overture
The Mary Poppins Orchestra 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
The Mary Poppins Orchestra's Overture is a medley of various musical themes from the original Mary Poppins movie. One of the themes is "Chim Chim Cher-ee", which is featured in the lyrics "Chim, chimney, chim, chimney, chim chim cherry". The song is sung by Bert, the chimney sweep, as he walks with Jane and Michael Banks through the streets of London.
The lyrics speak to the idea that being a chimney sweep is a lucky profession. "A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be," suggests that despite the dirty and grimy job of sweeping chimneys, there is something fortuitous about it. The second verse continues this idea, saying that good luck will rub off on you if you shake hands with a chimney sweep. This is perhaps a nod to the popular belief at the time that chimney sweeps were good luck charms.
The melody of "Chim Chim Cher-ee" is upbeat and playful, with a distinctive rhythm and catchy chorus. The lyrics are simple, yet effective in conveying the message of the song. The song has become a classic, and is often associated with the Mary Poppins franchise.
Line by Line Meaning
Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while cleaning the chimney.
Chim, chim, cherry
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while complimenting the lady with cherries during chimney cleaning.
A sweep is as lucky
The occupation of chimney sweep is very fortunate.
As lucky can be
There is no more fortunate occupation than being a chimney sweep.
Chim, chimney, chim, chimney
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while cleaning the chimney.
Chim, chim, cheroo
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while expressing excitement about good luck.
Good luck will rub off
Good luck can be acquired or shared with others.
When he shakes hands with you
Good luck can be transferred to others through physical contact via handshake.
Chim, chimney, chim, chim
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while cleaning the chimney.
Cherry, chim, cheroo
The sound that the chimney sweep makes while expressing excitement about good luck and cherries.
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Non-sensical sounds indicating an energetic and joyful mood.
Um diddle a
Continuation of the joyful and energetic mood expressed through non-sensical sounds.
Um, diddle, diddle, diddle
Non-sensical sounds indicating an energetic and joyful mood.
Um, diddle a
Continuation of the joyful and energetic mood expressed through non-sensical sounds.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Richard Sherman, Robert Sherman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind