My Favourite Things
Anita Baker & Cyrus Chestnut Lyrics
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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
Cream colored ponies and
Crisp apple strudels
Door bells 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
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.
Anita Baker's rendition of My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music, is an ode to the little things that bring us joy in our lives; that when we feel down and out, we can reach within ourselves to find the sunshine we need in our lives. The lyrics evoke feelings of comfort and warmth. Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens - all the things that seem so insignificant hold a special place in her heart. The delight in the small things is further reflected in her love for brown paper packages tied up with strings, which may indicate a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, and the simple joy of receiving a gift. The chorus, My Favorite Things, repeats like a mantra, a gentle reminder to hold on to the little things in life that bring us happiness.
The second verse of the song continues to delve into the simple pleasures that Baker finds solace in. She mentions wild geese flying majestically alongside the moon on their wings. This is a metaphor for freedom, grace, and fluidity, and it's almost as if she's encouraging us to embrace the beauty in the world around us. The mention of doorbells and sleigh bells might harken to an earlier time in Baker's life, a time of joy and mirth. She then moves on to the third verse, where she finds wonder and joy in white dresses with blue satin sashes and snowflakes that rest upon her nose and eyelashes. This paints the picture of a wintry wonderland that Baker is content to lose herself in.
The song’s last verse is perhaps the most poignant. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when she is feeling sad, she remembers her favorite things, and then she doesn't feel so bad. This line highlights the power of positivity and suggests that happiness is a state of mind. Rather than dwell on the negatives, by simply revisiting her favorite things, she is able to find a sense of comfort and happiness once again.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and
Small droplets of water falling from the sky and landing on beautiful flowers, which bring me joy and remind me of the simple pleasures in life.
Whiskers on kittens
The soft, fuzzy hair on the face of a baby cat that gives me comfort and reminds me of the innocence of youth.
Bright copper kettles and
Shiny, metal teapots that I enjoy brewing my favorite beverages in, which bring warmth and comfort to my home.
Warm woolen mittens
Soft gloves made of wool that keep my hands toasty and warm during cold winter months, which make me comfortable and cozy.
Brown paper packages
Plain boxes made of recycled materials that are filled with surprises and bring me excitement and anticipation.
Tied up with strings
Wrapped with string to keep the package secure and make it more visually appealing.
These are a few of
These are just a handful of things that bring me great joy and comfort.
My favorite things
The specific items that give me the most happiness in my everyday life.
Cream colored ponies and
Graceful horses with coats of cream color, which remind me of a fairytale world and give me feelings of whimsy and wonder.
Crisp apple strudels
A delicious dessert pastry made with crisp, fresh apples, which is one of my favorite indulgences.
Door bells and sleigh bells
The pleasant sound of bells ringing that make me feel festive and nostalgic during the holiday season.
And schnitzel with noodles
A traditional German dish of breaded meat and pasta that reminds me of home and fills me with warmth and comfort.
Wild geese that fly with
Majestic birds that migrate across the sky, which give me the sense of freedom and awe.
The moon on their wings
The shining moonlight that illuminates the geese as they fly, which gives me a sense of tranquility and peacefulness.
When the dog bites
When I experience pain or hurt from others.
When the bee stings
When life's small irritations cause me to feel upset and frustrated.
When I'm feeling sad
When my emotions are negative or I am struggling to find joy.
I simply remember
To shift my perspective and recall positive memories.
My favorite things
The specific things that bring me the most joy.
And then I don't feel so bad.
I am able to shift my mood and find happiness again.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind