GAM GAM

“Gam Gam” is the title of a song in Hebrew language written by Elie Botbol, which incorporates the fourth verse of David’s Psalm 23 from the Old Testament. The song has become a symbol of the Holocaust which, unfortunately, involved not only adults but also a million and a half children who were interned in Nazi concentration camps. “Gam Gam” is usually sung by schoolchildren on the international Remembrance Day on January 27.

The music, in klezmer style, has also inspired Ennio Morricone who, in 1993, included it in the soundtrack of the film Jonah Who Lived in the Whale (released in the United States as Look to the Sky.) In the movie, a female teacher teaches the song to Jonah and the other children in a Nazi camp.

Lyrics (transliteration from Hebrew):

Gam-Gam-Gam Ki Elekh

Be-Beghe Tzalmavet

Lo-Lo-Lo Ira Ra

Ki Atta Immadì

Šivtekhà umišantekhà

Hema-Hema yenahmuni

 

Translation:

Even as I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil;

for You are with me always.

For You are my staff,

my support,

With Thee I feel reassured.