The Sherman Brothers wrote more motion-picture musical song scores than any other songwriting team in film history, working for Walt Disney during the last six years of his life. Film scores of the Sherman Brothers include Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book and The Aristocats.
Life and work
Robert and Richard Sherman began writing songs together in 1951 on a challenge from their father, Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman. The brothers wrote together and with different songwriting partners throughout the rest of the decade.
In 1958, Robert founded the music publishing company Music World Corporation, which later enjoyed a landmark relationship with Disney's BMI-affiliated publishing arm, Wonderland Music Company. That same year, the Sherman Brothers had their first top-ten hit with "Tall Paul," sung by Mouseketeer Judy Harriet on the Surf Records label and then covered by Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. The success of this song yielded the attention of Walt Disney, who eventually hired the Sherman Brothers as Staff Songwriters for Walt Disney Studios. The first song they wrote on personal assignment by Walt Disney was "Strummin' Song" in 1961. It was used in the Annette Funicello made-for-television movie called The Horsemasters.
While at Disney, the Sherman Brothers wrote more motion-picture musical scores than any other songwriters in the history of film. They also wrote what is perhaps their best-known song, "It's a Small World (after all)" for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Since then, some have claimed that this has become the most translated and performed song on Earth, although this is largely justified by the fact that it is played continuously at Disney's leisure park rides of the same name.
In 1965, the Sherman Brothers won two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins, which includes the songs "Feed The Birds," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and the Oscar-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Since Mary Poppins' premiere, the Shermans have subsequently earned nine Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Awards, four Grammy Award nominations, and an incredible 23 gold- and platinum-certified albums.
Robert and Richard Sherman worked directly for Walt Disney, completing the scores for the live-action musical films The Happiest Millionaire and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band until Disney's death in 1966. Since leaving the company, the brothers have worked freelance as songwriters on scores of motion pictures, television shows, theme-park exhibits, and stage musicals.
Their first non-Disney assignment came with Albert R. Broccoli's motion picture production Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, which garnered the brothers their third Academy Award Nomination.
In 1970, the Shermans returned to Disney for a brief stint where they completed work on The Aristocats and Bedknobs & Broomsticks. The latter film garnered the brothers their fourth and fifth Oscar Nominations, respectively. 1972 saw the release of Snoopy Come Home, for which the brothers received a Grammy nomination.
In 1973, the Sherman Brothers also made history by becoming the only Americans ever to win First Prize at the Moscow Film Festival for Tom Sawyer, for which they also authored the screenplay.
In 1976, “The Slipper and the Rose” was picked to be the Royal Command Performance of the year. The performance was attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A modern musical adaptation of the classic Cinderella story, "Slipper", also featured songs, score, and screenplay by the Sherman Brothers. Two further Academy Award nominations were garnered by the brothers for the film. That same year the Sherman Brothers received their star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame" directly across from Grauman's Chinese Theater.
The Sherman Brothers' numerous other Disney and non-Disney top box office film credits include The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), The Parent Trap (1961), The Parent Trap (1998), Charlotte's Web (1973) , The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1977), Snoopy, Come Home (1972), Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971), and Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (1992).
Outside the motion-picture realm, their Tony Award-nominated smash hit Over Here! (1974) was the biggest-grossing original Broadway musical of that year. The Sherman Brothers have also written numerous top selling songs including "You're Sixteen," which holds the distinction of reaching Billboard's #1 spot twice: first with Johnny Burnette in 1960 and then with Ringo Starr fourteen years later. Other top-ten hits include "Pineapple Princess," "Let's Get Together," and more.
In 2000, the Sherman Brothers wrote the song score for the Disney film The Tigger Movie. This film marked the brothers' first major motion picture for the Disney company in over 28t years.
In 2002, Chitty hit the London stage, receiving rave revues. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is currently the most successful stage show ever produced at the London Palladium, boasting the longest run in that century-old theater's history. On April 28, 2005, a second Chitty company premiered on Broadway (New York City) at the Hilton Theatre. The Sherman Brothers wrote an additional six songs specifically for the new stage productions. A successful third company of Chitty is currently touring throughout the United Kingdom.
In 2003, four Sherman Brothers' musicals ranked in the Top 10 Favorite Children's Films of All Time in a British nationwide poll reported by the BBC. The Jungle Book (1967) ranked at #7, Mary Poppins (1964) ranked at #8, The Aristocats (1970) ranked at #9, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) topped the list at #1.
In recent years, with Robert's move to London, England, United Kingdom, the brothers have written many new songs for the stage musical presentations of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins, produced collaboratively by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.
For their contributions to the motion picture industry, the Sherman brothers have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6918 Hollywood Blvd. and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 9, 2005. On November 16, 2006, Mary Poppins premiered at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway.
On November 17, 2008 the Sherman Brothers received the National Medal of Arts which is the highest honor conferred upon artists or patrons of the arts by the United States Government. The award was presented by United States President, George W. Bush in an East Room ceremony at The White House.
It
Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A world of tears
It's a world of hopes
And a world of fears
There's so much that we share
That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world
There is just one moon
And one golden sun
And a smile means
Friendship to ev'ryone
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world
The iconic song "It's a Small World" is a reminder of the power of unity and diversity. The verses talk about the world we live in, recognizing that it is made up of both good and bad, characterized by laughter and tears and hopes and fears. The song stresses the fact that despite our differences, people around the world have much in common that should bring us together, and it is high time that we become aware of that. The repetition of “it's a small world after all" suggests that the things that separate us are insignificant compared to what unites us, and it's up to all of us to realize it.
The second verse of the song acknowledges the things that make us universal - we share the same natural resources like the moon, sun, and oceans. The power of a smile is emphasized as a way to bridge the gap between people, irrespective of their age, color, language, and religion. Mountains and oceans may seem to divide us, but the song suggests that they aren't significant enough to keep us apart.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a world of laughter
Life is filled with moments of joy and happiness.
A world of tears
Life can also be painful and difficult.
It's a world of hopes
We all have dreams and aspirations for the future.
And a world of fears
We all have things that scare us and make us feel anxious.
There's so much that we share
Despite our differences, there are many things that we have in common.
That it's time we're aware
We should recognize and appreciate our shared experiences.
It's a small world after all
We are all connected in some way and our actions can have big impacts.
There is just one moon
There is only one natural satellite orbiting the Earth.
And one golden sun
We all share the same star that gives us warmth and light.
And a smile means
A simple gesture of happiness and kindness can go a long way.
Friendship to ev'ryone
We can all be friends with one another regardless of our differences.
Though the mountains divide
Even though there are physical barriers between us, we can still connect and relate to one another.
And the oceans are wide
Distance should not prevent us from forming relationships and bonds with others.
It's a small world after all
The world is small in the sense that we are all connected and we should treat each other with kindness and respect.
It's a small world after all
Despite our differences, we are all members of the same global community.
It's a small world after all
Our actions can have ripple effects that reach far beyond our immediate surroundings.
It's a small, small world
We should remember that even our smallest actions can have big impacts on the world around us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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2022 ？
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生まれて初のボーリング
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13歳
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@travelaid
My mom told me the story when I was 4 years old in 1971 at Trivandrum, Kerala. I showed the movie to my children. Now my grandchildren enjoys the same. Salute to the Great Almighty who blessed us with this entertainment. Jazakallahu khair.
@darthstarkiller1912
Loved this film almost my entire life. First saw it back when I was 3. Almost 30 now and still loving it.
@bobdorianamc1984
The 50th Anniversary of "CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG" is here!
@chloehyde1334
Such a triumphant soundtrack-brings back some great memories..
@nadiarowland289
I love this when I was just a little kid
@falloutfilmproductions4129
I was in a musical based on this movie last summer. The songs are still stuck in my head and it is December!
@huntress1863
It's with deep sadness that I must tell you Robert B. Sherman has died yesterday at the age of 86. He will be sincerely missed by all, and please remember to keep the family - especially his brother, Richard - in your prayers...
@stevenitzsckke9008
Nice
@stevenitzsckke9008
Dream on!
@stevenitzsckke9008
Loneysteve13