In this video, Alicia Jo Rabins performs “Rubies,” a modern adaptation of Eishet Chayil, which she describes as a love song to the mother of the family that also makes a wonderful lullaby. Rabins retranslated the text of Proverbs 31, added some of her own interpretations, and set the lyrics to an American folk melody. The lyrics can be seen on the screen and below. Rabins is a writer, musician, composer, performer and Torah teacher. Her work explores the intersection of ancient wisdom texts with everyday life. She is the creator and performer of Girls in Trouble, an indie-folk song cycle about the complicated lives of Biblical women.Â
“Rubies” Lyrics
Like a merchant ship, strong and wide,
gold and oranges deep inside
more than rubies, more than pearls,
the one I love.
With purple silk and tapestry,
she weaves a blanket to cover me
more than rubies, more than pearls,
the one I love.
The world is woven through us
and I cannot forget
how her fingers hold the thread.
She buys a field, she plants a vine
come the autumn she makes her wine
more than rubies, more than pearls,
the one I love.
Chorus
Let it rain, let it storm
she keeps her babies safe and warm
more than rubies, more than pearls,
the one I love.
Grace can lie and beauty’s vain
oh but she calls me by my name
more than rubies, more than pearls,
the one I love.
Chorus