Music and Lyrics by Naomi Less and Glenn Grossman, www.naomiless.com
© Glomi Productions 2009
Note from the songwriter:
The Torah states, “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed” (Leviticus 19:16). Elie Wiesel adds, “because when you stand idly by you become an accomplice” and partially to blame. I have extended the meaning of “blood” to include someone’s “emotional blood”.
Lyrics:
Verse 1:
You see I understand it’s not so easy what you’re going through
Even though it might look easy for me but I’m tellin’ you
And I regret the times I didn’t follow my own inner rule
When I my voice choked up , I didn’t speak because it wasn’t cool
Oh, I stood and stared, aware, but didn’t try
I think that I know why
Chorus:
I won’t keep this to myself
There’s something that I’m trying to make you see
I won’t run from my RESPONSIBILITY
If I don’t speak then I’m to blame
I’m done with all these game
We can’t run from our responsibilities
I remember they were cruel to her but I just gave into them
I knew I oughta stop, but never thought my words could make it end
That quiet voice inside that’s killed by pride, but knows what’s right from wrong
Listen to it. Don’t you know, it doesn’t take much to be strong, Oh
Chorus
Oh, we should take care of one another
Oh, it’s easier to help each other
KULANU AREVIM ZEH BA-ZEH*
Look at that mirror deep inside
Don’t you ever try to run and hide
Chorus:
*Kulanu arevim zeh ba zeh is an adaptation of the Babylonian Talmud quote “kol yisrael Arevim Zeh ba zeh” (Shevuot 39a). This version compels us to be accountable for all of humanity, even beyond our own people, Israel, or the Jewish people.