The Significance of “If I Were A Rich Man” by Cast of Fiddler on the Roof
Table of Contents
The Genesis of “If I Were A Rich Man”
The iconic song “If I Were A Rich Man” was written by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock for their Broadway show Fiddler on the Roof. The song is sung by Tevye, a poor milkman, who is dreaming of a better life. He fantasizes about what he would do if he had wealth, such as buying a big house and eating the finest food.
The lyrics of the song are witty and humorous, but they also convey a deep yearning for a better life. The song became an instant classic and has been covered by numerous singers, including Gwen Stefani and Chaim Topol.
The Lyrics and Their Meaning
At its core, “If I Were A Rich Man” is a song about the importance of dreams and the pursuit of happiness. The lyrics speak to the desire for a better life and the joy that comes from imagining what it would be like to have everything one wants.
The first verse of the song sets the stage for Tevye’s fantasy. He sings about how he would spend his days if he were rich, such as sleeping all day and doing whatever he wants. The second verse is more about the material things he would acquire, such as a big house and a second wife.
But the most important part of the song is the chorus, where Tevye declares that if he were rich, he would “build a big, tall house with rooms by the dozen/right in the middle of the town.” This line is the key to understanding the deeper meaning of the song.
The line about building a big house in the middle of town represents the idea of being at the center of society, of being someone who matters. Tevye is imagining a life where he is no longer on the fringes of society, struggling to make ends meet. He is dreaming of a life where he is somebody, where he is respected and admired.
The Significance of the Song
“If I Were A Rich Man” is a song that speaks to the universal human desire for a better life. It is a reminder that, no matter how hard life may be at times, there is always the possibility for something better. The song encourages us to dream big, to imagine a life where we have everything we want.
But the song is also a cautionary tale, reminding us that wealth does not necessarily bring happiness. Despite all his daydreams, Tevye is still a man who is deeply rooted in his faith and his love for his family. At the end of the day, these are the things that truly matter to him, not the material possessions he imagines having.
The Legacy of the Song
Over the years, “If I Were A Rich Man” has become one of the most beloved and famous songs from a Broadway musical. It has been covered by countless artists, adapted into films, and even parodied (remember Weird Al’s “If I Could Make Love to a Bottle?”).
But what is perhaps most remarkable about this song is its enduring relevance. Even today, over 50 years after it first premiered, “If I Were A Rich Man” resonates with audiences around the world. It is a song that speaks to the transformative power of imagination and the universal desire for a better life.
The Bottom Line
If there is one thing we can take away from “If I Were A Rich Man,” it is that dreams are powerful things. They have the ability to transport us to a different life, to make us believe that anything is possible. And while dreams may not always come true, they can inspire us to keep striving for something better.
So the next time you hear “If I Were A Rich Man,” take a moment to think about what the song means to you. What are your dreams, and how can you work to bring them to life? In the end, that is the true legacy of this timeless classic.
