Mohammed Assaf released his latest single at the beginning of Israel’s recent slaughter in Gaza. The song and prophetic lyrics have accompanied Palestinians, and many of us all over the world, through darkness and unspeakable horror this last month. As another ceasefire comes to a close, and Palestinians in Gaza brave on with unfathomable courage, Raise Your Head High:
Lift your head high
It is your weapon
The origin of dignity is humanity
The son of the free land of sun
Your son Gaza will not be disgraced
Gaza is calling
But who’s to hear
Gaza calls With the might of those hands
Throw your enemy with stones
And you’ll stand in the face of death
We have all the rights
We are all for it
The day the right is regained
We shall sacrifice for its soil
Take my blood and give me freedom
My land is from river to sea
O Gaza present your men
Each one equals a hundred
No matter how intense injustice has come
We will protect the land
It’s either victory or martyrdom
The men of this land said
O soil of beloved forgotten land
With precious blood precious you’re irrigated
My Land sing your hymn
Stand strong be ready for freedom
Lift your head high
It is your weapon
The origin of dignity is humanity
The son of the free land of sun
Your son Gaza will not be disgraced
The ceasefire “comes to a close”? A very gentle way to put it… How about: ‘Hamas decided to break the ceasefire- like they broke the previous ones- and resume the bloodshed and bring more misery’.
Powerful and inspiring.
Can’t listen without crying – reminds me of resistance songs of Occupied Poland
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Thanks for this, Annie!
…the BEST!
Thanks for bringing this to the front page, Annie.
I’ve listened to it daily (sometimes more than once) since the slaughter began. It’s really good for a cry and to stiffen one’s backbone in the face of Israel’s disregard for human life and nurtured depravity.
It’s also great for remembering just how resilient and strong the Palestinians are.