We have just finished an intensive period of Jewish Holy days.
One of the festivals was Succot (“Tabernacles”), at the end of which is Shemini Azeret (The eighth day of solemn assembly). On this day, we pray for wind and rain, traditionally because of climactic conditions in the middle east. I am not sure this prayer would have been included in the liturgy if Moses had led the Children of Israel to the UK.
Anyway, here is my take on it.
Prayer for Rain
Make the rain to fall and the wind to blow
And in deep winter, crisp white snow.
Lord, spread your moisture on the earth.
Give next year’s crops a healthy birth.
Precipitation now despatch
On football, golf and cricket match
And let it rain down cats and dogs -
But not till I’m home from Synagogue.
It seems the Greek economic situation is sending all Europe into a tailspin. Here are the lyrics the Bee Gees might have used if they were writing their songs today:
Greece
We’ve got big problems. Things are really tight.
They’ve got a massive debt. They’ve got to put it right.
There’s a big danger it has gone too far
if they believe they can go back to the Drachma
Greece is the word.
They think our bail-out plan’s a major pain.
Why don’t they understand? Their government is to blame.
Their leader’s lyin’, only real is real.
We’ll stop the handouts soon, if they back out of the deal.
Greece is the word.
(Greece is the word, is the word that you’ve heard
It’s got debt. It’s got meaning.
Greece is the time, is the place of commotion.
Greece is the country we’re feeding.)
We take the pressure and we throw away good banking policies, and all of Europe must pay.
There is a chance that we can make it so far
if they pay back the debt, but at a high APR. Greece is the word.
(Greece is the word, is the word that you’ve heard
It’s got debt. It’s got meaning.
Greece is the time, is the place of commotion.
Greece is the country we’re feeding.)
You’re the one that I want
I got bills, they’re multiplyin’ and I’m losing control
‘Cos the pressure you’re applying, it’s electrifying.
Better pay up, cos I need a man
Who can show his word is true
Better cough up, you gotta understand
By the banks we’re getting screwed
Nothing left, no more dosh for me or you
You’re the one that I want
You are the one that I want
Ooh Ooh Ooh, Honey.
The one that I want,
You are the one that I want
Give me back my money
TYou’re the one that I want
You are the one that I want
OOh ooh ooh, your cash I need
Oh yes indeed.
