Norman Jewison turned the Broadway hit into a movie set in a Ukrainian village (but filmed in Yugoslavia). Topol, an Israeli actor, plays Tevye the milkman.
Tevye deals with poverty, prejudice, and his five daughters’ love lives. He often talks to God when stressed. When his daughter Tzeitel falls in love with the poor tailor Motel after marrying the wealthy butcher he chose, Tevye must adjust.
Later, he can’t accept his eldest daughter Chava loving non-Jewish Fyedka.
The story ends when the Czar’s men force everyone from their village. The cast includes Norma Crane (Golde), Molly Picon (Yente), and Leonard Frey (Motel).
About the Song
“Sunrise, Sunset” is a moving song from “Fiddler on the Roof” sung during Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding. Composed in a minor key with a waltz-like 3/4 time signature, it features a gentle, swaying rhythm.
The song builds from a soft, reflective beginning to a full choral arrangement. Its bittersweet melody and harmonies perfectly capture the parents’ mix of joy and sadness.
The lyrics pose questions (“Is this the little girl I carried?”) that focus on the passage of time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | August 24, 1971 |
| Album | Fiddler on the Roof (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1971) |
| Writers | Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick |
Sunrise, Sunset Lyrics
TEVYE
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
GOLDE
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?
TEVYE
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
GOLDE
Wasn’t it yesterday when they were small?
ALL
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
WOMEN
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
ALL
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
TEVYE
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
GOLDE
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
PERCHIK
They look so natural together
HODEL
Just like two newlyweds should be
HODEL & PERCHIK
Is there a canopy in store for me?
ALL
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
Similar Songs Like Sunrise, Sunset
The songs listed below are identical to Sunrise, Sunset by the cast of Fiddler that you might like to enjoy:
- “Sabbath Prayer“: This song is a reverent celebration of family and tradition, evoking a sense of unity as the characters come together for the Sabbath, accepting sacred ritual and prayers.
- “Anatevka“: A melancholy ballad expressing the sorrow of leaving a beloved home, “Anatevka” underscores the deep emotional attachment to one’s heritage and the pain of moving on from familiar surroundings.
- “Far From the Home I Love“: A song that talks about a daughter’s sacrifice, filled with longing as she faces the painful decision of leaving her family to pursue a new life.
- “Do You Love Me?“: A tender and humorous song between Tevye and Golde, learning the enduring nature of their love after years of marriage, filled with affection, questioning, and genuine connection.
Similar Artists Like Fiddler on the Roof
Here is a list of similar artists like Fiddler on the Roof, along with their genre and notable albums:
- Les Misérables
Genre: Musical Theater/Drama
Notable Album: Les Misérables: Original London Cast Recording - The Sound of Music
Genre: Musical Theater/Classic Broadway
Notable Album: The Sound of Music: Original Broadway Cast Recording - West Side Story
Genre: Musical Theater/Jazz Fusion
Notable Album: West Side Story: Original Broadway Cast Recording - My Fair Lady
Genre: Musical Theater/Classic Broadway
Notable Album: My Fair Lady: Original Broadway Cast Recording - Cabaret
Genre: Musical Theater/Jazz/Drama
Notable Album: Cabaret: Original Broadway Cast Recording
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Sunrise, Sunset Convey the Passage of Time?
The song highlights how childhood innocence contrasts with growing up, using the wedding to reflect on how fast children change, making parents proud yet nostalgic.
Is Sunrise, Sunset a Popular Song Outside of The Musical?
Yes, it has become one of the most renowned and widely recognized songs. Due to its emotional and timeless lyrics, it is often performed at weddings and other significant life events.
Why Do So Many People Find This Song Relatable?
The song’s themes of love, family, and time remain common universally. It reflects the heartfelt emotions felt when witnessing the growth and change of those we care about.
