Note: The hard copy of TT has the full text of Adon Olam.
The poem ADON OLAM has ten verses, each ending in a REISH-KAMATZ (followed by ALEF or HEI, both of which are silent. The 10 verses rhyme. However, note that the last words of verses 5 and 9 are MIL'EIL, that is, they are accented on the next-to-the-last syllable. The last words of the other eight verses are MILRA, with accents on the last syllable. When saying ADON OLAM - and even when singing it - one should accent the right syllables of all words. Switching an accent usually does not change the meaning of the word (once in a while it does), but we should daven with care, with respect for Him to Whom we are davening, and respect for ourselves, and try to pronounce the words properly.
[We also should know what all the words mean, but in this column we usually focus on proper pronunciation of the words.]

When singing ADON OLAM (and other prayers), we often misccent words to fit the melody better. This should not be done, and need not be done. MIL'EILing [l'hach-BI-ra] and [v'a-I-ra] might sound awkward when you first say them correctly, and when you first sing them correctly, but you'll get used to it and feel good aboutf ine-tuning your pronunciation.

Here's a more serious issue. First verse. Master of the World, Who ruled before (B'TEREM) all creations were created (KOL Y'TZIR NIVRA). B'TEREM pause KOL Y'TZIR NIVRA. Most (all?) melodies almost force a pause after MALACH and between B'TEREM KOL and Y'TZIR NIVRA. This sounds like something was created before anything was created, when there was only G-d Himself. Doesn't really make sense. This takes practice when saying ADON OLAM and even more practice when singing it. Especially when everyone else will sing it with the inappropriate pauses.

And here's another thing to watch out for. One popular melody for ADON OLAM throws in the extra words ADON OLAM after each verse. Not the greatest thing to do, but melodies are melodies. The worst part of this one is the end of the poem/song. It comes out sounding like: And I will not fear ADON OLAM. That's bad. If you sing this particular melody, definitely drop the last ADON OLAM so you don't end with the absurd and heretical statement. ADON OLAM is a poem expressing our deep respect and commitment to G-d. It is one of the opening prayers of our morning davening and it is also used to conclude the morning (and sometimes the evening) davening of Shabbat and Chagim. Let's teach ourselves to say it more carefully and with better understanding.

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