The Meaning Behind The Song: “My Favorite Things” by Julie Andrews
First written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their 1959 stage musical, “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things” is a song that has become a classic in its own right. Singers like John Coltrane, Kelly Clarkson, and Ariana Grande have all put their own spin on the popular tune.
What is it about “My Favorite Things” that has kept its popularity for over five decades? The answer lies in the song’s joyful and hopeful lyrics, which paint a picture of discovering positivity in the midst of hardships.
The Inspirations Behind the Song
According to a biography on Richard Rogers, the song was written as a showcase for the talents of the show’s star, Mary Martin. In the stage performance, she sung it in her character’s living room for the von Trapp children, helping them to calm their nerves during a thunderstorm.
Another anecdote is that Oscar Hammerstein II was inspired to write the lyrics when his son, William, was sick with a cold. He sat with his son, listing all of the comforting things that William enjoyed, such as “bright copper kettles” and “warm woolen mittens”. The list became the inspiration for the song’s opening lyrics.
The Lyrics and their Meaning
The lyrics of “My Favorite Things” are filled with vivid imagery that conjures up cozy and comfortable scenes. But beyond the images, the song’s lyrics also have a deeper meaning.
The first verse of the song is the most famous, and begins with the lines:
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
At first glance, these are simply things that are pleasant to see or touch. But if you look deeper, you’ll realize that the lyrics are about finding comfort and joy in simple things.
The second verse continues with this theme, listing even more of the singer’s favorite things:
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
These are all things that bring the singer comfort, whether it’s the smell of apple strudels baking in the oven or the sight of geese flying overhead. The seemingly random collection of things is actually a clever way of showing that happiness can be found in any situation, no matter how bleak it may seem.
The Song’s Popularity
“My Favorite Things” has become a beloved classic, and it’s not hard to see why. The song’s cheerful lyrics and upbeat melody make it an instant mood lifter.
The song has been covered countless times over the years, by artists in various genres. One of the most famous covers is by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, who recorded an instrumental version of the song in 1961. His rendition is widely regarded as one of the greatest saxophone solos in jazz history.
Other notable covers include Kelly Clarkson’s version, which was released in 2013 and reached number 14 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. More recently, Ariana Grande covered the song in her hit 2018 single “7 Rings,” which sampled the melody of “My Favorite Things.”
The Significance of the Song’s Message
The popularity of “My Favorite Things” can also be attributed to the fact that its message is still relevant today. In a world where we’re bombarded with negativity on a daily basis, the song reminds us to find joy in the simple things in life. It’s a message that is especially valuable during tough times when it can be difficult to find hope and happiness.
By focusing on the things that bring us comfort and happiness, even in small doses, we can find a sense of peace and contentment. “My Favorite Things” is a song that reminds us of this, and its timeless message continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
“My Favorite Things” is a song that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its joyful and hopeful lyrics remind us to find happiness in the simple things in life, and its popularity continues to inspire and uplift people around the world. Whether it’s singing along to the classic Julie Andrews version or discovering new covers by contemporary artists, “My Favorite Things” is a song that never fails to bring a smile to our faces.
