This song was produced by Mati Caspi, one of the iconic Israeli rock stars. Interestingly enough Mati Caspi also had songs which dealt with theological and philosophical aspects. His lyrics are similar to Cohen in a way, although it's hard to compare Hebrew songs to American. At the end of each verse Cohen sings with very much pronounce Yiddish melody, which makes this song very Jewish in my eyes.
The lyrics deal with Jewish identity, and more so with Jewish identity in the State of Israel. If I can interpret the text, the new face - is the new way of relating to Jewish culture, to being a Jew in new times when there is finally a state which didn't exist before, the state which needs protection. Old stereotypes about Jews unable to defend themselves must be destroyed. And the reply as I see it, God says that Jews already have everything they need to protect themselves, "you can use it as a weapon", and to multiply "or make some woman smile" in order to build their state. God also says that he always protected his people and will do it again if needed.
This is such a powerful and proud song, I can see how fitting it is in the context of war. Sheer brilliance.
@iliadav
Hi. Thank you. Now I understand more. Originally I thought it was about Jewish self-hatred, but that didn't make sense because LC has a strong and positive Jewish identity.
However, doesn't your interpretation portray diaspora Jews in a very negative light - fear, filth, cowardice, shame - ?
And who is the lover? I think it was an Israeli mother or spouse or brother or sister who is seeing the soldier go off to war. And of course the idea is "come back to me" from the war. I think he was very moved by what he saw there....
@iliadav
Hi. Thank you. Now I understand more. Originally I thought it was about Jewish self-hatred, but that didn't make sense because LC has a strong and positive Jewish identity.
However, doesn't your interpretation portray diaspora Jews in a very negative light - fear, filth, cowardice, shame - ?
And who is the lover? I think it was an Israeli mother or spouse or brother or sister who is seeing the soldier go off to war. And of course the idea is "come back to me" from the war. I think he was very moved by what he saw there.
@Mikohns. You're making a very interesting point. I don't think the diaspora Jews are portrayed in a negative light - the stereotypes associated with diaspora Jews are. That's what Cohen refers to when he sings "my name" in my opinion. 'Lover come back to me" doesn't really fit any of the verses, but maybe, just maybe, if we look at this song as a prayer or a psalm rather, then, it would make sense as something LC asks from God in addition to the main request to give him a new identity. I agree that "lover" most likely refers to...
@Mikohns. You're making a very interesting point. I don't think the diaspora Jews are portrayed in a negative light - the stereotypes associated with diaspora Jews are. That's what Cohen refers to when he sings "my name" in my opinion. 'Lover come back to me" doesn't really fit any of the verses, but maybe, just maybe, if we look at this song as a prayer or a psalm rather, then, it would make sense as something LC asks from God in addition to the main request to give him a new identity. I agree that "lover" most likely refers to a soldier. So, yes, it's a war song from a pacifist point of view.
The lover is Israel! All through the books of Moses and the prophets, the Lord asks Israel to return to him.
The 'he' in 'And he said, Lover, lover, lover come back to me.' is the Lord of hosts.
The lover is Israel! All through the books of Moses and the prophets, the Lord asks Israel to return to him.
The 'he' in 'And he said, Lover, lover, lover come back to me.' is the Lord of hosts.
This song was produced by Mati Caspi, one of the iconic Israeli rock stars. Interestingly enough Mati Caspi also had songs which dealt with theological and philosophical aspects. His lyrics are similar to Cohen in a way, although it's hard to compare Hebrew songs to American. At the end of each verse Cohen sings with very much pronounce Yiddish melody, which makes this song very Jewish in my eyes.
The lyrics deal with Jewish identity, and more so with Jewish identity in the State of Israel. If I can interpret the text, the new face - is the new way of relating to Jewish culture, to being a Jew in new times when there is finally a state which didn't exist before, the state which needs protection. Old stereotypes about Jews unable to defend themselves must be destroyed. And the reply as I see it, God says that Jews already have everything they need to protect themselves, "you can use it as a weapon", and to multiply "or make some woman smile" in order to build their state. God also says that he always protected his people and will do it again if needed.
This is such a powerful and proud song, I can see how fitting it is in the context of war. Sheer brilliance.
@iliadav Hi. Thank you. Now I understand more. Originally I thought it was about Jewish self-hatred, but that didn't make sense because LC has a strong and positive Jewish identity. However, doesn't your interpretation portray diaspora Jews in a very negative light - fear, filth, cowardice, shame - ? And who is the lover? I think it was an Israeli mother or spouse or brother or sister who is seeing the soldier go off to war. And of course the idea is "come back to me" from the war. I think he was very moved by what he saw there....
@iliadav
Hi. Thank you. Now I understand more. Originally I thought it was about Jewish self-hatred, but that didn't make sense because LC has a strong and positive Jewish identity. However, doesn't your interpretation portray diaspora Jews in a very negative light - fear, filth, cowardice, shame - ? And who is the lover? I think it was an Israeli mother or spouse or brother or sister who is seeing the soldier go off to war. And of course the idea is "come back to me" from the war. I think he was very moved by what he saw there.
@Mikohns. You're making a very interesting point. I don't think the diaspora Jews are portrayed in a negative light - the stereotypes associated with diaspora Jews are. That's what Cohen refers to when he sings "my name" in my opinion. 'Lover come back to me" doesn't really fit any of the verses, but maybe, just maybe, if we look at this song as a prayer or a psalm rather, then, it would make sense as something LC asks from God in addition to the main request to give him a new identity. I agree that "lover" most likely refers to...
@Mikohns. You're making a very interesting point. I don't think the diaspora Jews are portrayed in a negative light - the stereotypes associated with diaspora Jews are. That's what Cohen refers to when he sings "my name" in my opinion. 'Lover come back to me" doesn't really fit any of the verses, but maybe, just maybe, if we look at this song as a prayer or a psalm rather, then, it would make sense as something LC asks from God in addition to the main request to give him a new identity. I agree that "lover" most likely refers to a soldier. So, yes, it's a war song from a pacifist point of view.
@iliadav
@iliadav
The lover is Israel! All through the books of Moses and the prophets, the Lord asks Israel to return to him. The 'he' in 'And he said, Lover, lover, lover come back to me.' is the Lord of hosts.
The lover is Israel! All through the books of Moses and the prophets, the Lord asks Israel to return to him. The 'he' in 'And he said, Lover, lover, lover come back to me.' is the Lord of hosts.
I forgot to tell you that the 'And he said' is in the text of 'Lover, lover, lover' on the album 'New skin for the old ceremony.'
I forgot to tell you that the 'And he said' is in the text of 'Lover, lover, lover' on the album 'New skin for the old ceremony.'
@Haarajot your explanation fits makes sense!
@Haarajot your explanation fits makes sense!