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Translated Songs
Vaudeville
Work
Yiddish Theater
Original language
Title
Composer
Lyricist
Original lyrics
1. Sheyn bin ikh sheyn Sheyn iz mayn nomen Vegt men mir shidikhim Fun same rabonim Rabonishe toyre Iz dokh zeyer groys - Vin ikh bay mayn mamen A likhtige royz Refrain A sheyn meydele bin ikh Royte zekelekh trog ikh Gelt in di tashn Vayn in di flashn Milekh in di kregelekh Kinder in vigelekh Shraen ale sheyn - Sheyn bin ikh sheyn 2. Beser a melamed Afile a beyzn Eyder a student! Mti tzerisene hoyzn Veser a behelfer Mit a tutz kleyne kinder Eyder gor a dokter Mit a tzebrokhenen tzelinder Refrain 3. Beser a proster klayznik Afile nisht kayn guter Eyder an apteker Vos preglt fleysh oyf puter Ikh vil nemen a khosid Mit a por lange pees Un er vet mir brengen Fund undzer rebn kamees
Translated lyrics
1. Pretty am I, pretty, Pretty is my name. They propose the finest of matches for me, Even to a rabbi. One who knows the Torah Is very important - And now my mother thinks of me As a blooming rose. Refrain I am a pretty maiden, I wear red socks, I have money in my pocket, I have a flask of wine, I have a crock of mead. Babies in their cradle Are all crying out, "How pretty she is!" Pretty am I. 2. Better a Hebrew teacher, Even a bad-tempered one, Than a schoolboy Wearing torn pants. Better an assistant To the teacher, With a dozen children of his own, Than a doctor With a torn high hat. Refrain: Pretty am I... 3. Better a simple Talmud student, Even if he is not so good-natured, Than an apothecary, Who can afford butter with his meat. I'll take a pious bridegroom With long payes (earlocks), And he'll bring me Blessings from our rabbi. Refrain: Pretty am I...
Notes
This children's game song was recorded on the Vanguard record "Marthe Schlamme Sings Jewish Folk Songs." It has since been recorded on a CD. I have also heard it sung with blue socks instead of red socks; the version here is what Marthe Schlamme sings. -Sara
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