Marvikher is thieves’ cant for someone living by his wits on the wrong side of the law. This song, by Mordechi Gebirtig (who followed in Warshavsky’s footsteps until he was murdered by Nazis during the Holocaust), is a marvikher's soliloquy.
A better pickpocket than his competitors, he was driven into the streets from childhood and started stealing. Though successful, the end is in no doubt.
His final wish - that the inscription on his tomb should read:
Here lies Avreml, no marvikher was as tough
He would have been a great man sure enough
A man as fine and full of soul could be
As God himself could only wish to see
lf only in his childhood mothers eyes
And not the murky street, would watch him rise
If he could have a father, as all can
Here lies Avreml - the good man.
Lyrics and music by Mordechi Gebirtig, arrangements by Moshe Wilensky ©