Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: show-tunes
Song Meaning of “If I Were a Rich Man” by Brian Stokes Mitchell
If I Were a Rich Man is an uplifting song that takes a lighthearted view of what it would be like to be financially prosperous. It speaks to the idea of using money as a means to be able to have more time with family, to help others, and to live out our dreams.
The song takes place from the perspective of the main character, a man wishing to be rich, and imagining what life would be like if his finances were unlimited. The song emphasizes a life free of worry and full of possibilities that money could bring.
The chorus is the main determining factor of the overall message of the song; “If I were a rich man, yiddel dee-diddel dum. All day long I’d biddy biddy bum. If I were a wealthy man. I wouldn’t have to work hard; I’d play the fiddle in the morning, Jewish law would be my command.” The chorus conveys an understanding of the contentment associated with living a life of abundance and financial freedom.
The overall message of If I Were a Rich Man is one of hope. It is a reminder that it is ok to dream and to aspire for success, but it is also ok to be content with what we have right now and to find joy and happiness within it.