Shitin - שיטין

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of internal conflict and external critique, framed by shifting winds. Initially, a "Jewish punk song" is demanded, met with a thoughtful, perhaps hesitant, response: "we think twice instead of being impressed in hindsight." This suggests a deliberate, intellectual approach to creation, contrasting with a more immediate, passionate punk ethos. The narrator’s ex-girlfriend, described as a "groupie," rejects Judaism, seeking originality and heading towards "Bohemia," a space of artistic and unconventional pursuits. This journey involves a patronizing reassurance to the "next generation," framing perceived limitations as empowerment. The narrative then shifts with an "east wind," bringing a new question: "What do I have to do with the world of the stage? I am even more worthy.. I am quality!" This represents a different kind of artistic ambition, one focused on inherent worth and perceived quality rather than external validation. However, this too is met with skepticism, as the narrator explains the dependence on audience and "quality." The ensuing existential crisis, "What is quality?" and the cry "I want to die!" are met with a chillingly detached instruction: "Suicide / Just wait until the appointed time." This stark response highlights a profound disconnect or a cynical observation on the nature of artistic struggle and self-worth. The craft here is in the stark, almost absurdist dialogue and the contrasting imagery. The wind, a natural force, acts as a catalyst for these existential and artistic debates. The phrase "deep fish laughter" is particularly striking, evoking a sense of the uncanny and the hidden, perhaps representing the subconscious or the absurd. The narrator’s own actions, like "tie you to the mast and cover my ears with you," suggest a desperate attempt to shield oneself from overwhelming external or internal noise, a visceral reaction to the pressures of artistic identity and critique. The repeated phrase "Bohemia flows towards... it's okay, it's okay" offers a final, ambiguous resolution, a surrender to the flow of artistic endeavors, whatever their origin or outcome.