The Stories Behind the Songs: Conversations with the Folk Rock Rabbi

A reflection on the inspiration behind my new song, “I Am Pain.” This is not a celebration of suffering. Pain is real, loss is real, and some things happen to us that we never would have chosen. But even when we cannot choose what happens to us, perhaps we can choose what we do with it—and what it ultimately makes of us.

-Gedalya

Click to Listen to “I Am Pain”

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In this episode, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, introduces his new album, Constant Running River, and shares the inspiration behind its title and message. Drawing on the image of a person alone in a boat on a vast ocean, he explores the idea that each of us carries a deep well of wisdom within—but life’s distractions, fears, pride, and struggles often keep us from reaching it.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with that inner source. It also offers a preview of the songs on the album, which explore themes of faith, humility, hope, compassion, prison outreach, and the search for meaning. Over the coming weeks, each episode will take listeners behind another song, revealing the stories and life experiences that shaped the music.

Whether you’re discovering the album for the first time or looking for a deeper understanding of its message, this is where the journey begins.

Click to listen to the new album on Spotify!

Every song has a story. In this first episode of The Stories Behind the Songs, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, shares the inspiration behind “Just One Cigarette” — a song that uses smoking as an analogy for the excuses we all make when we know something isn’t good for us.

This is not a song about judging others. It’s about looking honestly at ourselves and recognizing the moments when we say, “just this once,” even when we know that excuse can lead us back again and again.

Discover the story, the message, and the deeper meaning behind the music.

-Folk Rock Rabbi

If this story resonated with you, I'd love for you to listen to "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify. 🎵 Pre-Save "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify!