Fradde's Song

Soon to the canopy you will be led;

Your mother arrives from the world of the dead

And she comes to your wedding in silver and gold

She offers her hand for the angels to hold

Oh, Chanele's daughter's a glorious bride!

Does Chanele glitter with gold or with pride?

And Chanah your mother says, bursting with joy

"My Leah is marrying a wonderful boy!"

But suddenly, Chanele, why do you sigh?

And why does your heart break, and why do you cry?

"Strangers are leading the bridal parade

While I stand unseen, alone and afraid."

The living are dancing with those that they see

And only the dead will be dancing with me

And the daughter of Chanah is married that day

To the bridegroom who's waiting to dance her away

And that's the klezmorim, they sing and they play

And all through the dancing the spirits they stray

The prophet Elijah, he dances and sings

And silver and gold are the blessings he brings

And shekels slop over the prophet's gold cup

And the dead and the living both gobble them up

Soon to the canopy you will be led;

Your mother arrives from the world of the dead