When Eastern European Jews immigrated en masse to the United States in the 1880s and '90s fleeing Czarist oppression and poverty, they brought with them a body of secular folk songs. Sung in Yiddish by men and women who came here from five villages (with English translations and explanations), this recording archives a lost way of life.

Tracklist:

Am Kodoysh
A-A Lyu Lyu
In A Shtetele Pityepoy
Cheder-Boy's Taunts: Taunts From Galicia
Vi Azoy S'Iz Nisht Git Tsu Geyn
Henich's Vayb/Of Azoy Neyt A Shnayder (This Is How A Tailor Sews)
Hob Ich Mir A Shpan (I Have A Coach)
A Redele Iz Di Gore Velt
A Shadchen Darf Men Kenen Zayn (A Matchmaker's Trade Is A Special Skill)
Vos Vilsti Mutter Hobn? (What Do You Want From Me Mother?)
Indroysn Iz Fintster (It Is Dark Outdoors)
Fun Groys Dasad (In Great Pain)
Ich Lig Unter Grattes (I Lie Behind Bars)
Kadril: Quadrille
Beggar Song: Betler Lid
Chassidic Tune
Husiatiner Melody
Chassidic Hopke
Az Moshi: Ach Vet Kumen (When The Messiah Comes)
Zog Mir Mein Shvester (Tell Me My Sister)
Vos Shloft Ir, Ir Shlefer? (Why Do You Slumber, You Sleepers?)
Di Mashines Klapn (The Machines Are Clattering)
Ver Es Hot In Blat Gelezn (Oh Have You Read In The Newspapers?)
Fraytik Inderfri (Friday Morning)
Zayt Mir Gezint - Chovertes Ole (Farewell, All My Friends - The Bride's Farewell)
Forn Forstu Fun Mir Avek (You Are Leaving Me)
Five Wedding Tunes On A Fiddle
Shlof Mayn Kind Mayn Treyst Mayn Sheyner (Sleep My Child My Lovely Comfort)

UPC: 093070380127
Label: Folkways Records
Release Date: 5.30.12
Format: CD

Jewish Life The Old Country - Jewish Life: Old Country / Various (CD)