Moishe Broderson: The Happy Pauper

The Happy Pauper
by Moishe Broderzon

I am just a little Jew
and come from a good land
I walk in shoes that have no holes,
shoes that also have no soles.

/ Refrain/

I am just a little Jew
and come from a good land,
I walk in shoes that have no holes,
shoes that also have no soles .

———————————–

Once I had a little store
merchandise and buyers
Now they’ve all gone, the store’s no more
and I am left with nothing…

/Refrain/

My palace is an attic,
on a narrow street,
I laugh at paying taxes
and at hearses.

/Refrain/

Once I had a role to play,
wish it were still so today.
Now I’m lucky if I get
a package to deliver…

/Refrain/

Seven daughters all are mine
and they all need to wed
but I have nothing to give them
not even shrouds for the dead

/Refrain/

I’ve no way to earn a living
Still I have some things I can do
I still may go to the bath house
and sleep every sabbath too.

/Refrain/

I can pray as much as I like
I’m free to be ill anytime
and with so much pleasure
I can yawn and count my treasure

/Refrain/