Getting To Know You
Doris Day & Jimmy Joyce & The Children's Chorus Lyrics

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It's a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought
That if you become a teacher
By your pupils you'll be taught

As a teacher I've been learning
You'll forgive me if I boast
And I've now become an expert

On the subject I like most

Getting to know you

Getting to know you
Getting to know all about you
Getting to like you
Getting to hope you like me

Getting to know you
Putting it my way
But nicely
You are precisely
My cup of tea

Getting to know you
Getting to know all about you
Getting to like you
Getting to hope you like me

Getting to know you
Putting it my way
But nicely
You are precisely

My cup of tea

Getting to know you
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you
Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I'm learning about you
Day by day

Getting to know you
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you
Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new

Things I'm learning about you
Day by day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Getting To Know You" by Doris Day & Jimmy Joyce & The Children's Chorus convey the idea that teaching is a two-way process where both the teacher and the students can learn and grow from each other. The song starts by stating that the saying "it's a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought" suggests that teachers can learn from their students. By becoming a teacher, one realizes that they can be taught by their pupils. The singer, who is a teacher, humbly admits that they have been learning as well and proudly claims to have become an expert in the subject they love the most.

The song then expresses the joy of getting to know someone. The repetition of the phrase "getting to know you" emphasizes the growing familiarity and connection between the singer and the person they are getting to know. The singer hopes for a mutual liking and acceptance. The phrase "putting it my way, but nicely" suggests that the singer is expressing their thoughts and feelings in their own unique manner, while still being respectful and considerate. The person being described is metaphorically referred to as "my cup of tea," implying that they are the perfect fit and bring a sense of comfort and enjoyment.

As the song progresses, it highlights the positive impact of getting to know someone. The singer feels a sense of freedom and ease when they are with this person. They become more confident and vibrant, evident in the line "suddenly, I'm bright and breezy." The lyrics suggest that the relationship is enriching the singer's life with beautiful and new experiences. The phrase "day by day" implies that this growth and discovery process is ongoing and continuous.

Overall, "Getting To Know You" celebrates the reciprocal nature of learning and the happiness that comes from forming meaningful connections with others.

Line by Line Meaning

It's a very ancient saying,
There is a saying that has been around for a long time,

But a true and honest thought
And it contains a true and honest idea

That if you become a teacher
This idea is that when you become a teacher

By your pupils you'll be taught
You will actually learn from your students

As a teacher I've been learning
In my role as a teacher, I have been learning

You'll forgive me if I boast
Please forgive me if I brag a little

And I've now become an expert
Because I have now become an expert

On the subject I like most
In the subject that I am most passionate about