משירי ארץ אהבתי [Mishirei Eretz Ahavati] [English translation]

My homeland -- land of beauty and poverty.

The queen has no home, the king has no crown.

There are seven spring days in the year

And cold and rain all the rest.

But for seven days the roses bloom,

And for seven days the dew drops shine,

And for seven days, windows are open.

And all your poor folk stand in the street

And lift their pale faces toward the good light,

And all your poor folk are happy.

My homeland, land of beauty and poverty,

The queen has no home, the king has no crown.

There are seven holy days in the year

And hunger and toil all the rest.

But for seven days the candles are blessed,

And for seven days the tables are set,

And for seven days, hearts are open.

And all your poor folk stand in prayer,

Your sons and daughters are grooms and brides,

And all your poor folk are brethren.

My miserable land, impoverished and bitter,

The king has no home, the queen has no crown.

Only one in the world your praises has spoken;

Your infamy and shame all the rest.

And therefore I’ll visit every street and corner,

Every market and courtyard and alley and garden.

From the rubble of your ruins I’ll gather little stones

To keep for souvenirs.

As from town to town, from country to country,

I’ll wander with a song and a music box

To relate your glorious penury.

• Artist:Leah Goldberg