In 1978, five of his albums were on the best-selling charts simultaneously, a feat equaled only by Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Mathis. He has recorded a string of Billboard hit singles and multi-platinum albums that have resulted in his being named Radio & Records number one Adult Contemporary artist and winning three straight American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Several well-known entertainers have given Manilow their "stamp of approval," including Sinatra, who was quoted in the 1970s regarding Manilow, "He's next." In 1988, Bob Dylan stopped Manilow at a party, hugged him and said, "Don't stop what you're doing, man. We're all inspired by you."
As well as producing and arranging albums for other artists, such as Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, Manilow has written songs for musicals, films, and commercials. From February 2005 to December 30, 2009, he was the headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton, performing hundreds of shows before ending relationship with the hotel. From March 2010, he has headlined at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He has sold more than 80 million records worldwide
My Favorite Things
Barry Manilow Lyrics
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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 streudeles
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
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
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
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Barry Manilow’s song “My Favorite Things” was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the Broadway musical The Sound of Music in 1959. The song was popularized by the movie adaptation of the musical in 1965 which starred Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp. The song has since become a classic and has been covered by various artists including John Coltrane, Lena Horne, and Barbra Streisand.
In the song, Manilow lists a diverse range of things which he considers to be his favorite – raindrops, kittens, kettles, mittens, ponies, streudeles, doorbells, sleigh bells, noodles, geese, girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes, and silver white winters that melt into springs. The lyrics evoke feelings of warmth, happiness, nostalgia, and comfort.
The use of the song in the movie was significant as it was used as a symbol of hope and comfort during a time of fear and uncertainty in World War II. The song was also used in the movie as part of Maria’s teaching of the Von Trapp children to sing and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
The simplicity and relatability of the lyrics make the song endearing to listeners of all ages. The last stanza of the song is particularly uplifting as the lyrics suggest that one can overcome difficult emotions such as sadness by focusing on the simple things that bring joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
I find joy in the simple things in life, like the beauty of nature with raindrops on roses and the playful nature of animals with whiskers on kittens.
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
I appreciate the comfort and warmth that simple objects can bring, like a shiny copper kettle or a cozy pair of woolen mittens.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
Even the most mundane tasks, such as receiving a package in the mail, can bring happiness when it is made special with a brown paper wrapping tied up with string.
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudeles
I am drawn to the beauty of nature, with cream-colored ponies symbolizing the majesty of animals and crisp apple strudels embodying the simple pleasures of life.
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
The everyday sounds of life, like the ringing of a doorbell or the jingle of sleigh bells, evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Comfort foods like schnitzel with noodles remind me of the happiness that comes with enjoying delicious meals with loved ones.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
Migration patterns of animals like wild geese, combined with the beauty of the moon, demonstrate the wonders of nature and evoke a sense of awe and wonder in me.
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
I find beauty in people, particularly women in white dresses with blue satin sashes who symbolize purity, beauty, and grace.
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
The simple joys of winter, like snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, remind me of the magic of the season and bring a sense of childlike wonder and happiness.
Silver white winters that melt into springs
I appreciate the passing of time and the changing of seasons, with the beauty of winter transitioning into the hope and new growth of spring.
When the dog bites
Although life can be painful or challenging, I am comforted by the fact that I have my favorite things to turn to when things get tough.
When the bee stings
Even in the face of unexpected pain or discomfort, I can find solace in my favorite things and uplift my spirits.
When I'm feeling sad
For moments when I am feeling down, I know that I can look to my favorite things to lift me back up and bring me happiness.
I simply remember my favorite things
By focusing on my favorite things, I can change my mindset and bring back a sense of joy and happiness into my life.
And then I don't feel so bad
Through the power of positive thinking and focusing on the good in life, I can overcome negative emotions and feel at peace.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind