"Is this the little girl I carried?"

Curiously, only 11 days after the passing of Joseph Stein, author of the wonderful musical Fidler on the Roof, its composer, Jerry Bock, died today at 81, just two days after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the U.S. Dramatists Guild.  He spoke at Stein's funeral on 24th October. He was 17 years his junior.

His score for Fidler on the Roof included some of the most memorable tunes, including the moving  song, Sunrise, Sunset.  You are fortunate not be to able to hear me singing this lovely melody, but the lyrics, written by Sheldon Harnick now take on a whole new meaning for me, now that you, my dearest Yael, are in the world:  This was sung led by Tevye at the wedding of his daughter:

(Tevye)

Is this the little girl I carried?

Is this the little boy at play?

(Golda)

I don't remember growing older

When did they?

(Tevye)

When did she get to be a beauty?

When did he get to be so tall?

(Golde)

Wasn't it yesterday

When they were small?

(Men)

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

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?

(Tevye)

Now they must learn from one another

Day by day

(Perchik)

They look so natural together

(Hodel)

Just like two newlyweds should be

(Pechik & Hodel)

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

This song oozes with Jewish emotion and sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it.  Time will fly, and I hope to be around for your wedding, my dear Yael.  For sure, by then your parents will be asking the question, "Is this the little girl I carried?"  Maybe then you'll permit me to sing this song..


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic