His vocal - sounding very much like the legendary Janis Joplin - is unmatched; and he sings primarily in English. "A genius... A new Messiah" (Rolling Stone Mexico) and "The most interesting voice in the Israeli music scene" are some of the accolades he has received.
Born in Jerusalem, Israel, to diplomats for the Israeli Foreign Office, Avidan spent four years of his childhood in Jamaica and also grew up in New York. In 2006, after breaking up with his long-time girlfriend, he moved back to Jerusalem desiring to pursue a music career. From 2006–2011 he featured in Asaf Avidan & the Mojos.
In 2012, Avidan released the single "Different Pulses", followed by the premiere of his debut solo studio album of the same name. The singer's follow-up record Gold Shadow (2015) was similarly successful in Europe, reaching Gold status in France. The Study on Falling followed in 2017.
Setting Scalpels Free
Asaf Avidan Lyrics
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In the trees there is a wind
On the sands the waves are rolling
Battered hopes are floating in
In your veins the tide is turning
And the ships are sailing home
In your knees there is a trembling
Is it going to last?
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
In the clouds there is a keyhole
In the light there is a key
On the shore there is a doctor
Setting all his scalpels free
In your stomach there's a prophet
Turning water into wine
In your chest there is a hunchback
Pulling all his bells to chime
Is it going to last?
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
Is it going to last...
The lyrics of Asaf Avidan's song "Setting Scalpels Free" are rich with metaphorical language, creating an image of a world in constant movement and anticipation of something significant. The first verse creates a multisensory experience of nature, painting a picture of a world in motion, where elements combine to create a sense of expectation. The use of the word "battered" implies a sense of weariness, highlighting the fact that hope is fragile and easily damaged.
The second verse shifts to focus on the internal world of the singer, where the tide is turning and ships are sailing home within her veins. The metaphorical language creates an image of the body as a vessel, travelling towards a destination. The trembling in her knees indicates a nervous anticipation of the journey ahead.
The third verse continues to use metaphorical language to describe the world around her. The imagery of a keyhole in the clouds and light as a key implies that there is a path that needs to be unlocked or discovered. The idea of a doctor setting his scalpels free is an interesting one, perhaps suggesting that someone who has been constrained is now free to express themselves.
The final verse brings the focus back to the internal world, where a prophet is able to perform miracles with his abilities, turning water into wine. The image of the hunchback pulling his bells to chime implies a joyful noise, perhaps signalling a sense of release or celebration.
Overall, the lyrics of "Setting Scalpels Free" create a sense of anticipation and hope for something significant on the horizon, both externally and internally.
Line by Line Meaning
In the skies there is a whisper
There exists a mysterious, barely-audible sound up in the sky.
In the trees there is a wind
A gust of air is steadily blowing among the branches of trees.
On the sands the waves are rolling
The water movements along the shoreline are continuous.
Battered hopes are floating in
Dashed dreams and wishes are adrift in the sea.
In your veins the tide is turning
There's a powerful, inner force that's changing your outlook or disposition.
And the ships are sailing home
Vessels are heading back towards their port of origin.
In your knees there is a trembling
Fear or anticipation is causing a noticeable vibration in your legs.
With the thought they're free to roam
The idea of being liberated to travel around with no restrictions is the cause of the jittery feeling.
In the clouds there is a keyhole
Up in the sky, there seems to be a small opening or entrance inaccessible to humans.
In the light there is a key
Light possesses a crucial means of unlocking or uncovering something unknown.
On the shore there is a doctor
A physician is located near the coastline.
Setting all his scalpels free
Releasing surgical knives from their expected restraints.
In your stomach there's a prophet
Instincts compelling you towards certain behaviors or decisions.
Turning water into wine
The ability to transform or create something new from what's already available to you.
In your chest there is a hunchback
There's a noticeable physical deformation of the back in the chest area.
Pulling all his bells to chime
Engaging in a stimulating, resonant series of activities or events.
Is it going to last?
Does this change, feeling or occurrence have the potential to continue indefinitely?
Is it going to last...
Is this current experience, state or reality sustainable long-term?
Is it going to last...
Will this change or sensation stay with us beyond the present moment?
Is it going to last...
Are we able to hold onto these feelings and retain the positivity associated with them?
Is it going to last...
Can these events continue to exist or will they disappear with no permanence?
Is it going to last...
Will this moment last forever or be fleeting?
Is it going to last...
Is our experience transitory or something that will persist over time?
Writer(s): Asaf Avidan Copyright: Chrysalis Music Germany
Contributed by Nicholas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.