Just a few months ago, Korean pop star Psy’s smash hit “Gangnam Style” launched K- pop into the global limelight. But years before “Gangnam Style,” K-pop was already rearing its head in the Jewish world thanks to the boy band ZE:A’s single “Mazel tov!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBTBb88p1rw
The rhythms of ZE:A’s song are irresistible, and may inspire you to join the boys and start dancing. “Mazel tov!” they repeatedly exclaim. “Mazel tov!”
What exactly is ZE:A celebrating? Well…we’re not quite sure. Let’s see if JpopAsia’s handy translation of the lyrics can explain:
Mazel tov have strength, Mazel tov smile,
Mazel tov, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Mazel tov, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
I hope you will at least give me some strength, my my my girl
ZE:A’s “Mazel tov!” is hardly Hebrew’s first pop cameo. Jay-Z shouted out to the Jews in his song “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)…” with “Black bar mitzvahs / Mazel tov, it’s a celebration.” And in the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling,” listen for “Fill up my cup, mazel tov!”
There’s only one thing to say about the strange popularity of this Jewish phrase in pop music (sorry, it’s irresistible!): Mazel tov!
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