Overture
Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke Lyrics
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Chim, chim, cherry
A sweep is as lucky
As lucky can be
Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cheroo
Good luck will rub off
Chim, chimney, chim, chim
Cherry, chim, cheroo
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Um diddle a
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Um, diddle a
These lyrics are from the famous song "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from the 1964 musical film "Mary Poppins." The song is sung by Dick Van Dyke in the role of Bert, the friendly chimney sweep, to Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins. The song reflects on the lucky fate of chimney sweeps in London during the early 19th century, when chimney sweeps were believed to bring good luck to the households they visit.
The lyrics "Chim, chimney, chim, chimney, chim, chim, cherry" is taken from the phrase "Chimney Sweep," which is repeated throughout the song, and is intended to mimic the sound of a chimney sweep's brushes going up and down a chimney. The lyrics "A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be" emphasizes the idea of the superstition that chimney sweeps hold good luck. This is further expressed in the lyrics "Good luck will rub off when he shakes hands with you," which suggests that by simply touching a chimney sweep, you can gain all their good fortune.
The latter part of the lyrics, "Um, diddle, diddle, diddle, Um diddle a," are purely nonsensical, and were reportedly included by songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman to add to the whimsical and playful nature of the tune.
Line by Line Meaning
Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
The sound of the chimney sweep's brush as it cleans the chimney
Chim, chim, cherry
The chimney sweep's joyful whistle as he works
A sweep is as lucky
Contrary to popular belief, being a chimney sweep is actually a fortunate profession
As lucky can be
It doesn't get luckier than being a chimney sweep
Good luck will rub off
The chimney sweep's good luck can be transferred to those he meets
When he shakes hands with you
Physical contact with the chimney sweep can bring good fortune
Chim, chimney, chim, chim
Continuing the chimney sweep's work to keep the chimneys clean
Cherry, chim, cheroo
A continuation of the joyful whistle from earlier
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
An exclamation of excitement and happiness
Um diddle a
A continuation of the joyful sound from earlier
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
A celebration of the chimney sweep's work
Um, diddle a
A continuation of the celebration
Contributed by Hailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@CamiKhaste
Just the reaction and applause he got from the crowd says it all.
@SukoYote
I especially love that brief silence when he's revealed. Everything went quiet when the doors were opened, then an overwhelming amount of cheers!
@vulpixfairy1985
He’s a real legend. I love him as Bert in Mary Poppins :)
@TSKseattle
I thought so too - that he could bring forth such a response of honor and respect
@yarbroughr8482
We all grew up watching Dick Van Dyke. To see him do those steps at his age? Steps I couldn't do at ANY age? Awesome isn't the right word!
@JohnSmith-cx8co
Diagnosis murder fans, obviously
@hearttune98
And for one minute, every adult in that audience became a kid again … ✨
@mrlake8808
I became a kid again just watching this🙂
@dottiepressley4898
I couldn’t have said it better!
@kasuf-abdoromhanmhuhuhlluh2681
And that's what made it all the more worth it Mr. van Dyke to make his appearance, betting that at least 90% of that audience watched Mary Poppins as a kid!