get the hang of it

Patrolling all night long

In the kasbah of Nablus

Hey, what is ours

And what yours

For now it's just a drill

Riffle's butt pounding on doors

Children in shock

Terrified family

And then - curfew

It becames dangerous

The death awaiting

Around every corner

Cock your weapon

Your arm trembles

The finger stiff,

Glued to the trigger

Heart running wild

Pounds in terror

It knows - next time

It will be easier

They're no man, no woman

They're just object, just shadow

To learn to kill

Is a matter of habit

To learn to fear

Is a matter of drive*)

The beginnings are easy

And then you get the hang of it

Messages from high places

Descend upon the streets

No chance to be tired

The end is near

Prophecies of horror

Like ravens cawing

Lock up your sutters

Hide inside your houses

We are just a handfull,

They are multitudes

Such small a country

Devored by foes

Hatred in their hearts only,

Black and evil urges,

Yes, to learn to fear

Is a matter of habit

To learn cruelty

Is a matter of drive

The beginnings are easy

And then you get the hang of it

Every child is a man

Gready for glory

Hands behind your head,

Spread your feet

These are dangerous times

It's time for fearing

Soldier, harden up,

Ther's no honor in mercy

The cousin - a beast,

Used to see blood

Does not have feeling for suffering

He's not human

Weared-out fatigues

Exhaustion and routine

Idiocy - almost wickedness

Is near

Only ours, only ours

Is Israel's land

To learn cruelty

Is a matter of habit

Hey kid, kid, halt

Hey kid, kid, come back

Come to me, beloved one

Come to me my child

So cold are the skies

And it's getting dark

The tin soldiers are still here,

Under the bed

Come home, my child,

Come home

To learn to love

Means gentilness,

Treding slowly

In a cloud of tenderness

We'll hesitate, we'll melt

We'll be soft, we'll be kind

To learn to love

Is a matter of habit

To be human

Is a matter of drive*)

It germinates like a embryon

And then you get the hang of it

To be just a moment,

Only now, just today,

On the other side

Of the check post

But our hearts are coarse

And our skin is so thick,

Deaf and blind

In the present times bubble

We'll look in wonder

At the fallen angel

To be human

Is a matter of habit

• Artist:Izhar Ashdot
• Album:"A Matter of Habit" (Inian Shel Hergel)