Va'ani Ashir Uzecha (Psalm 59) (ואני אשיר עזך - תהלים נט) - Josh Warshawsky

Sheet Music, Chords, and more @ joshwarshawsky...
"Va'ani Ashir Uzecha," from the album "Chaverai Nevarech"
Melody by Josh Warshawsky
Lyrics from Psalm 59:17-18
Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by Jeremy Lawrence
Vocal arrangement by Ayo Awosika
Video by The Matterworks / thematterworks
Track sponsored by the Meskin Family
Band: Coleen Dieker, Chava Mirel Brock Pollock, Ayo Awosika, Duvid Swirsky, Lior Shragg, Deborah Sacks Mintz, Jackson Vance Mercer
ָוַאָנִי אָשִיר עֻזֶך
ָוַאֲרָנֵן לַבוֹקֶר חֲסְדֶך
כִּי הָיִיתָ מִסְגָב לִי
וּמָנוֹס בְּיוֹם צָר לִי
עֻזִי אֵלֶיךָ אֲזַמֵרָה
VA’ANI ASHIR UZEKHA
VA’ARANEIN LABOKEIR HASDEKHA,
KI HAYITA MISGAV LI,
U’MANOS L’YOM TZAR LI.
UZI EILEIKHA AZAMEIRAH
BUT I WILL SING YOUR STRENGTH
EXTOL EACH MORNING YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS
FOR YOU HAVE BEEN MY HAVEN
AND MY REFUGE IN MY TIME OF TROUBLE
TO YOU, O MY STRENGTH, I WILL SING
-PSALM 59: 17-18
These words come from Psalm 59, which is a psalm that is not a part of our liturgy. I found them when searching for texts in the Jewish canon that speak of strength. The most familiar is the phrase, “Ozi v’zimrat Yah vayehi li li’yeshua,” from the Song of the Sea (Shirat Hayam). There is a midrash (story/explanation - exegesis) that goes along with these words from the Shir Hashirim Rabbah (Exegesis from the Song of Songs). Shir Hashirim Rabbah is filled with parables of a king and the king’s relations with various people in the kingdom. In this particular midrash, the king has in his possession many precious jewels and stones; rubies and emeralds, diamonds and gold. The king’s child approaches the king and says, “Father, let me have those.” And the king says, “They’re yours, they’ve always been yours, and to you I give them.” The rabbis liken this parable to the people of Israel as they stand at the shore of the red sea before it has been split. The Egyptians are at their backs and they are frightened. They call out to God and say, “God! Give us strength! Ozi V’zimrat Yah!” And God replies, “It’s yours, it’s always been yours, and to you I give it.” And the midrash continues, “v’ein oz ela Torah,” and there is no strength except for Torah.
So what does it mean for the Torah to be our strength? I thought about the words of this Psalm, “Va’ani ashir uzecha,” And I will sing Your strength.” What does it mean to sing Torah into the world? How can we sing our strengths into the world? To sing is to share, to publicize. In this case it is a communal act. And through singing Torah, God’s strength and gift to us, we find our own Torah, our own strength. The words of this verse begin “Va’ani ashir uzecha,” And I will sing YOUR strength, but they end, “Uzi eilecha azamerah,” MY strength, I will sing out to You.

[@RichardFein2]

I am moved to joyful tears. Thank you. Deep in to my soul

[@karencarollo]

it's late Thursday night and I came here looking for the lyrics and melody to this Psalm so I can provide closed captioning tomorrow night for Friday night services at Central Synagogue in NYC. This is absolutely stunning. You made my evening. Thank you!

[@KirkLauritzen]

I listen to this everyday and still all I can say is... Wow. What talent. This version has gotten me through many difficulties in the last days as well. Thank you Josh

[@dASHsnucky]

Listening to this again, on December 17th, 2023. Even more meaningful now. Thanks for this.

[@lesliemartin4501]

Our clergy recommended recommended listening to this as we grieve and struggle with what lies ahead for our people. It's beautiful and comforting.

[@kayastern-kaufman3461]

favorite!! Love this so much ever since I learned at Limmud UK so many years ago with Josh. Thank you Josh!.

[@dp5-1]

Beautiful

[@elisabethsharp2289]

I was looking for this for 7 MONTHS!!! Thank you!

[@tommyodonnell1333]

I adore this song its so blessed, Praise the one true G.d ...Shalom Aleichem

[@cynthialightyShabbatmusic]

So poignant. The beauty of this song moves me. Thank you to you and your marvelous musicians.

[@markpearce9957]

I am touched by the songs and melody. Excellent

[@darienromero9568]

Y cantaré..... 🙇‍♀️🙌🙌🙌

[@emiliamerino4236]

Thankful 💝All the Singers 💝Thankful Josh 💝❤SHALOM

[@jilllipson2991]

Calming and soothing!

[@lizfmom]

so beautiful

[@joelkliebe]

Joshua- really great job. Beautiful strong voice. Can you please give me a chord list. I want to play this song for you. Please keep writing and singing it brings me to a wonderful place. Thanks Joel kliebe, Boise.

[@JoshWarshawsky]

Thanks so much, Joel, here you go: joshwarshawsky.com/vaani-ashir-uzekha-psalm-59

[@beckylg8176]

Its sounds like a beautiful song, someone suggested this to me. But i unfortunately do not understand your beautiful language. Still it sounded beautiful.

[@JoshWarshawsky]

Thanks so much, Becky! The words come from the Psalms (59:17-18): But I will sing of Your strength, extol each morning Your faithfulness; for You have been my haven, a refuge in time of trouble. O my strength, to You I sing

[@alligash1]

Fabulous!

[@gil22220]

What are the chords?

[@JoshWarshawsky]

Here you go! drive.google.com/file/d/1p8tJtr7azCXH58CcYlCQjSLVBsfumqCo/view?usp=sharing