Week 7 - "If I Were a Rich Man" (From Fiddler on The Roof)

When looking at the songs to write about, I thought about choosing one of the songs in bold, as I tend to do. But when I saw "If I Were a Rich Man," I immediately chose that instead. During my senior year of high school, I was Tzeitel in our production of Fiddler On The Roof. Since I have some memories attached to this song, I thought that it would be more enjoyable to analyze it, rather than a random song that I found on a list. 

I love the storytelling that happens in this musical, and specifically in this song. Even through this single musical number, we can tell a lot about Tevye's character. He so deeply yearns for his family to have a better life than they do, even though he knows that he is already happy where he is. The simplicity of wanting more than you have is something that everyone experiences at some point.

I enjoy the raspyness in his voice, showing his old age. However, his voice is still strong, and he has a solid belt. I also love when he sings the little interludes of "Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum," it really adds to it. It shows how dedicated to their religion and lifestyle their family is.