For centuries, the blast of the shofar has jolted generations of Jews into the proper frame of mind for the introspection needed to pursue teshuvah, or repentance, during the Days of Awe.
But that doesn’t have to be the only way to get into the spirit of the Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement. For a more modern musical approach, try listening to a little Justin Bieber or Nirvana. Because while “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” — as Elton John sang in 1976 — it’s still the best place to start.
Here are some other songs and lyrics to get you going.
“This Is the New Year” (2014)
A Great Big World
“Another year you made a promise
Another chance to turn it all around
And do not save this for tomorrow
Embrace the past and you can live for now”
“Sorry” (2015)
Justin Bieber
“I just need one more shot at forgiveness
I know you know that I made those mistakes maybe once or twice
By once or twice I mean maybe a couple a hundred times”
“Please Forgive Me” (2010)
Bryan Adams
“Please forgive me
I know not what I do”
“Sorry, Blame It on Me” (2006)
Akon
“As life goes on, I’m starting to learn more and more about responsibility
I realize everything I do is affecting the people around me
So I want to take this time out to apologize for things I have done
And things that have not occurred yet”
“The New Year” (2003)
Death Cab for Cutie
“So this is the new year
And I have no resolutions
For self-assigned penance
For problems with easy solutions”
“The Apologist” (1998)
R.E.M.
“When I feel regret
I get down on my knees and pray
I’m sorry, so sorry”
“All Apologies” (1993)
Nirvana
“What else should I be?
All apologies”
“Man in the Mirror” (1987)
Michael Jackson
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change”
“Let’s Start the New Year Right” (1942)
Bing Crosby
“Let’s watch the old year die
With a fond goodbye
And our hopes as high
As a kite”
And, of course, Leonard Cohen’s riff on the Unetanah Tokef prayer from the High Holy Days liturgy:
“Who by Fire” (1974)
Leonard Cohen
“And who by fire, who by water,
Who in the sunshine, who in the nighttime
Who by high ordeal, who by common trial
Who in your merry, merry month of May
Who by very slow decay
And who shall I say is calling?”
Others:
“Sorry” (2005) by Madonna
“Oops! … I Did It Again” (2000) by Britney Spears
“New Year’s Day” (1983) by U2
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” (1982) by Chicago
“(Just Like) Starting Over” (1980) by John Lennon
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