How Well Do You Know the Songs in "Fiddler"? Quiz

Answer: Matchmaker, Matchmaker

The three eldest daughters sing this song. They fear that the matchmaker will match them with old, ugly, or otherwise objectionable husbands.

"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."

Answer: Miracle of Miracles

The timid tailor who has just won the eldest daughter's hand sings this triumphant, joyful song, and his fiancee joins in.

"When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle.
When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.

But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be:
God has given you to me."

Answer: Grandma Tzeitel's song in Tevye's dream

Grandma Tzeitel (who is long dead) sings this song about her granddaughter's fiance. A bunch of other decrepit ghosts join in.

"A worthy boy is he
(Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov)
Of pious family
(Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov)
They named him after my
Dear Uncle Mordechai
The tailor Motel Camzoil"

Answer: Tradition

The daughters of the village sing this verse of "Tradition" near the beginning of the movie.

"And who does Mama teach to mend and tend and fix,
Preparing me to marry whoever Papa picks?

The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!
The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!"

Answer: If I Were a Rich Man

Tevye, a poor farmer who delivers milk to his fellow villagers, sings this song in which he fantasizes about life as a wealthy man.

"I'd see my wife, my Golde, looking like a rich man's wife
With a proper double-chin.
Supervising meals to her heart's delight.
I see her putting on airs and strutting like a peacock.
Oy, what a happy mood she's in.
Screaming at the servants, day and night."

Answer: Fruma Sarah Wolfe

Fruma Sarah (who is dead) clearly does not want her widowed husband Lazar Wolfe to remarry. She is a scary but funny ghost.

"If Tzietl marries Lazer Wolfe
I pity them both!
She'll live with him three weeks
And when three weeks are up
I'll come to her by night
I'll take her by the throat and
This I'll give your Tzietl!
That I'll give your Tzietl!
This I'll give your Tzietl!
That I'll give your Tzietl!
Here's my wedding present if she marries Lazer Wolfe!"

Answer: "I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day. That would be the sweetest thing of all."

Tevye's fantasy about being a rich man who can spend most of his time studying Torah.

"If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all."

Answer: "Twenty-five years my bed is his."

After being married to Tevye for 25 years, Golde concludes that yes, she does love him.

"Do I love him?
For twenty-five years I've lived with him
Fought with him, starved with him
Twenty-five years my bed is his
If that's not love, what is?"

Answer: Anatevka

As the villagers leave their beloved village at the movie's end, they sing a funny, sad song of praise to their imperfect home.

"Anatevka, Anatevka.
Underfed, overworked Anatevka.
Where else could sadness be so sweet?
Anatevka, Anatevka.
Intimate, obstinate Anatevka,
Where I know everyone I meet."

Answer: to Tevye's five daughters

Tevye and Golde bless their five daughters as part of their Friday night ritual.

"May you be like Ruth and like Esther.
May you be deserving of praise.
Strengthen them, Oh Lord,
And keep them from the strangers' ways.

May God bless you and grant you long lives.
(May the Lord fulfill our Sabbath prayer for you.)
May God make you good mothers and wives.
(May He send you husbands who will care for you.)"