A Well in the Field

Emanuel Zamir

1956

Shepherds had dug a well in the field
but herds of others encircled it.
They left, roaming the mountain trails,
the shepherds who had dug it.
Oh, oh, oh! Desert oases . . .
the lanes of the herd dried up.
A lamb was lost as well
Who will take pity?
Upon the well dug by shepherds
the herds of others descend:
“Well, rise! Rise, well!”
It…
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Creator Bio

Emanuel Zamir

1925–1962

Born in Petaḥ Tikvah, Emanuel Zamir became a founding figure in the sphere of Hebrew folk song. He began his musical career during his service in the Israel Defense Forces, where he helped organize an orchestra and several smaller bands. In the 1950s, he adapted this approach to civilian life, traveling the country and establishing singing groups. On his tours throughout the country, Zamir drew inspiration from Arab and Bedouin communities he visited, imitating the melodies and instrumentations he heard and composing songs with his own poetry. His music became widely popular, the lyrics to his songs remarkable for their lofty, biblically inspired register and pastoral imagery.

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