My Favorite Things
The Mother Abbess and Maria 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 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

And 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





And then I don't feel so bad

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "My Favorite Things" are from the classic musical "The Sound of Music" and are sung by the character Maria and the Mother Abbess. The song is a joyful list of things that bring happiness and comfort, even in difficult times. It suggests that by focusing on the positive things in life, we can find solace and peace.


The first verse lists simple items like raindrops on roses and warm woolen mittens, followed by the second verse with more elaborate things like sleigh bells and apple strudels. The third verse focuses on beauty, with snowflakes and winters that melt into springs. The final lines suggest that even when bad things happen, we can find comfort by remembering our favorite things.


The song became an instant classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, and Kelly Clarkson. The melody became so well-known that it was used in a commercial for chocolate, and was even parodied on The Simpsons.


Line by Line Meaning

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
The simple pleasures in life, represented by natural beauty (roses and rain) and adorable pets (kittens)


Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Cozy and comforting items that bring warmth and joy to one's heart


Brown paper packages tied up with strings
The excitement of receiving a surprise gift, symbolized by the simple yet cherished act of wrapping presents with care


These are a few of my favorite things
Acknowledging the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good things in life


Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
More examples of things that bring joy and pleasure, while also stimulating the senses (taste and sight)


Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Sounds and flavors that evoke memories and feelings of comfort and happiness


Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
Nature's beauty and wonder, symbolized by the image of geese flying under a moonlit sky


Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Representation of beauty and elegance, as well as the joy of dressing up and feeling confident and proud


Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
More imagery of the natural world, this time focused on the sensory experience of feeling snowflakes on one's skin


Silver white winters that melt into springs
The cyclical nature of life, with winter representing the cold and dark times, while spring symbolizes renewal and hope


When the dog bites, when the bee stings
Acknowledging that life can bring pain and sadness, but emphasizing the importance of finding comfort and solace in the things that bring joy and happiness


When I'm feeling sad
Recognizing the validity of negative emotions while also emphasizing the importance of self-care and positive thinking


I simply remember my favorite things
Using positive memories and associations to boost one's mood and bring comfort during tough times


And then I don't feel so bad
Emphasizing the power of positive thinking and the ability to change one's mood and perspective by focusing on the good in life




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

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