The Meaning Behind The Song: Matchmaker – Matchmaker by Cast of Fiddler on the Roof
The song “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” is a well-known tune from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” which premiered on Broadway in 1964. It was written by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, who also wrote several other hit songs including “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition”. The song is sung by three of the female characters in the show, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, as they discuss their desires for love and marriage with the matchmaker, Yente.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics of “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”
The song opens with the three sisters addressing the matchmaker:
Matchmaker, matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
The first line is a call to action directed at the matchmaker. The girls are asking Yente to find them a suitable partner. The second line emphasizes the importance of finding someone who fits their criteria, while the third line is an expression used to encourage Yente to hurry up and find a match for them.
Night after night in the dark I’m alone
So find me a match of my own
The second verse highlights the sisters’ isolation and desire to find their true match. They yearn for someone to share their lives with.
The Meaning Behind the Song
“Matchmaker, Matchmaker” is a song about the struggle for love and the pursuit of happiness. The characters in the musical live in a traditional Jewish community, where arranged marriages are still commonplace. The girls in the song, however, have their own ideas about what they want in a partner. They are not content to follow their community’s traditions, and they long for a fulfilling marriage based on love.
The song is also a reflection of the time period in which it was written. The 1960s was a time of significant social change, and the idea of marrying for love rather than financial or social status became more widespread. “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” reflects this shift in societal norms, and it became one of the most popular songs from “Fiddler on the Roof.”
The Song’s Legacy
“Matchmaker, Matchmaker” has become one of the most famous songs from “Fiddler on the Roof,” and it has been covered by various artists over the years. The song’s popularity has endured, and it remains an iconic track from the musical.
The musical itself has been performed around the world and has won numerous awards, including nine Tony Awards and a Grammy Award. The show has also been adapted for film and television, with the most recent adaptation being a 2021 television special starring Harvey Fierstein.
FAQs
What was the inspiration behind the song “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”?
The song was inspired by the idea of arranged marriages in traditional Jewish communities. The writers, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, wanted to explore the concept of arranged marriages and the characters’ desires to find love on their own terms.
What is the message behind the song?
The song is about the struggle for love and the pursuit of happiness. The characters in the musical want to find their true love in a community where arranged marriages are the norm. The message is that everyone deserves to find love and happiness on their own terms, regardless of societal expectations.
Who sings “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” in the musical?
The song is sung by Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, who are three of the female characters in the show. They are discussing their desires for love and marriage with the matchmaker, Yente.
What does the line “Find me a find, catch me a catch” mean?
The line is a way of emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable partner who meets the sisters’ criteria. It suggests that finding a match is like finding a rare and valuable object.
What is the significance of the word “matchmaker” in the song?
In traditional Jewish communities, matchmakers play an important role in arranging marriages. The word “matchmaker” is used to highlight this role and the characters’ desire to find a suitable partner.
Has the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” has been covered by various artists over the years. Some of the most notable covers include ones by Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, and Gwen Stefani.
What awards has “Fiddler on the Roof” won?
The musical has won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Score. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Has “Fiddler on the Roof” been adapted for film or television?
Yes, “Fiddler on the Roof” has been adapted for film and television several times. The most recent adaptation was a 2021 television special starring Harvey Fierstein.
What made “Fiddler on the Roof” a success?
“Fiddler on the Roof” was successful due to its music, story, and characters. It tells a story that is relatable to many people, and the music is memorable and catchy. The show also addresses important themes such as family, tradition, and societal change.
Is “Fiddler on the Roof” still performed today?
Yes, “Fiddler on the Roof” is still performed today and remains a popular show in theaters around the world.
What is the plot of “Fiddler on the Roof”?
“Fiddler on the Roof” is a musical set in the early 1900s in a traditional Jewish community in Russia. The story follows a poor milkman named Tevye and his family as they navigate the challenges of life and love. Tevye’s daughters start to fall in love with men outside of their faith, and the family struggles to maintain their traditions in an ever-changing world.
What other songs are in “Fiddler on the Roof”?
Other notable songs in the musical include “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “If I Were a Rich Man.”
What impact has “Fiddler on the Roof” had on musical theater?
“Fiddler on the Roof” has had a significant impact on musical theater and is considered one of the most successful and influential musicals of all time. It paved the way for future musicals that tackled important themes and showcased powerful storytelling through song and dance.
