[3] The plot of the play revolves around Tsirele, the daughter of a widow and innkeeper from a small Polish town, and Abrasha, a Gypsy organ-grinder, street beggar and pickpocket, whose mystery nevertheless attracts many women.

Masha wonders about her own fate and, upon learning that Abrasha is going to marry Tsirele, she pours out her heart in this pitiful song - Ikh hob dikh tsu fil lib.

[1] The performance's music was greeted with enthusiasm by critics, and the play was crushed due to lack of plot and implausibility.

Over the next few years, the song gained immense popularity among Jewish artists and completely broke away from its original theatrical context.

[1] In 1940, Bob Zurke and his Delta Rhythm Orchestra recorded the English version, I Love You Much Too Much, and achieved recognition in the non-Jewish world.

Featuring English lyrics by Don Raye, the song has been recorded by numerous performers in a variety of styles, including Gene Krupa, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrews Sisters, The Barry Sisters, Connie Francis, Dean Martin, Tamara Gverdtsiteli.