Week 8 "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof often referred to as Fiddler was first preformed for the public on July 27th, 1964 at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. Later on Broadway, it was a critical and financial success being the first musical to exceed 3,000 performances becoming the longest-running musical on Broadway for a time.
The story takes place in a small Jewish community in Russia called Antevka during the Russian revolution. It follows Tevye a poor milkman and his family as he tries to find suitable husbands for his 5 daughters following the traditions of the community. This first dialog of the play is Tevye talking about how in the community the people are like a fiddler on roofs just trying to carve out a life (song) and without tradition would be "as precarious as a fiddler on the roof"  which is where the title comes from. There was nervousness from those making the show about the relatability of the show as it very Jewish however the fun songs the central theme of family keeps people coming and listen for years. Think when you watch my Big Fat Greek Wedding though you may not be Greek the show is still funny and one can relate to themes fo family.
The show was the first commercial success of lyricist Harnick and composer Jerry Bock. They had a interesting writing style. Composer Jerry Bock would write some pieces and record them then send them to lyricist Harnick who would listen and work on so lyric to songs that he liked.
The song "If I Were a Rich Man" is sung by Tevye as he goes about his deliveries. He is asking God why he is poor and fantasizing about how his life would be if he was rich. It is a fun upbeat song that remains light even though the lyric suggests some bitterness.