(spoken) Oh, dear Lord. You made many many poor
people.
I realize of course it's no shame to be poor, but it's no
great honor either!
So what would have been so terrible, if I had a small
fortune?
---------
If I were a rich man... yuba-duba-duba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-dum.
All day long I biddy-biddy-bum, if I were a wealthy man!
I wouldn't have to work hard, yuba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-duba-duba-dum.
If I were a very very rich, idle didel-didle-didle man.
I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen, right in
the middle of the town.
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below.
There would be one long staircase just going up and
one even longer coming down.
And one more leading nowhere just for show!
I'd fill my yard with chicks, and turkeys, and geese,
and ducks for the town to see an hear.
Squawking just as noisily as they can!
And each loud "yep-geeee! ye-gooo! ye-gahh! ye-gaack!"
will land like a trumpet on the ear,
as if to say here lives a wealthy man!
(groan) If I were a rich man... yuba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-duba-duba-dum.
All day long I biddy-biddy-bum, if I were a wealthy man!
Ah, I wouldn't have to work hard, yuba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-duba-duba-dum.
If I were a very very rich, idle didel-didle-didle man.
I'd see my wife, my Golda, looking like a rich man's wife,
with a proper double chin!
Supervising meals to her hearts delight!
I'd see her putting on heirs and strutting like a peacock.
Oh what a happy mood she's in!
Screaming at the servants day and night!
(unintelligible yelling)
The most important men in town come to fawn on me!
They will ask me to advise them! Like Solomon the wise!
"If you please Reb Tevye..." Pardon me Reb Tevye..."
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi's eyes!
Ya va di da da ya da da da ya da da da da!
And it won't make one bit of difference,
if I answer right or wrong.
When you're rich they think you really know.
If I were rich I'd have the time that I lack to sit in the
synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learn-ed men
seven hours every day.
And that would be the sweetest thing of all!
(sigh) If I were a rich man... yuba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-duba-duba-dum.
All day long I biddy-biddy-bum, if I were a wealthy man!
I wouldn't have to work hard, yuba-duba-duba-duba-
duba-duba-duba-dum.
Lord who made the lion and the lamb!
You decreed I should be what I am!
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?!