Worker’s Song

O I have my life and my labor!
Yah ḥai li, li-hah-‘amali!

Awaken, my brothers, there’s no time for rest,
arise and go forth, onward, to work!

Work is the ground that the world stands upon,
so give a cheer and sing out your thanks! 

For work and none other, we’ll live all our lives,
yes, it’s work that will save us from troubles and cares!

She—it’s work that breathes the breath of life
and work that makes our strong hard bones!

It gives the body strength and might
lends the head vigor and brains! 

By work we’re made rich, honest work brings success,
and it’s work that brings us every blessing! 

From the dew of heaven and every sweetness
work gives bread to eat and clothes to wear! 

Working the land offers another profit
for work is the soul of all the nation!   

For it is the foundation of all its labor —
blessed is the nation who is like this!

And thus, my brother, onward to work
so give a cheer and sing out your thanks!