This page contains quotes from the movie Fiddler on the Roof. You can find more Alphabetized listing of films for which quotations are available in the index page. Thanks to the many celebrated and unheralded screenwriters who have provided these memorable movie quotes and lines of dialogue.


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Quotes from the movie Fiddler on the Roof
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A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask, why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous? Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!
Tevye


You made many many poor people, I realize of course it's no shame to be poor, but it's no great honor either. Now what would be so terrible if I had a small fortune?
Tevye


You may ask, how did this tradition get started? I'll tell you. I don't know.
Tevye


Because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is and what God expects him to do.
Tevye


Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as the fiddler on the roof!
Tevye


As the good book says, if you spit in the air, it lands in your face.
Tevye


I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?
Tevye


Sometimes I wonder, when it gets too quiet up there, if You are thinking, "What kind of mischief can I play on My friend Tevye?"
Tevye


As the good book says "Each shall seek his own kind". In other words a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?
Tevye


When I get angry even flies don't dare to fly.
Tevye


It may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. After all, with Your help, I'm starving to death.
Tevye


All right, children. Let's go.
Tevye


Now listen, Tzeitel! If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.
Yente


Ah, children, they are your blessing in your old age. But of course my Aaron couldn't give me children. Between you and me, Golde, he hardly tried.
Yente


The world is changing, Papa.
Chava


I'm a pleasant fellow, charming, honest, ambitious, quite bright, and very modest.
Fyedka


We only have one Rabbi, and he only has one son. Why shouldn't I want the best?
Hodel


If the rich could hire others to die for them we, the poor, would all make a nice living.
Mordcha


Even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness!
Motel Kamzoil


You'll all chatter yourselves away into the grave.
Perchik