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.
Flora _
Practically perfect in every way
Stacy K
whoever thought of putting Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in the same movie was a Genius
Hallofang
That would have been Walt Disney himself
Stacy K
I hear this and I am instantly transported 15 years back to when I was little and carefree.
Tammie
I love this score and songs, very pretty and upbeat too , fun.
XENA GADOT JACKSON
Julie Andrews, Just perfect in every way
Becky Ann
Amen to that
Peachy♡12
Practically perfect indeed. 😊☂
Liam Tuttle
*Practically perfect in every way
Jaime DioGuardi
This is just magical… :´)