As the son of a vicar, he had his first singing experiences in a church choir. He attended Ripon College, where he also sang non-professionally with a group called the Indigos, and graduated in 1962. He went on to earn a master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, and worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco before joining a small jazz club trio headed by George Duke and deciding that he would make professional singing his life in 1968
He appeared in such Los Angeles hot spots as Dino's, the Troubador and Bitter End West. Television exposure came from Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and David Frost, while he expanded his nightclub appearances to include performing at the Improv between the acts of such rising-star comics as Bette Midler, Jimmie Walker, and John Belushi, among others.
He was spotted by Warner Bros. in 1975 and soon thereafter released his critically acclaimed debut album, We Got By, which catapulted him into international fame and garnered him a German Grammy Award. A second German Grammy would follow with the release of his second album, Glow.
One of Jarreau's most commercially and artistically successful albums is Breakin' Away (1981), which includes the hit song "We're in This Love Together." He wrote and performed the Grammy-nominated theme to the 1980s American television show Moonlighting. Among other things, he is well-known for his scat singing and the ability to perfectly imitate conventional guitar, bass and percussive instrumentation. He was also a featured vocalist on USA for Africa's "We are the World" and sang the line, "...and so we all must lend a helping hand."
He has toured and performed with such greats as Joe Sample, Kathleen Battle, Miles Davis, David Sanborn and Rick Braun. He also performed the role of the Teen Angel in a 1996 Broadway production of Grease. On March 6, 2001 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
My Favourite Things
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my 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
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Al Jarreau's rendition of My Favourite Things is an uplifting tune that is all about embracing the little things in life that bring us joy and comfort. The opening lines of the song talk about raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, warm woolen mittens, and bright copper kettles, all of which are small, simple things that can bring us immense happiness. It's a reminder that we should take the time to appreciate and cherish the little things that make life beautiful. The lyrics go on to mention other favourite things such as crisp apple strudels, wild geese flying with the moon on their wings, and snowflakes that stay on our noses and eyelashes; again, all things that are easily overlooked, but when noticed can add joy to our day.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, as it acknowledges the fact that life can sometimes be tough and we may feel sad or even hurt by others. But the solution, according to the song, is to simply think of our favourite things and allow them to transport us to a happier, more peaceful state of mind. The lyrics remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to be grateful for and that finding joy in the small things can help us weather any storm.
Overall, Al Jarreau's My Favourite Things is a powerful message to take joy in the little things that make our lives special, even in times of stress or sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
I find simple things like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens pleasing and comforting
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Objects like copper kettles and woolen mittens, which give a feeling of warmth and coziness, are some of my favorite things
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
Even the simplest of things, like brown paper packages tied up with strings, can bring me joy
These are a few of my favorite things
These are just a few examples of the many things that I enjoy and treasure
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
I take pleasure in things like cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Everyday things like doorbells, as well as more uncommon things like sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles, are some of my favorite things
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
The beauty of nature, like wild geese flying under the moon, is something I cherish
These are a few of my favorite things
These things are just a small sample of the many things that bring me happiness and delight
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
I appreciate the elegance and beauty of things like girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
The serenity and peacefulness of snowflakes resting on my nose and eyelashes is something I enjoy and appreciate
Silver white winters that melt into springs
I find the changing seasons from winter to spring with its silver white snow melting into springs very beautiful
These are a few of my favorite things
These are only some of the many things that I find beautiful and enjoyable
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I experience unpleasant things like a dog bite or bee sting
When I'm feeling sad
When I am experiencing sadness or negative emotions
I simply remember my favorite things
I recall and think about the many things that I love and cherish
And then I don't feel so bad
This helps me feel better and can alleviate negative emotions
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind