HODEL:
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
CHAVA:
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.
HODEL:
For Papa, make him a scholar.
HODEL:
For Mama, make him rich as a king.
CHAVA and HODEL:
For me, well, I wouldn't holler
If her 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.
-- SPOKEN:--
TZEITEL:
Since when are you a match, Chava? Ithought you had your eye on your books.
(Hodel chuckles)
And you have your eye on the Rabbi's son.
HODEL:
Well, why not? We have only one Rabbi and he has only one son. Why shhouldn't I want the best?
TZEITEL:
Because
you are a girl from a poor family. So whatever Yente brings, you'll take, right? Of course right!
-- SINGING: --
TZEITEL:
Hodel, oh Hodel, have I made a match for you.
He's handsome! He's young! All right, he's 62.
But he's a nice man, a good catch. True? True!
I promise you'll be happy. And even if you're not,
There's more to life than that. Don't ask me what!
Chava! I've 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've heard he has a temper. He'll 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!
CHAVA:
Matchmaker, matchmaker, you know that I'm
Still very young. Please, take your time.
HODEL:
Up to this minute, I've misunderstood
That I could get stuck for good.
CHAVA and HODEL:
Dear Yente, see that he's gentle.
Remember, you were also a bride.
It's not that I'm sentimental.
It's just that I'm terrified!
ALL GIRLS:
Matchmaker, matchmaker, plan me no plans.
I'm in no rush. maybe I've learned
Playing with matches a girl can get burned.
So bring me no ring, groom me no groom,
Find me no find, catch me no catch.
Unless he's a matchless match!