[HANASHIR:16470] Re: ecycled melodies

[Danielkare <Danielkare...>]

At the risk of being trounced upon by the members of this list, I submit my 
opinion on the following.

Regarding recycled melodies:

In a message dated 1/8/2004 11:27:28 AM Central Standard Time, 
jdkrheum (at) verizon(dot)net writes:


> "if you see two neirot hide your
> eyes??" 

For years I have been saying I didn't like spoofs or using well known 
melodies and putting Jewish words to them.  Let me say why.  I think a melody 
carries 
emotional weight with it.  Changing the words is just confusing to people, 
especially to children.  They might learn your version and not the "real" 
version of a song.  As a composer of melodies, I find this frustrating.  Why 
not use 
or create a new melody specifically written for your purpose?  So that a 
melody can have emotional connections with a Jewish experience.  My own song 
says 
this:  "A melody has a special way of breaking the lock apart..." that is, the 
lock that keeps emotion hidden inside our hearts.  The melody of Kol Nidre, 
even without the words, evokes a special feeling.  

This being said, if you are singing these new words to the tune of If You're 
Happy and You Know it...might I suggest: 

When you light the Shabbat candles (or neirot), hide your eyes!

Then at least you can teach the significance of covering your eyes when you 
light the candles.