trans lation

"Whoever's willing enough to try to compile the many translations I have done deserves a big long hug and a kiss maybe, maybe not"

The first song translation to be included on here will be a special one

NOTE: Not all translations are accurate or even meant to be accurate, some are poetical, others are accurate, depends on the translator.

"The Nature Reserve Waltz", originally by the Nahal Band, written and composed by Naomi Shemer.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington, dated March 5th, 2000.

VERSE ONE

Narcissi are already growing in the nature reserves, growing in the lows of the shore are windflowers and turmerics of many kinds and colors. And the sign which says "Picking these is not allowed!"

CHORUS

Only I do not have any law protecting me, only I have nobody watching me, if I were for example a sunflower, maybe things would be different for me.

VERSE TWO

Rare birds are already flying in, rare trees are already growing. Frightened Reindeers look at the sign which says clearly 'No Hunting Allowed!'

CHORUS (AGAIN)

Only I have no sign telling others not to hurt me, only I have no boundaries, if I were, for instance, a reindeer then maybe things would be different for me.

FINAL VERSE

Sir, beware, do not touch the Iris, the flowers of the mountain are off limits. Every hill on the fringes of the city is now a nature reserve and is off limits.

BRIDGE

Then I sometimes wonder if it was how God intended, if I were a Narcissus or a Cyclamen or even just a regular old sunflower…

Look at what happens to me in my life, everyone who passes, grabs, touches and takes away my innocence.

If I were an animal or a flower, then maybe things would be different for me…

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew, you wouldn't understand it, hence the translation but still.

The next song translated is quite European, you probably don't know it either though...

"Jag Blir Hellre Jagad Av Vargar", originally by and written and composed by Hans Eriksson, aka Orup.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington, dated October 23rd, 1998.

VERSE ONE

I just escaped some kind of demon, what was heaven for them was hell for me, they were nothing but trouble but they claimed to love me...

VERSE TWO/PRE-CHORUS

I was the peasant, they were the monarch, they were the focus, I was the forgotten one. I've stuck my head inside the sand for too damn long...

CHORUS

I'd rather be hunted down by wolves! I'd rather die slowly than be forced to love you, rather be hunted down by wolves than be forced to love you!

VERSE THREE

I had to make new friends, because the ones I had all ran away, They had enough of your bullshit and of your ineptitude...

CHORUS AGAIN

I'd rather be hunted down by wolves! I'd rather be crucified than be forced to love you, rather kill my best friend than be forced to love you!

FINAL CHORUS

I'd rather be hunted down by wolves! I'd rather be frozen to death than be forced to love you, rather blow up the planet than be forced to love you, OH! I'd rather be hunted down by wolves! I'd rather become God and destroy the universe! Rather be hunted down by wolves than be forced to love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

end of song

The original song, its in Swedish, you wouldn't understand it, hence the translation but still, although it must be noted, the actual music video is blocked.

The following song is yet another one you probably don't know

"Gate of Mercy", originally by and written and composed by Meir Banai.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington, dated March 5th, 1993.

NOTE: This is one of the first ever translations done by Eleanor.

VERSE ONE

Going around the old city. It's noisy at every corner. I already know, already know my way. The path to...the gate of mercy.

VERSE TWO

I don't look around, don't listen either. I'm a daydreamer but that's how it's always been. But I already know, already know my way. The path to...the gate of mercy.

CHORUS

You live once, only once. With purpose, purposeless. With power, powerless. The Gate of Mercy. Come with me together, come out from the anxiety. Because you, you're also a part of...the Gate of Mercy.

VERSE THREE

The signs above the stores, they reflect to the sidewalks. In my heart there's a great big wail. Show me the gate of mercy.

FINAL CHORUS

You live once, only once. With purpose, purposeless. With power, powerless. The Gate of Mercy. Come with me together, come out from the anxiety. Because you, you're also a part of...the Gate of Mercy. Come with me together, come out from the anxiety. Because you, you're also a part of...the Gate of Mercy

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew, you wouldn't understand it, hence the translation.

This next one is the first not to be translated by Eleanor! (at least on this website!)

"Mount Hermon Kingdom" (also known as "Kingdom of the Hermon", depending on the translator), originally by the Israeli Northern Command Band, written by Yovav Katz, composed by Effi Netzer.

Translation by Father Gerson Wellington, dated May 18th, 1968.

VERSE ONE

All the joyful words erupted once more in a euphoric aura. We climbed with all of our strength to the shining peaks of the Hermon

PRE-CHORUS

As dawn came, the night fled, the valley drowns in the light. Damascus is swallowed up by the horizons, Mount Gilboa kisses Mount Tabor

CHORUS

Only if you were here with me, if you were, if you were, I would've carried you on my shoulders. Above the foggy foggy clouds to collect stars in the skies.

VERSE TWO

If you were here with me, I would've given you something to remember. And all the lights my dear, from the Banias to the Sea of Galilee!

PRE-CHORUS

I would've given you a kingdom, dipped in a sea full of gold. And from the snow, I would've tailored you a dress as white as ivory!

CHORUS AGAIN

Only if you were here with me, if you were, if you were, I would've carried you on my shoulders. Above the foggy foggy clouds to collect stars in the skies.

VERSE THREE

We would've skied down the slopes, we would've been washed by the winds, we would've been full of silly joy and kissed each other for dessert

PRE-CHORUS

BUT YOU'RE NOT HERE WITH ME! AND ALL I HAVE HERE IS MY WEAPON WITH THEE. I swear, I'll build you a castle, a castle in the Mount Hermon Kingdom!

FINAL CHORUS

Only if you were here with me, if you were, if you were, I would've carried you on my shoulders. Above the foggy foggy clouds to collect stars in the skies. Only if you were here with me, if you were, if you were, I would've carried you on my shoulders. Above the foggy foggy clouds to collect stars in the skies...

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew, you wouldn't understand it, hence the translation.

Did someone say...MIZRAHI music!? No? Ok, well too damn bad!

"Soon the day will come" (also known as "One day", depending on the translator), originally by Zohar Argov, lyrics by Yoram Taharlev, composed by Abraham David HaCohen.

Translation by Father Gerson Wellington, dated August 12th, 1981

PRELUDE WAILING (not an actual part of the translation, just added as a bit...)

LE LE LE LE LEAAAAAAAAH LE LE LE LE LEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

VERSE ONE/CHORUS

Soon the day will come and we'll say cheers, in the mesmerising city of Zion, Jerusalem. And when that day comes, a dove will fly high up to the sky and a bard will come home, we'll all sing along with him too.

VERSE TWO

And the bard will play and sing songs of sorrow, songs of his beloved old new land, come join me little girlie, and sing along to this melody

CHORUS

Soon the day will come and we'll say cheers, in the mesmerising city of Zion, Jerusalem. And when that day comes, a dove will fly high up to the sky and a bard will come home, we'll all sing along with him too.

VERSE THREE

A wandering bard is the heart, he has no homeland, on the strings of memories, his hand shivers. Please save for me a tiny spot in your heart, for I am your lover...

CHORUS

Soon the day will come and we'll say cheers, in the mesmerising city of Zion, Jerusalem. And when that day comes, a dove will fly high up to the sky and a bard will come home, we'll all sing along with him too.

end of song

The original song, its not only in Hebrew, but it also contains several MIZRAHI wailings! Oh dear...

Now for something more...depressing.

"Gloomy Song" (also known as "Depressing Plea", depends on the translator), originally by The High Windows, lyrics by Rachel Bluwstein, composed by Shmulik Kraus.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington, dated December 4th, 1998

VERSE ONE

Hear my plea

Distant memory

Hear my plea

Whereever you may be

A mighty wail shatters my heart

A wail cries in my veins

And above anything else...

Who will I have to bless?

VERSE TWO

This land is large

And its paths abundant

They meet briefly

Only to disappear completely...

A person tries to walk but their legs betray their intent...

They will never find....

What they so dearly cherish

VERSE THREE

The last days of my life....

Are perhaps nearby...

Soon the day will come...

Of mournful tears of loss...

I'll wait for you until the day I die...

Like when Rachel waited...

For Jacob...

Hear my plea, distant memory...

end of song

The original song, it's in Hebrew, you wouldn't understand it, hence the translation.

Now, a translation of an important historical event...

"Response Speech to an Italian Captain" (also known as "In Response to an Italian Captain"), originally by the Nahal Band, lyrics by Nathan Alterman, composed by Yair Rosenblum.

Translation by Elizabeth Maria Wellington (nee, Iannuzzi), dated March 13th, 1972.

VERSE ONE

Clouds above our heads, as the wind roars mightly.

The Task has been made, Praise be!

Let's raise cheers, kapitan, for glory be, kapitan, we will meet again on the sea.

VERSE TWO

Though this journey is anonymous and unknown, and though she may not be very glamorous

If she's not already drawn on the maps, in the history books, she'll be remembered.

CHORUS (sorta...)

Oh, this small, grey fleet will be the subject of...

Many poets and plays!

I'm sure that many, kapitan, kapitan, would wish to be you.

Yes, I'm sure that many, kapitan, kapitan, would wish to be you.

VERSE THREE

The labor of our youth will forever be cryptic

But we will praise it, like we praise the Lord

You've seen how the ships who reach the shores...

Carry the people on their backs

na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na

VERSE FOUR

GLORY BE TO THIS COLD AND HARSH NIGHT!

GLORY BE TO THE PERIL AND THE DANGER!

GLORY BE TO THE SMALL BOATS, KAPITAN!

GLORY BE TO THE BOATS THAT WILL MAKE IT!

VERSE FIVE

GLORY BE TO THE MEN WHO TOOK CHARGE...

AND IN THE DARKNESS THEY SHINED THE LIGHT!

TO THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME...

WITH NO MAP, NO RADAR AND ON A HUNTING NIGHT!

VERSE ONE (REPEAT)

Clouds above our heads, as the wind roars mightly.

The Task has been made, Praise be!

Let's raise cheers, kapitan, for glory be, kapitan, we will meet again on the sea.

VERSE SIX

One day, you'll go to some pub in Genova.

You'll sit and sip on some Chianti...

And you'll smile and you'll spit out, some chewing tabacco...

You'll murmur "Oh back in my day..."

na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na

VERSE SEVEN

"Yes, I've seen a lot in this absurd world, but I'll always remember, by Santa Maria!

"How we sped out of there like wild geese, that same fateful night on the coasts of Nahariya..."

VERSE EIGHT

We'll tell you then, that the walls have fallen...

They've been open for a long while..., Praise be!

And those same lads who helped you that night...

Were the ones who helped us cause the collapse of those walls!

VERSE NINE

Then you'll laugh and say "The destroyers weren't a problem..."

"And the radar was completely useless..."

And you'll finish your rant with a big "vaffanculo!"

And the rest of the port will laugh with you!

VERSE TEN

So thus it was and always will be in the face of the mighty odds...

GLORY BE TO THE PERIL AND THE DANGER!

GLORY BE TO THE SMALL BOATS, KAPITAN!

GLORY BE TO THE BOATS THAT WILL MAKE IT!

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew and its a bit too Zionist, so you may not agree with it...

Time for something more biblical, yay, it's God's biography as written by a bunch of insecure men!

"The Jar of Flour", originally by the Israeli Northern Command Band, written and composed by Naomi Shemer.

Translation by Father Gerson Wellington, dated July 13th, 1986.

VERSE ONE

I go to the First Book of Kings...

The Seventeenth chapter...

I read of the Servant of God, who said so...

CHORUS

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

VERSE TWO

And when the rivers dried up...

And when the rain did not come...

That servant carved out these words from deep in his heart...

CHORUS

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

VERSE THREE

Perhaps that servant knew of famine?

Perhaps he knew of drought and war?

Perhaps to speak his mind, he sings and prays...

CHORUS

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

...rain upon the soil."

VERSE FOUR

And in these toughest of times...

Times of War and Famine...

I always go back to that servant and then recall...

CHORUS

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

"The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty..."

until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the soil."

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew and its about Elijah, maybe you'll like it, I'm not certain on that though...

Did someone ask for more depression? Sorry, we're out of happy songs for today, wait until tomorrow.

"We do not need (More than this)", originally by Shlomo Artzi.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington, dated October 7th, 1993.

VERSE ONE

All the tears in our eyes have already dried up

And our faces remain shell-shocked in silence...

What more must we ask, tell us, what more?

We've already asked for enough from you...

CHORUS

Let it rain when it should

And let it bloom when it's spring

And let them come back to their homes...

We do not need more than this...

VERSE TWO

We've already suffered a thousand or so scars.

Deep inside we repress our pain...

Our eyes have already dried from the tears...

Let us know we passed your test of faith...

CHORUS

Let it rain when it should

And let it bloom when it's spring

And let love rule again...

We do not need more than this...

VERSE THREE

We've already buried a mound or two...

We've already hid our hearts in the bushes...

Soon the pain will show, take this as a very personal cry for help...

FINAL CHORUS

Let it rain when it should

And let it bloom when it's spring

And let us see our loved ones again...

We do not need more than this...

Let it rain when it should

And let it bloom when it's spring

And let us see our loved ones again...

We do not need more than this...

end of song

The original song, its in Hebrew, hence the translation...

A duel translation this time around!

"This is all for you", originally by and written and composed by Danny Sanderson.

Translation by Eleanor "Bonnie" Wellington and Eileen "Susie/Suzy" Harrison, dated March 8th, 1998.

VERSE ONE

This is all for you.

Look at the sunset...

Her time has not yet passed!

The stars always rise...

Every day of the year!

"Where do the ducks go when the pond freezes over?"

VERSE TWO

Every day is full of miracles

And ours will be too...

This is all for you!

CHORUS?

Oh Eleanor, don't be so naive...

In life, my girl, there's no room for mere dreamers...

Oh Eleanor, wake up for me...

Either way, you'll remain...

My beacon of hopes and dreams.

VERSE THREE

We'll move to Seattle...

I'll go work somewhere special...

Through hard work and integrity...

I'll build us a legacy!

And it's all for you!

CHORUS?

Oh Eleanor, don't be so naive...

In life, my girl, there's no room for mere dreamers...

Oh Eleanor, wake up for me...

We'll overcome the odds...

FINAL CHORUS

Look at the sunset (Oh Eleanor...)

Her time has not yet passed (Don't be so naive...)

The stars always rise...(In the world, my girl...)

Every day of the year! (There's no room for mere dreamers...)

Oh Eleanor, wake up for me...

Either way you'll remain...

My beacon of hopes and dreams. (Tall Knight in Shining Armor...)

THIS IS ALL FOR YOU!

end of song...

The original song, its in Hebrew hence the translation...

A doozy, this next one, only because of who translated it!

"Let's Have a Celebration", originally by and composed by Yigal Bashan, written by Yaakov Roblit.

Translation by Toby "Radiation" Fox, dated April 2012.

CHORUS

Let's have a celebration…

Like the one we did last year…

And what's good for us...

Is also good for reindeers!

VERSE ONE

The darkness was upon us, as the holiday feeling neared.

I thought you wouldn't come, and that was something I feared.

I sat down and heard the chaos of the streets.

Suddenly you were at my doorstep, suddenly I felt real good.

We messed around together in the dark.

And listened to some music and drank some wine to mark.

The Bostonians went out but we did not.

I think we ignored the entire world that day…

CHORUS

Let's have a celebration…

Like the one we did last year…

And what's good for us...

Is also good for reindeers!

VERSE TWO

Inside the television, there were some news about some reds.

And suddenly I found out you have DAMN great legs!

somewhere people waved banners, somewhere a cannon went off!

and right as we arrived they played the trumpets of triumph.

And that's how it was all day and night

You and me together, we got over our fright.

Remember how we laughed? I've alreadty forgotten from what...

It has been so long since that innocent little year...

CHORUS

Let's have a celebration…

Like the one we did last year…

And what's good for us...

Is also good for reindeers!

VERSE THREE

And now as I sit here translating this old tune…

I don’t know where and how but the city swallowed you up too!

A lot has happened to you, a lot has happened to me...

An innocent little year passed by, what are your thoughts that we might...

FINAL CHORUS

have a celebration…

Like the one we did last year…

And what's good for us...

Is also good for reindeers!

Hehe!!!

END OF SONG

The original song, it's in Hebrew, but if Toby Fox could get it then ma-nah, you wouldn't get it, hence the translation...

Next translation sentence here...oh wait....there is none!

"Out of Love", originally by and written by Yossi Banai, composed by Matti Caspi.

Translation by Eileen "Susie" Harrison, dated February 14th, 1998.

VERSE ONE

When a person loves another...

They always tell them, repeat and tell them...

That they're so divine, that they're so divine...

VERSE TWO

When a cloud loves another...

They always tell them, repeat and tell them...

That they are so soft, that they are so soft...

CHORUS

And only I, out of love, stay quiet...

Quiet...quiet....

VERSE THREE

When a fly loves another...

They always tell them, repeat and tell them...

That they're the prettiest in the world, that they're the prettiest in the world...