Sheila Jeanette Dawson (born November 18, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan) is a … Read Full Bio ↴Sheila Jeanette Dawson (born November 18, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan) is a jazz singer whose career spans six decades. Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania’s coal-mining country, Dawson began singing as a child and, by the time she was in her early teens, was working semi-professionally in Detroit clubs. Her first significant influence was Charlie Parker; indeed, most of her influences have been instrumentalists rather than singers. Working chiefly with black musicians, she met with disapproval from the white community but persisted with her career. She was a member of a vocal trio, Skeeter, Mitch, And Jean (she was Jean), who sang versions of Parker’s solos in a manner akin to that of the later Lambert, Hendricks, And Ross.

After moving to New York in the early 1950s, she married Parker’s pianist, Duke Jordan, and studied with Lennie Tristano, but it was not until the early 1960s that she made her first recordings. One was under her name; the other was “The Outer View” with George Russell, which featured a famous 10-minute version of “You Are My Sunshine.”

In the mid-1960s, her work encompassed jazz liturgies sung in churches and extensive club work, but her appeal was narrow even within the confines of jazz. However, by the late 1970s, jazz audiences had begun to understand her uncompromising style a little more. As a result, her popularity increased - as did her appearances on record, which included albums with pianist Steve Kuhn, whose quartet she joined, and an album, Home, comprising a selection of Robert Creeley’s poems set to music and arranged by Steve Swallow.

A 1983 duo set with bassist Harvie Swartz, “Old Time Feeling” comprises several standards Jordan regularly features in her live repertoire, while the 1990s “Lost And Found” pays tribute to her bebop roots. Both sets display her unique musical trademarks, such as the frequent and unexpected sweeping changes of pitch, which still tend to confound an uninitiated audience. Her preference for the bass and voice set led to another remarkable collaboration with bassist Cameron Brown, who has been performing worldwide for more than ten years and has released the live albums “I’ve Grown Accustomed to the Bass” and “Celebration.” Entirely non-derivative, Jordan is one of only a tiny handful of jazz singers who fully deserve the appellation and for whom no other term will do.

My Favorite Things
Sheila Jordan Lyrics

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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 strudel
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 and blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes
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 just simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Overall Meaning

The song "My Favorite Things" by Sheila Jordan is an ode to the simple joys in life that can bring comfort during times of distress. The song uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the things that bring the singer happiness. Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles, warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, cream-colored ponies, crisp apple strudel, doorbells, sleigh bells, schnitzel with noodles, wild geese flying, girls in white dresses, blue satin sashes, snowflakes on noses and eyelashes, and silver white winters that melt into springs - these are a few of the singer's favorite things.

The song acknowledges that life is not always easy, as seen in the lyrics "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad", but that during difficult times, remembering the things that bring comfort can help ease the pain. The song has a hopeful and optimistic message that by focusing on the good things in life, one can find happiness and comfort, even in the midst of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
I adore the simple, natural things in life, the things we often take for granted, like the sweet droplets of rain on rose petals, and the adorable furry features of a kitten, provoking feelings of happiness and contentment.

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
I am reminded of the cozy warmth, serenity, and nostalgia of winter mornings, huddled in blankets and sipping hot cocoa from a bright, shining kettle and keeping my fingers toasty with soft woolen mittens.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings
The simplicity of a wrapped package made of plain brown paper with a cheerful burst of color from the binding cords, tied lovingly with precision and care, make me happy and remind me of my childhood and the joys of gift-giving.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel
Beautiful creatures that are delicate and grace the earth like ponies. Eating delicious, crisp apple strudel from a warm and cozy kitchen, surrounded by loved ones, is one of my favorite things in life.

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
I think of the comforting sound of my loved ones ringing my doorbell or the sound of jingling sleigh bells in cold, winter nights. Serving scrumptious Schnitzel with noodles, together with the laughter and chatter of friends and family, brighten my day.

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
Watching wild geese soar high and free under the full moon's light is an awe-inspiring and transcendent scene. It proves that everything in this world is connected, and that we can fly to greater heights in our lives.

Girls in white dresses and blue satin sashes
An image of beauty and grace is conjured in my mind, where girls in pristine white dresses, paired with elegant blue satin sashes, twirl around in festive delight. Making memories with dearly loved ones, to keep forever.

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes
The breathtaking beauty of snowflakes, landing gracefully on my nose and eyelashes, is a breathtaking sight during winter. At that moment, everything seems transformed, and a sense of peaceful tranquility takes over.

Silver white winters that melt into springs
I celebrate the changing seasons, of the cold, but splendid white winter days that can make one feel at peace. Spring then takes over, with its colors and beauty, transforming and renewing the world into a different form of beauty.

When the dog bites
The hardships of life hit us all. When life gets tough, and dogs bite, we often find solace and comfort through remembering our favorite things, reflecting on love and meaningful experiences that give us strength and a sense of grounding.

When the bee stings
Life is full of heartbreak and pain, and like bees, their stings can leave scars. Reflecting on the things that make us happy and surrounding ourselves with them is a way of finding resilience and hope in the midst of adversity.

When I'm feeling sad
Sadness is an inevitable part of life. However, focusing on our favorite things can help traverse pain and feel a sense of hope that things will get better.

I just simply remember my favorite things
When life becomes overwhelming, and the deep darkness of life prevails, we can remind ourselves of what brings us joy and smile and carry on bravely in this journey of life.

And then I don't feel so bad
By taking a moment to reflect on one's favorite things, one can feel a sense of groundedness, a reminder that they are not alone, and that everything will be okay in the end.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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