MY HEART IS IN THE EAST
Dan Nichols
Ruach 5765

Words/Music by Dan Nichols

“My heart is in the East (Libi b’Mizrach) and I am at the edge of the west.” With these words from the poet Y’hudah HaLevi, Dan Nichols expresses the tension of the Jew who lives in two worlds, the physical world of the Diaspora and the emotional world with ties that bond the Jew to the Land of Israel. This powerful connection to Zion is beautifully expressed by the composer from the perspective of one who has not yet set foot in Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel).

- Cantor Alane Katzew
URJ Dept. of Worship, Music and Religious Living

VERSE 1
As I watch the sun start to rise
From my seat five miles in the sky,
I stare into a brand new day.
For you it's already fading away.

Everything that I say or I do
Has so much tied to you, now.
It's kind of funny how I adore
Someone I’ve never met before, but,

CHORUS
My heart is in the east. (Libi, libi b'mizrach.)
My heart is in the east. (V'anochi b'sof maarav.)

I want to see the dawn of hope in your eye,
I want to brush the tears from your cheek when you cry.
I want to smell the blossoms in your hair,
I want to hear the sound of your songs in the air.
I want to taste the honey on your lips,
I want to dance with my hands wrapped ‘round your hips.
I want to lift you up and watch you take flight.
I want to know that you've found peace tonight.

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I think about you most every day
And wonder when I'll finally get the courage to say:
I wouldn't be the man I am without you.
I couldn't see the world the same if you hadn't come true!

CHORUS

ENDING
When I come down to earth in an hour or two
I'll still be dreaming that I'm coming home to you.

My heart is in the East, but I am on the edge of the West.

© 2004 Dan Nichols