Comes in a lovely case with original artwork by Roz Freeman.
Includes unlimited streaming of Elul: Songs for Turning
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Sold Out
about
This song is based on a nugget of ancient Jewish wisdom: "It's not up to you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." It's an insight that helps me keep perspective when I feel the weight of the world bearing down. This is a song for all the activists, perfectionists, doers, dreamers, and worriers... really for anyone who's trying to hold it all together these days. I hope we'll each hear the message we need to hear -- whether that means pushing ourselves to do more, or showing ourselves compassion, or a little of each.
lyrics
When your eyes are aching and your head is foggy, forgive yourself.
When the dishes pile up and the blocks are on the floor,
and you know that you should clean them but you lie on the couch, forgive yourself.
When the day is over and you need another day before tomorrow comes, forgive yourself.
When your little one clings and cuddles like you might leave again soon, forgive yourself.
Because it’s not up to you to finish the work –
It’s not on your shoulders to get it all done,
So at some point you’ll just have to throw in the towel, and
Forgive yourself.
When you dream of moving to Fiji or Canada, check yourself.
When you see the news and you shut yourself down as the headlines scroll by, check yourself.
When you think of a thousand excuses why you can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, just check yourself.
When you’re tempted to leave it to fate or to faith, check yourself.
Because you’re not free to desist from the work –
You are bound up with others you don’t even know,
And choosing silence enables evil, so
Check yourself.
But if you falter and fall short of where you thought you’d be, forgive yourself.
And if you need some distraction from stupid TV, forgive yourself.
If your inbox is bursting and you just can’t keep up, forgive yourself.
And if you don’t have it in you to save the day today,
take off your superwoman cape and forgive yourself.
Because it’s not up to you to finish the work –
It’s not on your shoulders to get it all done,
So at some point you’ll just have to pass the baton and
Forgive yourself.
But if you’re thinking of taking a four-year sabbatical, check yourself.
And if your heart is hardening to anyone not like you, check yourself.
If you’re only looking out for number one, just check yourself.
And if you’re treating people like a means to an end, check yourself.
Because you’re not free to desist from the work –
You are bound up with others you don’t even know,
So don’t lose sight of the reason for the fight, and
Check yourself.
It’s not up to you to finish the work,
But you’re not free to cast it aside –
And neither am I, so please remind me when I forget
That it’s not up to me,
And it’s not up to you,
But it sure as hell is on us.
--
Adapted from Pirkei Avot 2:21: Lo alecha ham'lacha ligmor, v'lo ata ben chorin l'hibatil mimena.
credits
from Elul: Songs for Turning,
released September 7, 2017
Sarah Beller: vocals
Matthew Goldfield: guitar
Utterly gorgeous songs that combine traditional folk and bluegrass with the Jewish Sabbath liturgy to moving effect. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 24, 2023
