Shwekey Sings “Don’t Be Afraid”

By Sruly Meyer

Singer Yaakov Shwekey writes, “Over the years, the songs we sing are always messages, lessons, insights, and stories often cloaked in a melody.”

We know that when you are delivering a message, timing is everything. For ten years Yaakov had this melody, dancing around his head. It was originally written by Shai Itzhar Winberg. It’s a stirring melody, that was just waiting to be revealed.

“Years had gone by, songs came and went, and this one was nearly forgotten. It seems some songs aren’t really lost, they are just waiting for their time. When COVID struck the world, everything was turned upside down. Anxiety and fear ran through the city streets like rivers. Panic was felt all around,” Shwekey says.

“This lost melody returned to me, and my good friends, Mendy Worch and Yitzy Waldner, created a high part for it, transforming it into the beautiful song you hear today,” he says.

לֹא יִירָא לִבִּי I shall not fear!

We don’t view the upcoming days of judgment with panic and worry, even though our lives hang in the balance. By us, the awe is fused with joy and confidence. Because the Judge, the King who will decide our fate, is also the Source of light and salvation. So LO IRA. I shall not fear. L’Dovid, we will recite every day throughout this season, Hashem ori v’yishi…

This song carries with it, an assurance, the faith and the calm that comes with the knowledge that He loves us and shelters us.

כִּי אַתָּה עִמָּדִי

In times of uncertainty and confusion, we cling steadfastly to these words, to this reality.
There is only Him. There is no reason to fear. See the light, and sing along. Lo yira.

Lyrics
לְדָוִד ה’ אוֹרִי וְיִשְׁעִי מִמִּי אִירָא
ה’ מָעוֹז חַיַּי מִמִּי אֶפְחָד
אִם תַּחֲנֶה עָלַי מַחֲנֶה
לֹא יִירָא לִבִּי
אִם תָּקוּם עָלַי מִלְחָמָה
בְּזֹאת אֲנִי בוֹטֵחַ

גַּם כִּי אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא צַלְמָוֶת
לֹא אִירָא רָע
כִּי אַתָּה עִמָּדִי

I got no fear inside this
I know that you’re always with me
You’re always by my side

Sruly Meyer owns and operates a marketing and branding firm, SMG. He has worked with some of the top talent in Jewish Music, including Benny Friedman, Mordechai Shapiro, 8th Day and Shmueli Ungar.