Anatevka
Zero Mostel Lyrics


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A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
A pot, a pan, a broom, a hat.
Someone should have set a match to this place years ago.
A bench, a tree.
So, what's a stove? Or a house?
People who pass through Anatevka don't even know they've been here.
A stick of wood. A piece of cloth.
What do we leave? Nothing much.
Only Anatevka.
Anatevka, Anatevka.
Underfed, overworked Anatevka.
Where else could Sabbath be so sweet?
Anatevka, Anatevka.
Intimate, obstinate Anatevka,
Where I know everyone I meet.
Soon I'll be a stranger in a strange new place,
Searching for an old familiar face
From Anatevka.
I belong in Anatevka,




Tumble-down, work-a-day Anatevka.
Dear little village, little town of mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Zero Mostel's song "Anatevka" from the popular musical "Fiddler on the Roof" are reflective of the sense of nostalgia and solemnity that permeates the story of the show. The opening lines "A little bit of this, a little bit of that. A pot, a pan, a broom, a hat" speak to the simplicity and humbleness of life in Anatevka, a small village in imperial Russia. The following lyric, "Someone should have set a match to this place years ago" suggests that life in the village is hard, and that it would be better to burn it down and start again, rather than continue to exist in such challenging circumstances.


The subsequent lyrics explore what Anatevka is made of - a bench, a tree, a stick of wood, a piece of cloth. These are not material possessions of any significant value, yet they hold great meaning for the people who live in Anatevka, as they represent the only tangible evidence of their existence. The final lines of the song, "Soon I'll be a stranger in a strange new place, searching for an old familiar face from Anatevka. I belong in Anatevka, tumble-down, work-a-day Anatevka. Dear little village, little town of mine" speak to the profound sense of loss that comes with leaving behind a place that, despite its challenges, is home. The character of Tevye, played by Zero Mostel, is depicted as someone who has seen his fair share of hardship, and who longs for a simpler way of life, even as he acknowledges that he must move on to survive.


Line by Line Meaning

A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
Anatevka is a place of simple living, with a mix of different things to be found around.


A pot, a pan, a broom, a hat.
The things available in Anatevka are basic and used for daily chores.


Someone should have set a match to this place years ago.
Anatevka seems almost forgotten and worthless, as if it should have been destroyed long ago.


A bench, a tree.
The things of Anatevka are simple and natural.


So, what's a stove? Or a house?
The people of Anatevka have no need for luxury to live contently.


People who pass through Anatevka don't even know they've been here.
Anatevka is such a small and insignificant place that outsiders don't even realize they've crossed through it.


A stick of wood. A piece of cloth.
The things left behind or traded in Anatevka are also basic and utilitarian.


What do we leave? Nothing much. Only Anatevka.
The people of Anatevka leave nothing of material value behind, but the memory of Anatevka will live on.


Anatevka, Anatevka.
The name of the village is repeated to emphasize its importance and the emotional connection the artist has with it.


Underfed, overworked Anatevka.
The people of Anatevka may not have much, but they work hard and don't complain.


Where else could Sabbath be so sweet?
Despite their hardships, the people of Anatevka find joy and happiness in the simple things, like their Sabbath traditions.


Intimate, obstinate Anatevka, Where I know everyone I meet.
The artist has formed close relationships with the people of Anatevka and feels a sense of belonging there.


Soon I'll be a stranger in a strange new place, Searching for an old familiar face From Anatevka.
The singer will soon leave Anatevka and go to a new place where they will feel like a stranger and miss the familiar faces from Anatevka.


I belong in Anatevka, Tumble-down, work-a-day Anatevka. Dear little village, little town of mine
The singer's heart belongs to Anatevka, despite its humble and worn-down appearance. They cherish the memories and feel a deep connection to this little village.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEWIS BOCK JERROLD, SHELDON HARNICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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