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The Whiskey

from Klezmer Mongrels by Geoff Berner

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lyrics

When the matchmaker came to my grandfather
To try to arrange a match between my father and mother
They talked and they talked, but they could not agree,
Till someone produced a bottle of whiskey.
They drank and they sang and they danced and they reeled,
And when they woke up in the morning the deal was sealed.

At the wedding, the couple was shy but fortunately,
There was an open bar with plenty of whiskey.
And so that’s the reason for my insistence
That whiskey’s responsible for my very existence.
Cause they drank and they danced and they suddenly knew
What a young couple is supposed to do.

In the beginning, at my circumcision
Everybody drank like Russians.
So in the end, when I return to the land
Be sure to bury me with a bottle in my hand.
Cause when it’s time to get judged on the Judgement Day
I know I'm gonna need a whiskey right away.

credits

from Klezmer Mongrels, released January 25, 2009
Translated and adapted from a song by Mikhl Gordin, by Geoff Berner with Daniel Kahn

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all rights reserved

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about

Geoff Berner Vancouver, British Columbia

Singer / songwriter / accordionist / novelist Geoff Berner's music combines klezmer, punk, political satire and Balkan dance rhythms. He writes sharp, literate songs that make you want to weep, laugh, grind your teeth, or kick out a window - often all at the same time. Having built a cult following with his weirdly compelling stage presence, G.B. has a strange ability to create fun chaos. ... more

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