Idan Amedi, Superman
A new song and creative translation
Idan Amedi likely doesn’t need much introduction, but just in case, he is, among other things, a star of Fauda. That’s how he became well-known beyond Israel’s borders prior to the war, but it’s the “other things” about him that are more important.
Idan broke onto the Israeli scene through a reality talent show while still a soldier. He sang a song he'd written called "A Warrior's Pain," and instantly became a voice of the Israeli soldier. And in a country of soldiers and families of soldiers, that means he became a voice of Israel.
During this current war, that voice, of Idan the soldier, became amplified and even more moving. In the war’s first months, photos of him in uniform, fighting on the front lines, were frequent images encouraging a nation. Even the Chief of Staff made sure to meet him.
And then Idan was seriously injured, and has since then become even more beloved to the Israeli public. He has spoken frankly about his pain at losing friends in the same incident in which he was hurt, he has spoken out about issues he feels are important— including the current hostage ‘deal’— and he’s promised to sing again. Which now he has.
Idan recently released an album full of moving, very personal songs. I hope to bring at least one more in the near future.
This song takes us on a journey from his father’s hospital room that he visited as a child, through his teenage years, to his experiences as a soldier, and finally the pain, and growth, he’s found in the light of the darkness he’s been through. The song is called Superman— which I believe he means to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the Israeli public believes is downright true. It’s a long, but his is a story worth hearing.
I bring this song with my creative translation here to make it simpler for you to access, but please- if you watch it more than once, watch it on Youtube so that the credit for the music stays with Idan where it belongs.
Credit and gratitude to translator Hila Bar for 3 lines in this very long song that are her translation.
Idan’s role as the voice of Israel’s soldiers continued even this week when he sang at the very long-awaited funeral of Oron Shaul, whose body was found by IDF soldiers and returned for burial after ten years of waiting. My translation of the song Idan sings, “Nigmar/No More”, can be seen here.