Topol was a celebrated Israeli actor and singer who is best known for his role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He starred in both the stage production and the 1971 film, earning worldwide praise for his performance.
His deep, expressive voice and natural charm made songs like If I Were a Rich Man unforgettable. The role earned him major awards and even an Oscar nomination.
And lastly, his career was closely tied to musical theatre, where he left a lasting mark through his powerful performances and timeless voice.
About the Song
It is one of the most famous songs from Fiddler on the Roof. The song mixes humor with real emotion, showing both his struggles and hopes. Its catchy melody and honest lyrics have helped it stay popular for decades.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 24, 1971 |
| Album | Fiddler on the Roof (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1971) |
| Writer | Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick |
| Producer | Norman Newell |
If I Were a Rich Man Lyrics
TEVYE, spoken
Oh dear Lord, you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, that it’s no shame to be poor. But it’s no great honor either. So what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?
Sung
If I were a rich man
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
All day long I’d biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn’t have to work hard
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Idle-diddle-didle-didle man
I’d build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen
Right in the middle of the town
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below
There would be one long staircase just going up
And one even longer coming down
And one more leading nowhere, just for show
I’d fill my yard with chicks and turkeys and geese
And ducks for the town to see and hear
Squawking just as noisily as they can
And each loud *bird noises*
Would land like a trumpet on the ear
As if to say, “Here lives a wealthy man”
Oy
If I were a rich man
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
All day long I’d biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn’t have to work hard
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Idle-diddle-didle-didle man
I 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
Oh, what a happy mood she’s in
Screaming at the servants day and night
*Screaming*
The most important men in town would come to fawn on me
They will ask me to advise them
Like a Solomon the Wise
“If you please, Reb Tevye…”
“Pardon me, Reb Tevye…”
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi’s eyes
Ya-da-dee-da-da, ya-dee-da-da, ya-dee-da-da-da
And it won’t make one bit of difference
If I answer right or wrong
When you’re rich, they think you really know
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
Seven hours every day
And that would be the sweetest thing of all
Oy
If I were a rich man
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
All day long I’d biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn’t have to work hard
Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum
Lord, who made the lion and the lamb
You decreed I should be what I am
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan
If I were a wealthy man?
Similar Songs Like If I Were a Rich Man
If you enjoyed If I Were a Rich Man and Topol’s heartfelt voice, below are more songs from Fiddler on the Roof that carry the same mix of emotion, story, and charm.
- Tradition: This song begins with strong energy and sets the tone of the story. It talks about family roles and values passed down through time.
- Sunrise, Sunset: It’s a gentle and emotional song that shows how quickly children grow up. It’s often remembered for its warmth and touching message.
- To Life: This lively and joyful song celebrates life and blessings. Its fast rhythm brings people together.
Similar Artists Like Topol
Other artists have a similar style rooted in stage and film musicals. These performers are known for bringing characters to life through strong vocals and emotional expression.
- Zero Mostel
Genre: Musical Theatre / Broadway
Top albums: Fiddler on the Roof (Original Broadway Cast, 1964), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962), Ulysses in Nighttown (1958), and The Producers (Broadway revival recording, 2001) - Richard Kiley
Genre: Musical Theatre / Vocal
Top albums: Man of La Mancha (Original Broadway Cast, 1965), Kismet (1953), The Little Prince (1974), and Richard Kiley Sings (1960) - Robert Preston
Genre: Musical Theatre / Traditional Pop
Top albums: The Music Man (Original Broadway Cast, 1957), I Do! I Do! (1966), Ben Franklin in Paris (1964), and Something to Do (1958) - Rex Harrison
Genre: Musical Theatre / Classic Vocal
Top albums: My Fair Lady (Original Broadway Cast, 1956), Doctor Dolittle (1967), The King and I (London Cast, 1973), and Rex Harrison Recital (1954) - Howard Keel
Genre: Classic Musical / Film Soundtrack
Top albums: Show Boat (1951), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), Kiss Me Kate (1953), and Oklahoma! (1955)
