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Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke Lyrics


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Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cherry
A sweep is as lucky
As lucky can be

Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
Chim, chim, cheroo
Good luck will rub off
When he shakes hands with you

Chim, chimney, chim, chim
Cherry, chim, cheroo

Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Um diddle a




Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Um, diddle a

Overall Meaning

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.
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Comments from YouTube:

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… :´)

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