"BaShana HaBa'a" (Hebrew: בשנה הבאה, "Next Year") is a 1970 Israeli song with music by Nurit Hirsch and lyrics by Ehud Manor. The song was first performed by the duo Ilan & Ilanit.

Background edit

The song was written by Ehud Manor in memory of his younger brother Yehuda Weiner, who was killed during his military service in 1968.[1][2] The song describe Manor's dream to spend more time with his late brother.[1]

Manor asked Nurit Hirsch to orchestrate his lyrics, at the request of Shlomo Zach, the manager of the singer Ilanit. Hirsch composed the song with a melodic and melancholic tune, in a 6/8 rhythm. Zach believed that the song did not suit Ilanit's career at that point, and he requested both Hirsch and Manor to create a version that was joyful and filled with hope. Hirsch adjusted the melody accordingly, changing the rhythm to 4/4. In parallel, Manor made changes to the lyrics. Originally, Manor concluded the song with the words: "Anafa levana tifrosh ba'or knafayim, vehashemesh tis'ka b'tochan" - "A white cloud will spread its wings in the light, and the sun will set within it"; a description of the reality seen from the balcony of his home, facing the Carmel shoulder to the west. At the request of Hirsch, Manor chose the alternative and optimistic wording, "Hashemesh tizrach b'tochan" - "The sun will rise within it."[3]

versions of the song edit

In Israel edit

The song was first performed by the duo Ilan & Ilanit and had many versions over the years by different singer including Rinat Gabay, Gitit Shoval and Ron Druyan, Uzi Hitman, Gali Atari and Hani Nahmias, Yaffa Yarkoni, Dalia Cohen, Hovi Star, Israel Gurion, Sarai Tzuriel, Shiri Maimon and Ido Maimon.[4]

In the world edit

The song became popular among Jewish communities in the world. In 2020, the Jewish A Capella group the Maccabeats released a cover for the song.[5]Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme featuring The Mike Curb Congregation also made a cover to the song.[6]

The same melody was arranged and sung by Iranian singer Aref as "Kochooloo" (K"uchulu)", and by Turkish singer Nilüfer as "Başıma gelenler". [citation needed] Julius Wechter and the Baja Marimba Band covered the song on their 1971 album Julius Wechter and the Baja Marimba Band's Back under the title "Anytime of the Year (Bashana Haba'ah)".[7] Roberto Blanco performed a German version of the song called "Dieses Jahr" (1971).[8]

External links edit

Hebrew and English lyrics of the song

Singable Polish translation of the song

External videos
  BaShana Ha-Ba'ah – Ilan e Ilanit
  Kochooloo عارف - کوچولو – Aref
  Başıma Gelenler – Nilüfer
  Kaplumbağa Çocuk Şarkısı – Onur Erol
  Göksel – Başıma Gelenler

References edit

  1. ^ a b זנדר, גלי (2016-05-30). "הסודות מאחורי השירים הישראלים". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  2. ^ "Nurit Hirsh: Israel's beloved songwriter, making hits for over 60 years". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2022-11-12. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  3. ^ נורית הירש - הפרויקט של הפיס - תיעוד יוצרים במוסיקה הישראלית יחד עם יואב קוטנר, retrieved 2023-12-01
  4. ^ "Bashana Haba'ah - Hebrew Lyrics with English transliteration and translation and 23 unique videos of the popular song". Bashana Haba'ah - Hebrew Lyrics with English transliteration and translation and 23 unique videos of the popular song. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  5. ^ Algemeiner, The (2020-09-09). "Jewish A Capella Group The Maccabeats Cover Popular Hebrew Song Ahead of Rosh Hashanah - Algemeiner.com". www.algemeiner.com. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  6. ^ Bashana Haba-Ah, retrieved 2023-12-01
  7. ^ "Julius Wechter and the Baja Marimba Band's Back. Discogs. Accessed 10 May 2021.
  8. ^ "Roberto Blanco, Dieses Jahr. Discogs. Accessed 17 April 2023.