I love to eat on holidays and I will tell you why
The answer’s partly knedelakh and partly matza brei
And blintzes and gefilte fish and latkes large and small
But there is one delectable I love the best of all—
(And that is) Homen-, homentashen
Those triangles with fillings dark and sweet
Homen-, homentashen
There’s nothing in this world I’d rather eat
I saw a fancy bakery shop and tried to get some there
They said, “We have brioches and scones,” I said, “Get outa here!”
(I want some) Homen-, homentashen
To me, they’re always a treat.
The navy found a castaway upon a desert isle
He’d lived on fish and coconuts it seems for quite a while
The captain brought him T-bone steaks and vintage Bordeaux wine
The castaway just looked at him and said, “If you don’t mind—”
(I’d like some) Homen-, homentashen
Those triangles with fillings dark and sweet
Homen-, homentashen
There’s nothing in this world I’d rather eat
The French may have their croissants and the Yanks their apple pies
I’m sure they’re quite delicious but they just don’t tantalize—
(Not like my) Homen-, homentashen
To me, they’re always a treat.
Imagine wand’ring ‘round the desert with the Israelites
For forty years they dined on manna morning, noon, and night
If I’d been there, I know what I’d have done without delay
I’d walk right up to Moses and, “Rabeynu,” I would say—
(Can’t we have) Homen-, homentashen
Those triangles with fillings dark and sweet
Homen-, homentashen
There’s nothing in this world I’d rather eat
I understand that milk and honey soon will be our fare
But just to tide us over, don’t you think that God could spare
(A dozen) Homen-, homentashen
To me, they’re always a treat.
I went into McDonald’s for a nice Filet-O-Fish
It came with Coke and French fries and it really was delish
To top it off, I looked up at the menu for dessert
I didn’t see my favorite and you know that I was hurt
(I wanted) Homen-, homentashen
Those triangles with fillings dark and sweet
Homen-, homentashen
There’s nothing in this world I’d rather eat
I went up to the manager and said without a blush—
“If you can have McNuggets, you can have McHomentash!”
(Bring on the) Homen-, homentashen
The Purim pastry that’s oh, so tasty—to me, they’re always a treat.
(encore/optional verse)
Queen Esther threw a banquet for the King and you-know-who
Who didn’t know his pretty royal hostess was a Jew
The table talk came round to how the Jews would soon be dead
Queen Esther turned the tables and Haman was dead instead
(Now we’ve got) Homen-, homentashen
Those triangles with fillings dark and sweet
Homen-, homentashen
There’s nothing in this world I’d rather eat
Haman had said, “If I don’t get those Jews, I’ll eat my hat,”
But Mordecai outsmarted him, and since then WE’VE done that—
(We’ve eaten) Homen-, homentashen
The Purim pastry that’s oh, so tasty—to me, they’re always a treat.
SHELLEY POSEN is a Canadian songwriter and performer of his own and traditional songs. He writes in many styles and on many subjects. His songs are widely recognized for their wit, craftsmanship, and the profound effect many seem to have on listeners.
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