Rodgers and Marvin Hamlisch are the only persons to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award, and Pulitzer Prize.
Life and career
Born into a prosperous Jewish family, Richard Rodgers was the son of Mortimer Rodgers, a prominent physician who had changed the family name from Rojazinsky, and Mamie Levy. Richard began playing the piano at age six. He attended P.S. 10, Townsend Harris Hall and DeWitt Clinton High School. Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, and Rodgers's later collaborator Oscar Hammerstein II all attended Columbia University. In 1921, Rodgers shifted his studies to the Institute of Musical Art (now Juilliard).[1] Rodgers was influenced by composers like Victor Herbert and Jerome Kern, as well as by the operettas his parents took him to see on Broadway when he was a child.
Work with Hart
In 1919, Richard met Lorenz Hart, thanks to Phillip Leavitt, a friend of Richard's older brother. Rodgers and Hart struggled for years in the field of musical comedy, writing a number of amateur shows. They made their professional debut with the song "Any Old Place With You", featured in the 1919 Broadway musical comedy A Lonely Romeo. Their first professional production was the 1920 Poor Little Ritz Girl. Their next professional show, The Melody Man, did not premier until 1924.
Rodgers was considering quitting show business altogether to sell children's underwear, when he and Hart finally broke through in 1925. They wrote the songs for a benefit show presented by the prestigious Theatre Guild, called The Garrick Gaieties, and the critics found the show fresh and delightful. Only meant to run one day, the Guild knew they had a success and allowed it to re-open later. The show's biggest hit, the song that Rodgers believed "made" Rodgers and Hart, was "Manhattan." The two were now a Broadway songwriting force.
Throughout the rest of the decade, the duo wrote several hit shows for both Broadway and London, including Dearest Enemy (1925), The Girl Friend (1926), Peggy-Ann (1926), A Connecticut Yankee (1927), and Present Arms (1928). Their 1920s shows produced standards such as "Here In My Arms", "Mountain Greenery", "Blue Room", "My Heart Stood Still" and "You Took Advantage of Me."
With the Depression in full swing during the first half of the 1930s, the team sought greener pastures in Hollywood. The hardworking Rodgers later regretted these relatively fallow years, but he and Hart did write a number of classic songs and film scores while out west, including Love Me Tonight (1932) (directed by Rouben Mamoulian, who would later direct Rodgers' Oklahoma! on Broadway) which introduced three standards: "Lover", "Mimi", and "Isn't It Romantic?." Rodgers also wrote a melody for which Hart wrote three consecutive lyrics that did not fly. The fourth lyric resulted in one of their most famous songs, "Blue Moon." Other film work includes the scores to The Phantom President (1932), starring George M. Cohan, Hallelujah, I'm a Bum (1933), starring Al Jolson, and, in a quick return after having left Hollywood, Mississippi (1935), starring Bing Crosby and W.C. Fields.
In 1935, they returned to Broadway and began writing with a vengeance, resulting in an almost unbroken string of hit shows that ended only with Hart's death in 1943. Among the most notable are Jumbo (1935), On Your Toes (1936, which included the ballet "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue", choreographed by George Balanchine), Babes In Arms (1937), I Married an Angel (1938), The Boys From Syracuse (1938), Pal Joey (1940), and their last original work, By Jupiter (1942). Rodgers also contributed to the book on several of these shows.
Many of the songs from these shows are still sung and remembered, including "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World", "My Romance", "Little Girl Blue", "There's a Small Hotel", "Where or When", "My Funny Valentine", "The Lady Is a Tramp", "Falling In Love With Love", "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", and "Wait Till You See Her."
Work with Hammerstein
His partnership with Hart coming to an end because of the latter's declining health, Rodgers began working with Oscar Hammerstein II, with whom he had previously written a number of songs (before ever working with Lorenz Hart). Their first musical, the groundbreaking hit, Oklahoma! (1943), marked the beginning of the most successful partnership in musical theatre history. Their work revolutionized the form. What was once a collection of songs, dances and comic turns held together by a tenuous plot became an integrated work of art.
The team went on to create four more hits that are among the most popular of all musicals and were each made into successful films, Carousel (1945), South Pacific (1949, a Pulitzer Prize winner), The King And I (1951), and The Sound Of Music (1959). Other shows include the minor hit, Flower Drum Song (1958), as well as relative failures Allegro (1947), Me And Juliet (1953) and Pipe Dream (1955). They also wrote the score to the movie State Fair (1945) and a special TV production of Cinderella (1957).
Their collaboration produced many well-known songs, including "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'", "People Will Say We're In Love", "If I Loved You", "You'll Never Walk Alone", "It Might As Well Be Spring", "Some Enchanted Evening", "Getting To Know You", "My Favorite Things", "The Sound of Music", "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "Do-Re-Mi", and "Edelweiss", Hammerstein's last song.
Much of Rodgers's work with both Hart and Hammerstein was orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett. Rodgers composed twelve themes which Bennett scored for the 26-episode World War II television documentary "Victory at Sea" (1952-53). This NBC production pioneered the "compilation documentary"--programming based on pre-existing footage--and was eventually broadcast in dozens of countries. Rodgers won an Emmy for the theme music for the ABC documentary Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years, scored by Eddie Sauter and Robert Emmett Dolan.
In 1950, Rodgers and Hammerstein received The Hundred Year Association of New York's Gold Medal Award "in recognition of outstanding contributions to the City of New York."
In 1954, Rodgers conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in excerpts from Victory at Sea, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and the Carousel Waltz for a special LP released by Columbia Records.
Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals earned a total of 35 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards, and two Emmy Awards.
After Hammerstein
After Hammerstein's death in 1960, Rodgers wrote both words and music for his first new Broadway project No Strings (1962, which earned two Tony Awards). The show was a minor hit and featured perhaps his last great song, "The Sweetest Sounds." He went on to work with lyricists Stephen Sondheim (protege of Hammerstein), Sheldon Harnick, and Martin Charnin, with uneven results.
At its 1978 commencement ceremonies, Barnard College awarded Rodgers its highest honor, the Barnard Medal of Distinction.
Richard Rodgers died in 1979 at age 77 after surviving cancer of the jaw, a heart attack, and a laryngectomy.
My Favorite Things
Richard Rogers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
cnd then I don't feel so bad
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
cnd then I don't feel so bad
The lyrics to Richard Rogers's song "My Favorite Things" depict a comforting and uplifting list of personal favorites that serve as a source of solace and happiness. The singer describes a collection of simple pleasures and material objects that evoke positive emotions and memories.
The first verse focuses on sensory delights, such as raindrops on roses and the soft touch of whiskers on kittens. These images evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for nature's beauty. The mention of bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens signifies a love for warm and cozy items, suggesting a desire for comfort and protection.
In the second verse, the singer continues to share their favorite things. Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels symbolize elegance and indulgence, representing the enjoyment of life's luxuries. Doorbells and sleigh bells suggest a joyous anticipation of visitors or the holiday season. Schnitzel with noodles denotes a specific culinary preference, reflecting the pleasure derived from delicious food.
The third verse introduces a sense of nostalgia and whimsy. The mention of wild geese flying with the moon on their wings evokes a peaceful and poetic image of natural harmony. Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes represent innocence and purity. Snowflakes staying on the nose and eyelashes showcase the beauty and wonder of winter. Silver-white winters that melt into springs encapsulate the cyclical nature of life, highlighting the appreciation of change and new beginnings.
The final lines of the song illustrate the therapeutic power of remembering one's favorite things. When faced with pain or sadness, the singer finds solace in recalling the pleasant memories associated with their favorite things. This serves as a reminder that focusing on positive experiences can help alleviate negative emotions and bring comfort and joy.
Overall, "My Favorite Things" captivates the listener with its charming portrayal of personal preferences and the significance they hold in finding solace and happiness. The lyrics suggest that embracing and cherishing the simple pleasures in life can have a profound impact on one's well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Finding joy in small, simple pleasures like raindrops on roses and the soft feel of whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Feeling comforted by familiar objects like bright copper kettles and cozy mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
Appreciating the excitement and anticipation of receiving unexpected gifts wrapped in simple but thoughtful packaging
These are a few of my favorite things
Acknowledging that these small delights are among the things that bring happiness and contentment
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Enjoying the beauty of cream-colored ponies and the deliciousness of crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Finding delight in the familiar sounds of doorbells and sleigh bells, and the taste of schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
Being captivated by the sight of wild geese soaring across the moonlit sky
These are a few of my favorite things
Reiterating that these experiences and images bring immense joy and satisfaction
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Appreciating the elegance and beauty of girls wearing white dresses adorned with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Finding wonder in the delicate beauty of snowflakes that rest gently on one's nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
Embracing the transition from cold, snowy winters to the vibrant and hopeful arrival of spring
These are a few of my favorite things
Reaffirming that these experiences and sights bring immense pleasure and happiness
When the dog bites
Reflecting on moments of pain or hurt caused by unexpected events, even from loved ones like a dog biting
When the bee stings
Acknowledging the unpleasantness of being stung by a bee, representing the unpredictable challenges in life
When I'm feeling sad
Recognizing the emotions of sadness or melancholy that can sometimes be overwhelming
I simply remember my favorite things
Finding solace and comfort by reminiscing about the small joys and pleasures mentioned before
cnd then I don't feel so bad
Realizing that by focusing on the positive and cherished moments in life, one's sadness or negative feelings can be alleviated
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ralitsa5308
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
@haileygarcia9118
Ariana Grande has left the chat
@s.kh.819
<3
@brendavite2961
D o m i n a t i o n yeah... no hate to Ariana but this is way better than 7 rings and I mean way way way better
@moomley
its funny how people who only grew up with ariana think she made the lyrics 💀 shows how "educated" the world is lmfao.
@twentiwan21
Before talk about 7 rings let's appreciate this beautiful music
@ThingsForPeoplePeopleForThings
This is better than 7 Rings Honestly.
@citlalliir
Sean Irri yesss
@squiddy8197
Love your profile pic deltarune fan 😂
@rbi9764
yup
@marblenroll
Everything is better than 7 Rings