Akiva's music career began while playing Counting Crows covers for classmates at UMASS. A neurobiology major, he pushed any ideas of a serious music career out of his head as he pursued his original dream of becoming a brain surgeon. “I love understanding how people work and all the intricacies of personality,” he said. But while studying abroad, Akiva found himself spending more time playing gigs in English Pubs and popping up on local radio than dissecting gray matter. “There’s no passion in a paycheck alone,” says the singer/songwriter. “I need more substance than that.”
After returning stateside, a chance encounter with producer Philip A. Jimenez (Wheatus, Easy Anthems, Beat Radio, The Diggs) at a friend’s backyard wedding led to Akiva’s critically acclaimed debut release, Bueno Y Sano. As one DJ put it, “it’s one of those Cds you don’t want to let your friend borrow. Laid back groove and Muy Caliente!” (UTA Radio). Next came his follow up, The Hermosa EP, which had college students everywhere singing along to the classic west coast summer anthem, “Holler Hermosa”. Discovering Artists proclaimed, “…this album will propel his career…a dazzling collection of tracks.”
Akiva has brought his mellow soul sound to such legendary venues as The Bitter End and The Knitting Factory in New York, The Mint in Los Angles and the Georgia Theatre in Athens. He has become a sought after opener for acts like RUSTED ROOT, JOSH KELLEY, INGRAM HILL, TOBY LIGHTMAN, and RON SEXSMITH and has showcased at numerous conferences from NEMO Boston to the NACA Nationals (Boston) to Atlantis (Atlanta) and the Midwest Music Summit (Indianapolis). His music is also featured on various compilations such as Sonicbids Listen Volume 1, Decent Xposure and Sunny Delight’s Summer 4 Ever: Road Trip 06.
“Music is a release. It’s a way for me to put everything out on the table and be vulnerable. And that keeps me coming back for more,” he said. And as the word continues to spread, radio stations from Santa Monica to Boston have added Akiva’s music to their playlists. Soon enough, you’ll be coming back for more too.
Akiva – and his music – have a way of getting inside your head
babylon
Akiva Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I'm standing in front of you my child
I guess all my guessing has got me nowhere
All my dreams have left me here
Babylon Babylon
Where can you be
Are you holding my golden
Well I worked until I bled
Then I let my love pass over my head
Down this long and lifted land
To the railroad graveyard guitar land
Babylon Babylon
Where can you be
Are you holding my golden six string melody
Babylon Babylon
Where can you be
Are you holding my golden six string melody
Eyes wide open looking up
But could not see oh not nearly enough
Sit around sit around and cry
The verses in Akiva's song Babylon paint a picture of a man who feels lost and defeated. The opening line indicates that it has been quite some time since he has stood in front of someone, perhaps his child. He then admit that despite all his guesswork, his efforts have brought him nowhere. All his dreams have vanished, leaving him stranded.
The man then starts to lament about a lost item, his golden six-string. He wonders where it could be, maybe in Babylon, referencing the old biblical city that represents turmoil, confusion and oppression. He admits that he worked tirelessly until he was exhausted, and ended up letting love slip past him. Despite his effort and pining, the man continues to wallow in his misery, sitting around and crying. This last line amplifies his depression and hopelessness.
The song seems to describe someone who has lost his way and, no matter how hard he strives, nothing seems to work. The metaphorical significance of Babylon portrays his internal conflict and confusion. The song may also be interpreted as a reference to someone who has lost track of their life’s goals or even their identity.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the first time in a long long while
It has been a long time since I have been in this situation
That I'm standing in front of you my child
I am talking to you and revealing myself in a way that you can understand
I guess all my guessing has got me nowhere
I have tried to figure things out, but I have not succeeded
All my dreams have left me here
None of my fantasies have come true and I am where I stand now
Babylon Babylon
A lamenting cry for the lost civilization of Babylon
Where can you be
Asking where the remnants of Babylon may remain
Are you holding my golden
Curiously asking if Babylon is retaining something precious
Six string
Maybe referencing the six strings of a guitar as a symbol for a lost melody or tune
Well I worked until I bled
I put in my best efforts and paid a high price to achieve my goals
Then I let my love pass over my head
I missed out on an opportunity for love or affection
Down this long and lifted land
Taking a long journey through towering landscapes
To the railroad graveyard guitar land
Arriving to a place that may have a lot of abandoned or forgotten guitars
Eyes wide open looking up
Being alert and observant, but towards something above them
But could not see oh not nearly enough
Despite being attentive, still unable to observe something that is desired or sought after
Sit around sit around and cry
Feeling defeated and helpless in the face of the unknown
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leighclaude
I love this! My little girl & I sing it all the time. Keep it up👍👍👍🙏❤️🇮🇱
@ethankrown
Listening to this at the start of Tammuz! Beautiful song!
@akivapamensky
Amazing 🔥😁
@tmosbacher6697
Beautiful song and beautiful voice!
@torahthoughts
Gevald. This is beautiful Akiva. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and Neshama. Such a powerful song
@eliesquire
My son was at your concert in tachana rishona tonight, told me I have to hear this song, and it is great! Soulful and stirring. Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to hearing the album!
@Althaura
Just amazing!! Thank you for creating this, it warms people's hearts!!!
@akivapamensky
Thank you!
@brachajakob6480
beautiful voice and music. :) :) just got such a craving to be back in israel. wow
@ShepardfortheLord
Truly beautifull! :)