My Favorite Things
Cyrus Chestnut / Anita Baker Lyrics


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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

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.

Overall Meaning

The song “My Favorite Things” is a classic tune that has become a popular traditional Christmas song. However, the song was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their 1959 Broadway musical “The Sound of Music”. This song celebrates the simple pleasures in life that bring joy even in tough times. The song begins with the line “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” which describes the beauty of nature and the comfort of a pet. The following line, “Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens”, evokes warmth and coziness, perhaps representing the comfort of home. The use of imagery in the lyrics creates a sensory experience, allowing the listener to imagine and appreciate these everyday pleasures.


The second verse features more specific examples of things that bring joy. “Crisp apple strudels, door bells and sleigh bells, and schnitzel with noodles” brings to mind the delights of food and the sound of bells jingling. The imagery of “wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings” conjures a sense of wonder and freedom, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of nature. The third verse takes us to the pleasures of winter, with “girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes” and “silver white winters that melt into springs”. The final lines of the song, “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” reminds us of the power of positivity, that focusing on what we love can help us through difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

Raindrops on roses and
I cherish the beauty of simple things, like the way raindrops collect on the soft petals of a rose.


Whiskers on kittens
I find comfort in the gentle purring of a kitten and the feeling of their soft fur and small features.


Bright copper kettles and
I admire the simplicity and reliable qualities of an old-fashioned copper kettle, capable of bringing people together over a shared love of tea.


Warm woolen mittens
I like the warmth and coziness of a good pair of woolen mittens, protecting my hands from the elements of the cold.


Brown paper packages
I appreciate the excitement and mystery of opening an unassuming, simple package, containing something special and unexpected.


Tied up with strings
I enjoy the delicate and intricate ways that strings can be used to beautifully tie things together, creating meaning where there might otherwise be none.


Cream colored ponies and
I find beauty and grace in the movement and form of a majestic horse, which can inspire wonder and reverence in those who witness them.


Crisp apple strudels
I am drawn to the comforting aromas and textures of baking, and the sweetness and tartness of a good apple strudel.


Door bells and sleigh bells
I appreciate the small sounds of joy and excitement, ringing through the air and creating a sense of anticipation and happiness.


And schnitzel with noodles
I delight in the complex and hearty flavors of traditional cuisine, with its rich textures and enticing aromas.


Wild geese that fly with
I am moved by the beauty of nature, and the grace and freedom of wild geese as they soar across the sky.


The moon on their wings
I am intrigued by the way that the moon can illuminate the world and create a sense of magic and mystery, even as it appears on the wings of a bird.


Girls in white dresses
I appreciate the simplicity and purity of a beautiful white dress, which can evoke feelings of innocence, wonder, and beauty.


With blue satin sashes
I am drawn to the elegant and luxurious qualities of satin, which can make an ordinary dress seem special and extraordinary.


Snowflakes that stay on
I am captivated by the unique and intricate pattern of each snowflake, which reveal the beauty of nature and the power of individuality.


My nose and eyelashes
I enjoy the way that snowflakes can create a sense of playfulness and wonder, reminding us of the joy and lightness of being.


Silver white winters
I find beauty and power in the way that winter can transform the world, bringing a sense of quiet and stillness, a time for introspection and reflection.


That melt into Springs
I appreciate the way that life moves in cycles, from the stark cold of winter to the new growth and energy of spring, creating a sense of renewal and hope.


When the dog bites
I know that life is complicated and unpredictable, and that sometimes things don't go the way we plan, even when we are trying our best.


When the bee stings
I know that life is full of surprises and challenges, and that even small things can have a big impact on us, making us feel hurt or frustrated.


When I'm feeling sad
I know that my emotions are complex and that I will sometimes feel sad or angry or confused, even when I don't want to.


I simply remember
I remind myself that life is also full of beauty and wonder, and that there are things I can look to for comfort and inspiration.


My favorite things
I find solace in the familiar and comforting things in my life, which can bring me joy and happiness, even in difficult times.


And then I don't feel so bad.
I can let go of my worries and anxieties, knowing that there is still meaning and purpose to be found in the world, and that good things are still possible.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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