Do You Love Me
Milton Greene; Zero Mostel; Maria Karnilova Lyrics
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Golde: Do I what?
Tevye: Do you love me?
Golde: Do I love you?
With our daughters getting married and this trouble in the town,
You're upset. You want out. Go inside. Go lie down.
Maybe it's indigestion.
Tevye: Golde, I'm asking you a question. Do you love me?
Golde: You're a fool!
Tevye: I know. But do you love me?
Golde: Do I love you?
For twenty-five years, I've washed your clothes,
Cooked your meals, cleaned your house,
Given you children, milked the cow.
After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now?
Tevye: The first time I met you was on our wedding day. I was scared.
Golde: I was shy.
Tevye: I was nervous.
Golde: So was I.
Tevye: But my father and my father said we'd learn to love each other.
So, now I'm asking, Golde...
Tevye: Do you love me?
Golde: I'm your wife!
Tevye: I know. But do you love me?
Golde: Do I love him?
For twenty-five years, I've lived with him,
Fought with him, starved with him.
For twenty-five years, my bed is his.
If that's not love, what is?
Tevye: Then you love me?
Golde: I suppose I do.
Tevye: And I suppose I love you, too.
Together: It doesn't change a thing, but even so,
After twenty-five years, it's nice to know
The song "Do You Love Me?" from Fiddler on the Roof is a beautiful duet between Tevye and his wife, Golde, who have been married for twenty-five years. The song starts with Tevye asking Golde if she loves him, and Golde seems to be annoyed by the question. However, as the song progresses, Golde reflects on the life they have built together and recognizes that their love has grown over time.
The song beautifully captures the dynamics of a long-term marriage. At the beginning of the song, Golde seems to be somewhat irritated with Tevye for asking if she loves him, as she thinks he should know by now. However, as Tevye reminds her of all they have been through together, Golde begins to appreciate their relationship and the love that has developed between them over time.
Through their exchange, Tevye and Golde show that love can be complicated and messy, but it can also develop slowly over time. The song highlights the importance of taking a moment to reflect on the love in our lives, despite the stress and difficulties that we may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you love me?
Tevye asking Golde if she loves him.
Do I what?
Golde is confused about Tevye's question.
Do you love me?
Tevye repeats his question to Golde.
You're upset. You want out. Go inside. Go lie down. Maybe it's indigestion.
Golde thinks that Tevye's question is caused by stress and indigestion.
Golde, I'm asking you a question. Do you love me?
Tevye insists that Golde answers his question.
You're a fool!
Golde thinks that Tevye's question is foolish.
Do I love you?
Golde questions why Tevye is asking about love after so many years.
For twenty-five years, I've washed your clothes, Cooked your meals, cleaned your house, Given you children, milked the cow. After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now?
Golde lists all the things she's done for Tevye over the years and doesn't understand why he's bringing up love now.
The first time I met you was on our wedding day. I was scared.
Tevye remembers when he first met Golde on their wedding day.
I was shy.
Golde was also nervous on their wedding day.
But my father and my father said we'd learn to love each other. So, now I'm asking, Golde... Do you love me?
Tevye remembers what their fathers said about learning to love each other and repeats his question about Golde's love.
I'm your wife!
Golde reminds Tevye that they are married.
I know. But do you love me?
Tevye insists on an answer about Golde's feelings for him.
Do I love him? For twenty-five years, I've lived with him, Fought with him, starved with him. For twenty-five years, my bed is his. If that's not love, what is?
Golde realizes that after living and struggling together for so long, their commitment to each other is indeed love.
Then you love me?
Tevye confirms Golde's love for him.
I suppose I do.
Golde admits that she does love Tevye.
And I suppose I love you, too.
Tevye also admits that he loves Golde.
It doesn't change a thing, but even so, After twenty-five years, it's nice to know.
Although their feelings haven't changed anything, it's comforting to know that they love each other after so many years.
Lyrics © BOCK IP LLC , IMAGEM U.S. LLC , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY, JR GORDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind