Not the Raisins

Not the raisins nor almonds either
Did Father leave to go and see there,
Lullaby my son.
He left us and went far away
To where the darkness meets the day,
Lullaby my son.
Owls are hooting, wolves are baying,
G-d have mercy, hear my praying,
Lullaby my son.
Somewhere he may stand and wait,
Almonds, raisins fill his plate,
Lullaby my son.
Not the raisins nor almonds either
Did Father leave to go and see there,
Lullaby my son.
One day soon I know he’ll come
To visit you, his dearest one,
Lullaby my son.

Words: Yeshayahu Spiegel; Music: David Beigelman

Written in the Lodz Ghetto soon after the death of the poet’s little daughter, Chava. First performed by the singer Ella Diamant at the opening of the Cultural Center in the Ghetto, and sung by the Jews of Lodz, although banned by the head of the Judenrat (German-sponsored Jewish Council).