Israel
| "Israel" | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Song by Ween | |||||
| from the album Shinola, Vol. 1 | |||||
| Released | July 19, 2005 | ||||
| Recorded | before 2005 | ||||
| Length | 3:40 | ||||
| Label | Chocodog Records | ||||
| Shinola, Vol. 1 track listing | |||||
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"Israel" is a song by Ween, released on the 2005 odds-and-ends compilation Shinola, Vol. 1.
Song Details[edit | edit source]
Recording and Composition[edit | edit source]
"Israel" is a soft jazz-rock song with new age and minor funk elements in the key of A minor.
The recording date of "Israel" is unknown, and the song was unknown to fans until its remixed release on Shinola. Uniquely among Shinola songs, the original demo is still not in circulation, with there being no indication as to what era the song was first recorded under.
The lead vocals are perfomed by Gene Ween in a caricatured voice and style of a Jewish rabbi.
Meaning[edit | edit source]
The lyrics to "Israel" consist of a recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish, traditionally practiced in Judaism to mourn the death of a close relative at a funeral, and then for eleven months after and every year since their passing. It has never been elaborated as to if the song has a personal meaning (as Gene Ween is Jewish).
Live Performances[edit | edit source]
"Israel" is not known to have ever been played live before Ween's hiatus.[1] The song was debuted live following the band's 2016 reunion, but has only been played a few times since.[2]
Song Themes[edit | edit source]
Death and Injury, Judaism, Sung by Gene Ween