Sam on the Roof

A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask 'Why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous?' Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: tradition!
- Fiddler on the Roof

Sam is not about to break out into a cheerful song; instead he is waiting for someone to throw him cautiously and safely hoist up a screw gun he needs.