Matchmaker (from the Fiddler on the Roof)

Jerry Bock

Sheldon Harnick

Polish Lyrics

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match,
find me a find, catch me a catch.
Matchmaker matchmaker look through your book
and make me a perfect match.
Matchmaker matchmaker, I'll bring the veil,
you bring the groom, slender and pale.
Bring me a ring for I'm longing to be the envy of all I see.
For Papa make him a scholar.
For Mama make him rich as a king.
For me, well, I wouldn't holler if he were as handsome as anything.
Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match,
find me a find, catch me a catch.
night after night in the dark I'm alone
so find me a match of my own.

Spoken:
Since when are you interested in a match, Chava?
I thought you only had your eve on your books!
And you have your eye on the rabbi's son!
Why not? We only have one rabbi, and he only has one son.
Why shouldn't I want the best?
Because you're a girl from a poor family, so whatever
Yente brings you'll take, right? Of course right.

Hodel! oh Hodel, have I made a match for you!
He's handsome. He's young! Alright, he's 62,
but he's a nice man, a good catch, true? True.
I promise you'll be happy, and even if you're not
there's more to life than that. Don't ask me what.
Chava! I've found him! Won't you be a lucky bride.
He's handsome. He's tall! That is, from side to side,
but he's a nice man, a good catch, right? Right.
You've heard he has a temper. He'll beat you every night.
But only when he's sober, so you're alright.
Did you think you'd get a prince? Well I'll find the best I can.
With no money, no dowry, no family background,
Be glad you've got a man!!!

Matchmaker matchmaker you know that I'm
still very young. Please, take your time.
Up till this minute I've misunderstood
that I could get stuck for good!
Dear Yente, see that he's gentle. Remember, you were also a bride.
It's not that I'm sentimental. It's just that I'm terrified!
Matchmaker matchmaker plan me no plans.
I'm in no rush. Maybe I've learned:
playing with matches a girl can get burned.

So bring me no ring, groom me no groom,
find me no find, catch me no catch,
unless he's a matchless match!

Translation

clip here from an interpretation of this song by one of the avantgarde k

Media

Added November 29th, 1999