Matchmaker

# Matchmaker

Hodel: Tzeitel you are the oldest,

they have to make a match for you

before they make a match for me.

Chava: And after her one for me.

So if Yente brings you …

Zeitel: Oh, Yente, Yente.

H: Well, somebody has to arrange the matches,

young people can’t decide these things for themselves.

C: She might bring someone wonderful.

H: Someone interesting.

C: And well-off.

H: And important.

H:

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match.

Find me a find,

catch me a catch.

Matchmaker, matchmaker look through your book,

and make me a perfect match!

C:

Matchmaker, matchmaker I’ll bring the veil,

you bring the groom, slender and pale.

Bring me a ring for I’m longing to be

the envy of all I see.

H: For papa, make him a scholar.

C: For mama, make him rich as a king.

H/C:

For me, well, I wouldn’t holler,

if he were as handsome as anything.

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match,

find me a find, catch me a catch.

Night after night in the dark I’m alone,

so find me a match of my own.

T:

Since when have you interested in a match Chava?

I thought you just had your eye on your books.

And you had your eye on the rabbi’s son.

H:

Well why not?

We only have one rabbi, and he only has one son.

Why shouldn’t I want the best?

T:

Because you are a girl from a poor family,

so whatever Yente brings, you’ll take,

right?

Of course right!

Hodel, Oh Hodel, have I made a match for you.

He’s handsome, he’s young,

all right he’s sixty-two.

But he’s a nice man, a good catch.

True? True!

I promise you’d be happy,

and even if you’re not.

There’s more to life than that,

don’t ask me what!

Chava, I found him! Will you be a lucky bride.

He’s handsome, he’s tall,

that is from side to side.

But he’s a nice man, a good catch.

Right? Right!

You heard he has a temper,

he’d beat you every night.

But only when he’s sober,

so you’re all right!

Did you think you’d get a prince?

Well I do the best I can.

With no dowry, no money, no family background,

be glad you got a man!

C:

Matchmaker, matchmaker, you know that I’m still very young.

Please take your time.

H: Up to this minute I misunderstood,

that I could get stuck for good.

H/C:

Dear Yente, see that he’s gentle.

Remember you were also a bride.

H/C/T:

It’s not that I’m sentimental,

it’s just that I’m terrified!

H: Matchmaker, matchmaker plan me no plans.

C: I’m in no rush, maybe I’ve learn’t.

H: Playing with matches a girl can get burnt.

H/C/T:

So bring me no ring,

groom me no groom,

find me no find,

catch me no catch.

Unless he’s a matchless match!