By COLlive reporter
When Moshe Benasher composed his new song “American Lies,” he knew it would come off as controversial.
“I mean, anyone who hears it will wonder if I’m singing for or against America,” he says in a phone conversation from his home in Flatbush. “That’s exactly what I want.”
But before he explains the background of the song, he has a confession to make. Not a lie, rather an attempt to go back to basics.
“When we were younger, my father changed our family last name from Kravitsky to Benasher. None of us are really sure why he did it, but my brothers have pretty much changed it back to Kravitsky.”
And Moshe is now joining them. “My grandfather, A”H, was a bochur in the original Tomchei Temmim. So, it’s time to go back to the original name, Kravitsky,” says the 26 year-old father of three.
Benasher, or we shall call him Moshe Kravitsky, is no stranger to current affairs and keeping relevant. In December, after the terror attack on Chabad of Mumbai, he composed a ballad named “Fallen Angels.”
The haunting melody was featured on COLlive and was well received, echoing the positive feedback he got for his musical debut “Soul Awake.”
LIES OR CHASSIDUS
Now, he is again translating his strong thoughts and feeling into lyrics with his new “American Lies.”
“It was written based on Chassidus,” he told COLlive.
“A person must know that no matter what the world tells him, no matter which way the wind blows, it is all from G-d. If he wins the lottery or experiences some sort of loss, everything is Divine Providence, Hashgacha Pratis.
“This is a concept hardly seen in America. No one wants to let go of the reigns. We want to dominate everything around us; support system, 401k retirement plans, financial stability, career, relationships.
“It’s a test. An agonizing test. American advertisers want you to believe that if you buy their products, your life will be better. If your clothes match the ones on the billboards in the streets of Manhattan, then you’re in. People will like you better.
“Chassidus comes and tells us that the economy can flourish, and the economy can sink to the bottom of the river, your faith in G-d and His plan must remain the same. As long as your connection with this belief in G-d isn’t severed, you will survive any recession, overcome the most difficult times. No matter the winds, your faith will keep you firmly down.”
Kravitsky dosen’t have for-profit intentions and says the song can be geared to Baalei Teshuva – people who are being introduced to Judaism. “They can embrace the questions that will hopefully follow.”
Shluchim and directors of outreach organizations can reach Moshe Kravitsky at [email protected]
American Lies
Download – here
Based on Based on Likutei Sichos 36, Parshas Shmos
It’s not my vision
it’s not my dream
it’s not the kind of life
that i had in mind for me
Two car garage
a dog a cat
the baby’s rolling in a seven hundred dollar stroller
I was taught that there’s got to be more than just
American lies
don’t dilate my eyes
I’ve watched the screen
know what you mean
it’s not for me
Put your faith in the red white and blue
But they don’t really do what they do when they did it well
as far as I’m concerned everything here has gone away
She walks the streets her head is high
Stiletto heels keep her in line
with the billboards on the wall
All that hot air is bound to make her fly away to the moon
Chasing someone else’s dream
she’s bound to find out–find out soon
American lies
don’t dilate my eyes
I’ve watched the screen
know what you mean
it’s not for me
Red white and blue
don’t really do what they do when they do when they did it well
as far as I’m concerned everything here has gone–
I used to live the American Dream
But I couldn’t afford all the overdraft fees
It’s hard to walk around with a big fat smile
when the grass is never greener on your side
There was talk of a recession when his mind went numb
catatonic in the corner with a bottle of rum
nursing his fears to sleep
and the lion’s awake
circling around his “Bone china” plate
it’s empty
Never knew such a hunger before
Should he go out again and pursue once more
the American dream
Rob my self esteem
Steam is just another word
for hot air
Hit the refresh button
the job’s not there
It was given to the guy
with better clothes better hair
loving mother caring father
and why do I even bother
Bother me and I’ll be pushed to the border
Don’t you become a statistic
this is G-d at his most altruistic
You think that you missed it
You gotta let go to hold on
401–401k
if they take it away from you
what are you going to do
when you meet that date
will it be too late
please don’t hesitate to believe
in something you can’t perceive
some greater Source than yourself
so you won’t be blown away with the wind
Gone with the wind forever and ever
Your faith will keep you down
American lies
don’t dilate my eyes
I’ve watched the screen
know what you mean
it’s not for me
Red white and blue
don’t really do what they do when they do when they did it well
as far as I’m concerned everything here has gone–
Oh say can you see
can you read between the lies
can you look at my eyes and tell me
Oh say can you see
Do you realize what
I’m here to say to you
Schizophrenic Soul
Download – here
Based in Tanya – click here
I was sitting in my bedroom
Staring at the full moon
there was a man in my window
He had no where to go
He was staring at me
scared of what he might see
he turned around and walked away
and kept on walking up until today
So I made a puzzle
Lost all of the pieces
This inner battle’s going to keep me here
it’s going to keep me whole
Hello I’d like to introduce
myself to you
I am a Jew
with a schizophrenic soul
Who are you
what do you mean
I am you and you are me
we are picking up the pieces left behind
And if so
how do we know
which one of us takes the reigns
takes control of it all
Of it all.
You do the math
you breathe in and out
Do you understand what this is all about
Yet you stand here and nod your head up and down
And i question
Just what’s going in on up in your head
In mine
The carnival in flying in
Everybody get some cotton candy
the party’s about to start
sit down this will be an open heart
We’re going to watch this movie together
bring your friends
they’re gonna watch it anyway
You will be performing
in front of everyone you know
don’t be nervous now
cause it’s your show
The battlefield is my mind
I have one heck of a time
and I fall and I crawl
I don’t always do what’s right for me
But you see
we’re talking about my life
But you see
we’re talking about my climb
Let them laugh
let them say what they want to think out loud
if it makes them proud
We’re not crazy
We’re not crazy
How many times a day do I have to sit here and have this conversation again with you?
A penny for my thoughts
Make that two
nice songs kinda but this guy cant sing it for his life
horrible the second song is a goyish tune
what do you mean?
Not sure if the lies are American or what – maybe someone can help me out….
wow!! i never thought your songs would actually ever get out in the world….very impressive…and ye i guess i can get used to your voice…but it was very low…cant really hear the words….
can i chave your autograph?
mooiishe ben-asher, mooiiseh ben-asher, u milk the cows, u make the cheese….
on a serious not good job!!!!! the music is only getting better and better- kravitzky!!!
Great lyrics, great rythm & great music. Keep it coming. Moshiach NOW!!
My name is, uh, Mr. Schnub–yes, that’ll do– and, uh, I think we should give all the money to that wonderful nuclear power plant.
everyone is laughing and they dont even know what theyre laughing at or maybe if they got the guys name right
may g-d have pity things never change
i like it, and he is emes becuase he puts his stuff all on chabad,org and gives it to jews to listen to wihtout charging a cent, he really does it cuz he cares about other jews.
you should hear his piano playing on chabad.org
the first song was nice the other really bad and there realy is no toon , he stops for a minute and he sings way to low
Surprisingly not bitter about life as the title might suggest. Very well done. enjoyed it a lot.
I like it – different style than most – It is a bit hard to hear the words so its a good thing the lyrics were included! the second song is a little similar to the latest lilly allen song?!
I’ve never heard any music as horrible as this stuff. He’s like an untalented Marcus.
Wow that was bad.
I must say these songs really speak to me. Right on target.
People: Think about what he’s saying…
nice toichen – but the tune = “American lies”…….
?????
another America basher. At least he can sing without a teleprompter.
lots of toichen
I love it!!
ill be honest thought his first song about mumbai was crap, but these 2 songs have a very interesting style and his voice – once you get used to it – can be very enjoyable.
cheers!
how can i share this?
Go Hafotzo!!
i predict this guy will be a bigger hit than MATISYAHOO!!
hes got talent!! BH
you are amazing!
i like it
omg this guy rocks!!!!!!! he better climb high!