Orphaned Land is a doom/death band at its core, but they are highly influenced by the folk music and tradition of the Oriental Jews (Mizraḥim), making their sound much more progressive than typical doom/death bands. Their album Sahara (1994) was the first to include a combination of death metal and traditional oriental music. In their second album El Norra Alila (1996), Orphaned Land elaborated the combination of metal and oriental music, including the addition of song with traditional oriental Jewish piyyut and Arab melodies. This album conveyed a message of co-existence between Jews and Muslims. Their third album, Mabool (the Hebrew name for the Deluge, depicted in the Bible and Noah's story), 2004, was worked for seven years and takes the combination of doom/death metal, oriental music and biblical issues to a new level. The album tells the story of the seventh son of God (who was divided into three, each one symbolizing one monotheistic religion) which try to warn humanity from a coming flood (deluge) as punishment for their sins. Musically, the album contains oriental instruments, two choruses, traditional Yemenite chants sung by Shlomit Levi and quotes of Biblical verses from the story of the Deluge, read by Kobi Farhi, Orphaned Land's vocalist and one of its founders. The level of musical competency displayed in the heavy layering and orchestration combined with the more story-driven, conceptual nature of the album's lyrics as a whole lend a very strong progressive feel to the work.
Band Members:
Kobi Farhi − lead vocals, backing vocals, death growls, chants
Shlomit Levi - female vocals
Matan Shmuely - vocals, session drums
Matti Svatizky − rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar
Uri Zelcha − bass, fretless bass
Yatziv Caspi − drums, percussion
Idan Amsalem – guitars, bouzouki
Former Band Members:
Eran Asias − drums
Sami Bachar − drums
Avi Diamond − session drums
Itzik Levy − keyboards
Eden Rabin − keyboards, backing vocals
Yatziv Caspi - session drums
Avi Agababa - session drums
Yossi Sa'aron (Sassi) - guitars, oud, saz, bouzouki, chumbush, backing vocals
His Leaf Shall Not Wither
Orphaned Land Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
In thy never ending way
, behold the hearts of thy servant, and lead them in thy righteousness.
The lyrics of “His Leaf Shall Not Wither” by Orphaned Land draw inspiration from Psalm 1 of the Old Testament which highlights the importance of faith and righteousness, while also cautioning against immoral choices. The opening lines provide three examples of negative actions that one should avoid: taking advice from those lacking in morality, joining the company of sinners, and ridiculing others.
The following verse, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” displays the positive outcome of choosing a righteous path in life. The metaphorical tree is nourished and fruitful, representing a person who is resilient, steadfast, and prosperous in pursuing a righteous life. The line “in thy never-ending way” acknowledges God’s never-ending guidance and protection, while the plea to “lead them in thy righteousness” requests divine intervention to live a righteous life.
Overall, the song encourages the listener to choose the righteous path by avoiding negative influences and trusting in divine guidance. It speaks to the importance and rewards of living a conductive, moral life.
Line by Line Meaning
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
The person who does not take advice from the wicked, nor follow the path of sinners, nor associates with mockers is considered lucky.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Like a tree planted by a river that bears fruit at the right time, this person will also succeed in everything they do, and their efforts will not go in vain.
In thy never ending way
This line refers to the eternal or never-ending path to enlightenment or spiritual growth that we should always strive on.
Contributed by Jake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.