Introduction
“If I Were A Rich Man” is a popular song from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof”. The song was written by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock in 1964. It is a humorous song that features the character Tevye, a poor milkman who dreams of being wealthy. The song has become a classic and is often performed in musical theater productions and concerts.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “If I Were A Rich Man” describe the lavish lifestyle that Tevye imagines for himself if he were wealthy. The song begins with the lines:
“If I were a rich man,
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum.
All day long I’d biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
The song goes on to describe how Tevye would spend his money on things like fine clothes, a grand house, and expensive food and drink. The lyrics also touch on the idea that money can bring happiness, as Tevye imagines how much easier his life would be if he were wealthy.
The Meaning
While “If I Were A Rich Man” is a humorous song, it also touches on some deeper themes. The song highlights the struggle of poverty and the desire for a better life. It also comments on the idea that money can bring happiness, even though this may not always be true.
The song is also a commentary on the Jewish culture of the time. Many Jews were forced to live in poverty, and the song reflects the desire for a better life that was common in the Jewish community.
The Musical
“If I Were A Rich Man” is one of the most popular songs from “Fiddler on the Roof”, a musical that premiered on Broadway in 1964. The musical is set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka in Russia, and tells the story of Tevye, a poor milkman, and his family.
The musical was a critical and commercial success, and has since become a classic. It has been performed in countless productions around the world, and has been adapted for film and television.
Conclusion
“If I Were A Rich Man” is a classic song from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof”. The song is a humorous commentary on the desire for wealth and the struggle of poverty. While the song is often performed in musical theater productions and concerts, it also has deeper themes that reflect the Jewish culture of the time.
