The album is as eclectic as Oren’s home bases of Tel Aviv, Israel (where he was born), Berlin Germany (where he recorded the album), and Los Angeles, CA (the home of his new label). It was released in Europe and immediately garnered great press with Uncut raving in a four-star review that the album is “cinematic and mellow, like Nick Drake in a cheerful summer bonnet…”
Many people in the US will be familiar with Oren’s music as his album track ‘Her Morning Elegance’ was featured in a national ad campaign for Chevy Malibu. He also wrote the end credit “A Dance ‘Round the Memory Tree” for the film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian joining Regina Spektor and Hanne Hukkelberg on the soundtrack.
Born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Oren began his creative journey as a playwright. At the age of 21 he wrote and directed a play for the Israeli Fringe Theater Festival, which won the awards for best newcomer writer and director. He later moved to London on a scholarship to attend the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. While still at school he wrote a play he later directed in an Off West-end theater to critical acclaim. The production was named by Time-Out London as one of the best 5 shows in London during its run. Oren moved to NY where he gradually began to shift his focus from playwriting to a shorter form of storytelling, the song. Two years later he relocated to Berlin and began work on The Opposite Side of The Sea.
In 2007 the album was released in Europe, then found its way to the KCRW playlist in LA. Shortly after that the album track ‘Her Morning Elegance’ was synched to a Chevrolet Malibu TV campaign. Oren, who does not own a television and has not driven a car for 10 years, continues to ride the bus. With the earnings from the TV ad he started his own label in the US, named it, then renamed it, changed it again and finally decided to call it Quarter Past Wonderful. He then released The Opposite Side Of The Sea on iTunes US, where it climbed to #30 on the charts.
Oren Lavie's music doesn't come right at you through the front door; its elliptical nature is mysterious and dense and remains slightly unresolved. His vignettes of life are heartbreaking. One can hear his playwright past in his narratives as his songs unfold like a collection of short stories in musical poetic form.
http://www.orenlavie.com/
A Short Goodbye
Oren Lavie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breaking on a sullen ear
Will endear
And bring memories
Sweet melodies
Sweet melodies
Cross an ancient battlefield
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye now
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye.
Sweet melodies
At a trembling finger stroke
Will evoke
A skin memory
Sweet melodies
Sweet melodies
Fade to quiet evening pale
And a trail of white memories
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye now
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye.
The lyrics to Oren Lavie's "A Short Goodbye" explore the power of music to evoke and preserve memories, even as those memories may become more distant over time. The opening lines describe the way that music can break through feelings of sadness or apathy, bringing to mind moments of happiness or nostalgia. The use of the word "sullen" suggests a sense of melancholy or despair, which is transformed by the arrival of "sweet melodies" that have the power to endear and comfort.
The second verse shifts the focus to a battlefield, suggesting that the power of music is not limited to personal experiences but can extend to monumental events that have taken place across history. The phrase "an ancient battlefield" has a weighty, almost mythical quality to it, and the idea of music "claiming memories" suggests that it has the ability to shape our understanding of even the most significant historical events.
Throughout the song, the chorus serves as a refrain, emphasizing the fleeting nature of our experiences and urging listeners to take the time to say goodbye before they disappear entirely. The song ends with a quiet and peaceful imagery, as the music fades away into a "quiet evening pale" and leaves behind a "trail of white memories." Overall, "A Short Goodbye" explores the way that music can act as a powerful and evocative force, tapping into our memories and emotions and enriching our lives in ways that we may not always fully comprehend.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet melodies
Pleasant tunes
Breaking on a sullen ear
Interrupting a sad or gloomy silence
Will endear
Will make someone feel loved or cherished
And bring memories
And cause reminiscence
Sweet melodies
Pleasant tunes
Cross an ancient battlefield
Pass over an old warzone
Soaring still and claim memories
Still flying while claiming moments from the past
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye now
Bid farewell briefly and swiftly, twice
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye.
Bid farewell quickly
Sweet melodies
Pleasant tunes
At a trembling finger stroke
When touched by a shaky fingertip
Will evoke
Will elicit a strong reaction or feeling
A skin memory
A tactile recollection
Sweet melodies
Pleasant tunes
Fade to quiet evening pale
Gradually become faint in the serene dusk
And a trail of white memories
And leaves behind a series of vivid memories
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye now
Bid farewell briefly and swiftly, twice
Say a short goodbye, a short goodbye now, a short goodbye.
Bid farewell quickly
Contributed by Penelope Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jack Farrell
You have a really impressive ability to make poetry of your music. Your lyrics are very evocative.
Ashe
Can't wait until your next album, man! It's gonna be great! You're my favorite artist!
jeminix2
ASHE?? I had no idea anyone I knew of liked this artist. I know this is like 9 years ago but I’m down memory lane and saw your comment!
รtคггץ
Ashe !! Ah 😆 you're one of my fav artists and same as Oren lavie, what a coincidence seeing this comment 😆
nparker429
i have listened to this song already 15 times. my new bedtime song...simple and complex at the same time. i really enjoy Mr. Oren Lavie
Roberto Montes Velasco
it's a pity that you haven't recorded anything new I love your music so inpiring and calm.
Karina Stevens
You're an amazing artist. I love the softness of your voice. You have amazing and real talent. I'd love to see new projects from you
Paola Estrada
such a loving song in my opinion, you inspire me so much cant wait till your next album
wastagwaga
my favorite song of the album. looking foward to the new one! =)
kuruba sama
I would listen this song forever ❤❤❤