Dedication

[bnewman]

A song that uses the story of Chanukah (which means "dedication") as a metaphor for any struggle to maintain one's sense of self and self-worth.

lyrics and music by Benjamin Newman

listen to this song

/: Am - - - / F G - - :/ F - - - / G - - - /

 

They conquered my land

They told me who I couldn't be

I did not understand

Only now, looking back, can I see

 

That my being who I was inside

Represented a threat to their pride

 

I became who they said

I bowed down to the lies that they told

But the truth wasn't dead

And it told me I had to be bold

 

I knew in my heart what was right

I decided to stand up and fight

 

I took to the hills

Striking back from the canyons and cracks

In a battle of wills

I was able to take my land back

 

It took all of my sinew and bone

And a strength that was more than my own

 

But when I returned

I saw that the lamps had gone out

Where once there had burned

The light that my life was about

 

Was a temple defiled by war

The lamps had to be kindled once more

 

So I looked for the stuff

Whose energy lights up my self

And there wasn't enough

There was only one jar on the shelf

 

But I didn't have time to despair

I'd no choice but to use what was there

 

So I'm turning to You

You were there in the midst of my fight

Your strength carried me through

To where I could rekindle my light

 

For I know that this light is divine

It was Yours long before it was mine

Lord, please let it continue to shine