My Favorite Things
Tony Bennett & Vanessa Williams Lyrics
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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
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
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
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
“My Favorite Things” is a song written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. This song was originally created for their 1959 Broadway musical “The Sound of Music.” However, Tony Bennett and Vanessa Williams popularized the song by creating a duet version of it. In the beginning of the song, the lyricist refers to a few things that bring them joy and make them happy. These items include “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, and brown paper packages tied up with strings.” These items are simple and ordinary things that one would encounter in their everyday life. The singer goes on to mention “cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles, and wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings." These are more unusual things that might be found in a countryside or farm environment. Finally, the singer refers to “girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, and silver white winters that melt into springs.” These are more romantic and sentimental items that evoke feelings of nostalgia and fondness.
The chorus of the song includes the phrase, “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.” This suggests that the singer is using these favorite things as a form of comfort and coping mechanism to deal with difficult situations or sadness. By recalling these items, they can shift their focus and energy towards more positive and happy experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
I love the simple beauty of nature and the companionship of pets.
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
I love the warmth and coziness of home, and the simple pleasures of cooking and crafting.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
I love the anticipation and excitement of receiving gifts and surprises, even if they're wrapped in the simplest of materials.
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
I love the richness and indulgence of life, particularly when it comes to food and the beauty of nature.
Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
I love the sensory experiences of sound and taste, and the cultural traditions they represent.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
I love the grandeur and mystery of nature, and the sense of romance it can evoke.
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
I love the elegance and beauty of people, particularly women and the dresses they wear.
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
I love the whimsy and wonder of winter, and the small moments of beauty that can be found in everyday life.
Silver white winters that melt into springs
I love the sense of renewal and hope that comes with the changing of the seasons, and the optimism it represents.
When the dog bites
Even when things don't go my way, and I encounter unexpected pain or conflict, I can find comfort in the things I love.
When the bee stings
Even when events outside of my control bring unexpected harm or hardship, I can draw strength from the simple pleasures that make life worth living.
When I'm feeling sad
When I'm feeling low or discouraged, I can turn to the things that bring me joy and comfort to lift my spirits.
I simply remember my favorite things
By taking a moment to reflect on the things I cherish most in life, I can find solace and resilience even in difficult times.
And then I don't feel so bad
By focusing on the positive aspects of life, rather than the negative, I can find peace and contentment regardless of what challenges come my way.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind