02 Ya Ba Ye (Oh, Boy) - Ofra Haza

In 1989 „Desert Wind” came out, Ofra’s next studio album, which was oriented more towards the international market after the overwhelming succes of „Shaday” in the previous year. She made a self-conscious effort to maintain a connection to her musical roots while reaching out for mainstream appeal.
The main language of the album is English, however Ofra also sings in Arabic, Hebrew, and the ancient language of Aramaic. The sound is a mainstream form of dance music with elements of synthpop and an influence of house music. It also contains songs from the Jewish tradition like „Kaddish”.
The album was produced by Arif & Joe Mardin, Ofra herself, Thomas Dolby and Bezalel Aloni.

We provide full English translations for the mixed language songs.

Lyrics (English translation):

My girl
Tell me why
Tell me why you run?

My mother always told me:
„My daughter”
„Don't forget where you’re from”
„Remember who you are”
„Listen to the voice”
„That plays in your head”
„Make the right choice”

Tell me why
Tell me why
My girl
Tell me why
Tell me why you run?

My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh boy, oh boy”
My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh, oh, boy”

Tell me why
Tell me why you run?

I had to see it my way
'Cause life is very short
The more I try to learn
The less I seem to know
Oh, I cry in bed
Yeah, I miss my home
The home I can't forget
I hear my mother's voice

Tell me why
Tell me why you cry?

My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh boy, oh boy”
My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh, oh, boy”

Don't run away
„Oh, oh, boy”
Tell me why
Tell me why you run?

My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh boy, oh boy”
My mother says, my mother says:
„Oh, oh, boy”

Tell me why
Tell me why you cry?

Don't run away
„Oh boy, oh boy”
Don't run away
„Oh, oh, boy”