Yossele Rosenblatt Sings "A Yiddishe Mame" Lyrics and Translation

While the Sophie Tucker version of this sentimental Yiddish classic is perhaps the best known in America, the rendition by Yossele Rosenblatt was almost certainly the most well-know throughout Europe.

Ikh vil bay aykh a kashe fregen, zogt mir ver es ken
I'd like to ask a question—tell me if you know.
Mit velkhe tayere farmegen bentcht got alemen?
God blesses everyone with what cherished possession?
Men koyft dos nisht fir kayne gelt, dos git men nor umzist
It's free! You can't buy it!
Oon dokh az men ferlirt dos, oy vi treren men fargist
And when you lose it, you'll shed many a tear!
A Tzvayten git men kaynem nit, es helft nisht kayn gevayn
You'll never get a second one—no matter how hard you cry!
Oy, ver es hot farloyrn, der vays shoyn vos ikh mayn.
If you've already lost it, you already know what I mean!
A Yiddishe Mame,
A Yiddish Mamma
Es gibt nisht besser oif der velt
There's nothing better in this world!
A Yiddish Mame,
A Yiddish Mamma
Oy vey vi bitter ven zi felt
Oh! The bitterness when she's gone!
Vi shayn in likhtig iz in hoiz ven di mame iz do
How nice, how, bright it is at home, when Mother is there!
Vi troyerig finster vert ven Got nemt ir oif Olam Haboh
How sad, how dark it is, when God takes her away!
In vasser in fayer volt zi gelofn far ihr kind
She would run through water and through fire for her child!
nisht halten ihr tayer, dos iz gevis di gresten zind
Not to hold and cherish her is a sin!!
Oy, vi gliklekh un raykh iz der mentsh vos hot
How lucky, how rich is he
Aza shayne matuneh geshenkt foon G-t,
To have such a beautiful gift given him by God!
Nor ayn altichke Yiddishe Mame,
Like a dear old Yiddish Mamma
Oy, Mame Mayn!
O Mamma mine!