This was Jane Darwell's (winner of the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Grapes of Wrath; real name Patti Woodard) last role. She was in her early 80's at the time. The role was offered to her no audition necessary but she turned it down. Walt Disney wanted her for this role so much he personally drove out to her retirement home to persuade her to take the role. Imagine getting to be so wanted when, even today, our elders are not realized for what they can give. Her ENTIRE performance was silent. She showed every emotion in concert with the lyrics and vocals without being an exaggeration or caricature. THAT is a rare talent.
THANK YOU. YarnCrafts4lefties, for this information, Now we know the rest of the story and so much more about Walt Disney's delight in the song (his favorite, according to Richard Sherman).
I'm 32 and can say this is still the best song in any Disney film. The message is so simplistic yet beautiful. We all need to smell the flowers and feed the birds more often.
As a child I just thought this was a really pretty song talking about feeding birds. Now that I'm grown it still is, but I also realize it's also about love and kindness and how it doesn't take much to show it onto others. No wonder why it was Walt Disney's favorite song. Such a beautiful and powerful message.
It doesn't take much to show love or kindness to others, but that's just as a child. as an adult... Well it's different(repricussions/so on). which is why it's a message focused for kids... so it all makes sense even as you say it.. But reminder.. For kids..
I agree :) It's definitely not just for kids, the one who changed the most by the end of the film was their father, who learned that while his job and money are important those things aren't what brought him happiness. He needed to slow down and take the time to Feed the birds or Fly a kite with his kids.
When my oldest daughter was 5 years old, she would sit in front of the TV and watch this everyday. She would sing along, cementing this song as foundational to her affinity to the performing arts and her being cast in high school stage productions and winning several school singing and talent show contests. She is now a grown, university educated woman, and I have gained a wonderful son-in-law and identical twin granddaughters that are only 12 months old! They look like her even. I kinda miss that little girl sometimes. It was a much simpler and more wholesome time. That was 2001, the year we stuffed the toppins lady in the shed and stopped feeding the birds. It seems like we lost ourselves with those towers, and many of us are blissfully unaware. I'd give anything to hear that little girl sing this song one more time.
It is. And that is where Mary Poppins engaged her intuition and magical power -- in servitude to others, especailly the diminuitive creatures on Earth that are dependent on our repsonsilbility to them.
Yep. Darwell won an Oscar for playing Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940). She was 85 and in poor health when Walt Disney personally persuaded her to play the Bird Lady. Darwell died in 1967, ironically outliving Disney himself.
its a feeling of warmth and purity. Of stopping for a brief second and helping those who are left behind. Of indulging in little acts of sensless kindness.
It just gives me goose pimples and makes me cry (and I don’t feed birds). I think it’s the mournful tune, the orchestration and Julie’s beautiful voice. It just has “it” that is hard to put into words.
Most viewers of this movie, especially nowadays, won't realize that the old woman feeding the birds is Academy Award winning actress, Jane Darwell, who was in her mid-eighties at the time, and had to be personally persuaded by Walt Disney to appear in this film, which was also her last of more than 170 film appearances.
idolwatcher0 He also sent a personal car to her to pick her up at home every day. This song was the one he held in highest esteem and was played at his funeral in Disney World. While it was played by the composer a bird flew down and sat on the piano until the song was over. When he heard the song he said, "That's what it is all about." Meaning the message of the song. Obviously this is an important song to me.
I am 71 years old and I just watched Mary Poppins for the very first time. I just loved it and this song just won't go out of my head. It's so beautiful!
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As a child, I thought this song was about helping the birds. As an adult, I realize it’s about helping the woman... Mary Poppins is singing to the child who likes pigeons, and the adult who understands. Bravo Disney.
It pulls your heart strings at either stage. To give. I agree with you a hundred percent and in this movie there was multiple scenes of giving lessons to the young and old in such a wonderful way. Glad I'm not the only one who caught this and appreciates it even now.
the lessons that can be learned don't stop there, people have done the math on the interest rates of that 2 pence and it turns out Michaels father is as good a banker as he was a father before the end of the film. Certainly something for those raising children to consider
It parallels what the whole movie is about. As P. L. Travers once revealed, Mary Poppins didn't arrive to straighten out the children; she was there to straighten out their father.
I watched "Mary Poppins Returns" and enjoyed it thoroughly. Emily Blunt is very talented. But nobody will ever replace Julie Andrews in my heart as the "real" Mary Poppins.
I saw the new one but it was nothing compared to this one. I also believe, that in this movie Marry was of course self confident and a little bit of a brat but generally good hearted and sweet. In the new movie she seemed like a total brat to me. There was no sense of the sweetness of this movie. That's how I perceived it
As a child I didn’t understand why this song moved me to tears so much. Sure, I loved animals and I wanted them fed. But now I realize that the music and the lyrics were touching my humanity. My deep sense of compassion and obligation to lead a life that I could be proud of. A life where I could share good things, do good things for others.
If I recall correctly from my own experience, it came at a time in the movie when the mood was lighter and the songs were a bit happier, which is why it moved me to tears as it did so many others.
Early each Day I Go Down to The Cathedral and feed poor starving Grateful Kittens Cats Angels little florida ukraine birds as Castro & GodFather & Putin , Yes Kittens Cats Are Angels Read your Bible ukraine UK Mr Thorn Damien & Star Trek King of ukraine UK Charlie X
ForeverSunny , So Sayeth Apollo 13 & his ww2 German wuffs noble Füriër name of Their ww2 leader of LSSAH 6 ft veinerschznitzel Haus der Aufgehenden Sonne
It shows clearly why this became Walt Disney's favorite song. I think it'll make just about anyone cry at least a little bit. And yes, that orchestral & chorus sound is really magical.
Christa Cooper yes, what's more haunting is the Reprise of this song when Banks is walking to the Bank at night it's just the orchestra and the choir the big swell as the climax
That`s the moment tears start to run from my eyes each time ever since I was a little girl after watching the movie for the very 1st time - still today...as an adult woman!
it’s the same feeling for me...i sing this song as a lullaby for my toddler it’s one of the only songs that really calms him down....it’s a special song for sure
Because the little kindnesses and caring of every day life are something vital and awe-inspiring. Something we can all do in our way, each day to make this world so much better. Just a tuppence.
As a child of the mid-60s, my folks would sing this to me and my sister. Now as an adult, I have always kept a pair of parakeets; everyone speaks to them and they are quite intelligent. They love this song as they are aware they are "BIRDS" and Julie Andrew's voice pitch agrees with them.
This song always touches me. An old woman with years of experience, feeding birds. You don't know her past. Could have been rich or poor, but she spends her final years findng peace taking care of birds. And she tries to share her peace with others. And it's enough for Mary Poppins to share her story.
I always assumed it was about a homeless woman trying to make money without begging. She's the old woman and the birds, by being kind to the birds you're being kind the old woman.
She shared the story not because it's the birdwoman's story but because this is the entire message of the movie crystallized. Parents sparing tuppence (even a few small moments of their busy adult lives, the cost is not too big) to provide for their children a home and a family with warmth and love. Not guide them with a coldness and a distance while hiring a nanny to raise them because you are too busy and important to do it yourself, but instead being involved in their life, teaching, learning, sharing that connection that's only possible between a parent amd child before they start their own adult lives.
oh wow...i wanted to skip it 20 seconds before the end and i decided not to. then i scrolled down for comments and this is what i saw. haha - ur absolutely right
I'm 56 and started feeding birds in my yard and it brings me such joy watching them gobble the seed from the ground and feeders. I took care of an injured one today.. This song reminded me of my childhood when I bird watched. 😊❤
An 83yo I love, has 13 Birdbaths 🐦 around Her Yard. I've made sure She doesn't miss filling one. I have one in my Small Yard, with Cuttlefish and Seeds around it. ⛱️ ☂️ 🏖 🌊 🇦🇺 🪃 🪃🪃🦘🦘🦘 3:49
I love Julie Andrews voice, she's an angel especially in this and _Sound of Music_, but honestly the most powerful part is in the middle with the orchestra and choir. Perfection
Seeing the old frail philanthropic woman sit at the steps, feeding birds is honestly one of the most poignant cinema images...its one I can't explain. With Julie Andrews soft and beautiful voice, and the dreamlike imagery gives me a lump in my throat everytime. Just beautiful!
Thomas Pollock - This film and this song played an integral of my childhood. Walt Disney came out personally to the Motion Picture Actor’s home, and asked her to come out of retirement to do this one film. She died 3 years later.
Thomas Pollock I just cried watching this, and I am a 40yo adult. How embarrassing. 😂 I have not seen Mary Poppins or this clip for over 30 years. My mother had to comfort me as a child when I saw this part of the movie. My mother would explain things to me if I asked questions, which I often did. When she told me the old Bird Lady was poor and had nowhere to live and was begging on the steps of the Cathedral my little 5yo self got upset and started crying. This clip just took me back to my childhood. It's funny how songs and movie scenes can do that.
The woman who played The Bird Woman won an Oscar in 1940. Her name was Jane Darwell and she was one Walt's favorite actresses. So much that despite the fact that she was in her 80's and in ill health, Walt Disney talked her into coming out of retirement and appearing as The Bird Woman in Mary Poppins. To this day, her 2 most remembered roles are Ma Joad and The Bird Woman.
Words themselves are inadequate to express what I feel whenever I hear this song. This homeless woman calls out to all others, "You can buy a bag of crumbs to feed the birds, for merely two pennies... please help me." Sometimes this song brings tears to my eyes.
She not homeless she come from (decked out) home daily !! Toppinz i beg !!😉 Great way to get them to crud on people she knows this its a warning against co$tly mischief !! Prolly leeds to 😎fear of old 👴wrinkly people😱 !!N0t !!
I imagine she uses what little money she has to buy the bread in hopes to make a little more money to buy food for herself. Plus, she probably really loves the birds.
Just watched, “Once Upon a Studio” and there is a scene where Mickey is looking at a picture of Walt and feeling melancholy. In the background they are playing this song. I am a 44 year old man and I shed a tear watching this scene.
There are so many emotional triggers condensed into a few minutes here, it's quite overwhelming. The sweetness and warmth of Julie Andrews' voice. The touching sentiment urging kindness and care for others, that stays just the right side of schmaltz. The good, honourable intent of the Sherman brothers' songwriting, and the way those two Jewish New Yorkers had the empathy and talent to conjure an imaginary London that shaped the way many Londoners would come to think of St Paul's. The knowledge that this was Jane Darwell's last appearance on screen. Memories of being cared for and tucked into bed when we were small. Poor little Matthew Garber, frozen in time on our screens as a boy. The warm swell of strings and choral voices that lift the song up into an angelic realm. Memories for me of the London of my early childhood, and visits to St Paul's: but is it actually London I remember, or watching Mary Poppins all those years ago? Dear oh dear, my eyes seem to be moistening now...
Actually most of the music is taken from folk music from London. The Sherman brothers openly admitted they 'borrowed' a lot of the material from local folk songs.
Julie sings this beautiful song with such tenderness beauty and grace. The elderly actress portraying the old bird woman is legendary silent film and stage actress Jane Darwell. It was her last film appearance and was personally persuaded by Walt Disney himself to play this small yet powerful role.
Unfortunately she couldn’t speak loud enough for the audio people to pick it up, so rather than scrap her line, they dubbed it over with Robert B of the legendary Sherman Brothers behind the songs
A wonderful American academy award winning actress...... I'd no idea it was this wonderful actress until I read your comment as I remember her fantastic performance in grapes of wrath ❤
Kindness. If there's anything this song is about, it's about how much, as we grow older, we also grow to overlook, undervalue and perhaps consider both obvious and naive the simple value of kindness - of doing something for another person, even something oh so small be it giving 'tuppence' or just smiling and asking how someone's day is - just being brave enough to give that tiniest amount of recognition, appreciation and love that we would want to receive for ourselves. The song is mainly about charity which often has a more active connotation, but I think it also just extends to simple kindness - something which for all we know is always welcomed with open arms - is actually incredibly hard to practice especially in a world where it is neither often enough acknowledged, rewarded nor deemed as highly attractive in a person. For all its worth, as we all grow older we all become ourselves a version of Mr. Banks - we all think we do well leading a life which is geared towards supporting ourselves and our loved ones - but we only need think a bit deeper to see that somewhere in that "survival of the fittest" attitude we have along the way forgotten the simple universal truths, behaviours and human impulses of kindness and openness. We all, much like Mr. Banks, need to remember from time to time to 'feed the birds' and recognise it does not take much to make the slightest positive difference to someone else - there's no harm in it to yourself nor to the other person - we just need to remember how much kindness from another can make the hugest difference to our own lives.
Lol, am now 18. Parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I was older. Older came, and I wanted to be a book author (currently writing a few stories during spare time). Parents said that that job doesn't make enough money so I have to find something that will. I did, but I know at the same time I know I keep thinking "I 'd rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable." Piloting (currently earning privot licence) is fun, but nothing beats writting a good story and helping out kiddos. 😞
I personally don't understand why we all collectively decided society was "survival of the fittest" when that's.... that's not what society was supposed to be about at all. We created this society to work _together,_ not against each other. Life isn't a race you need to win. Instead, we need to help the ones having trouble walking on their own along, and be open to receiving help when we need it ourselves. Being charitable and kind is so often seen as childish and naïve, like simply offering food to someone in need of it. You know how we've all collectively been told that the people on the side of the road holding signs are faking it? You know how when someone card declines at a store it's seen as them being careless or over-spending? Our mothers and fathers taught us that giving your money to homeless people wouldn't do any good, because "they'll just use it on alcohol and drugs." Being charitable and kind is one of the highest virtues out there to me. Being able to have the courage to give to someone in need despite the looks that it might get you is wonderful and amazing. Life isn't a race. We walk this trek together.
THIS! was such a lovely moment in the movie. Not just about birds! Its about CARING and GIVING and HUMANITY! the subtext is the we all need to care for each other and especially those less fortunate than us.
For some reason the part “All around the Cathedral the Saints and Apostles” always makes me tear up. I don’t know why, it was so in childhood, it is still so now.
Same;; she's poor and praying that God will give her the money she needs to eat and have shelter :(( She's getting people to empathize with her position in life.
Walt Disney himself claimed that this was his favourite song in any movie he’s made ever and I can see why. As a kid I often fast forwarded through it because it was so slow. But now as an adult I realised how beautiful and powerful it is. This and Mr Banks walking to his job near the end of the film are my favourite movie moments ever
And his walking into the church, itself, with that creepy and spacey, surreal British atmosphere. These were the most spiritually deep parts of the movie, and so also the most emotional.
I was watching the film the other day, and it might be the effect of time, but Mr. Banks seems a lot more...world-weary, I suppose is the right word for it
This song means a lot to me. It's about compassion, charity, and enjoying the little things in life that makes living worthwhile. That's why Mr. Banks does not let Michael feed the birds while they're walking to the bank, he doesn't yet understand. But near the end, after a hard dose of reality, he walks back to the bank knowing he will lose his job. He put everything he had into his job, at the expense of his family. He passes by the cathedral and the bird woman isn't there... I took that his naïveté, his innocence of his emotional neglect of his children died. I think the film isn't about Jane and Michael growing up, but Mr. Banks' growing up.
"[In Walt Disney's final days], on Fridays, at the end of the workweek, he would occasionally invite the Sherman brothers to his office and [talk] about the future. Then inevitably he would wander to the window, stare into space, as he so often did [in his final days], and ask them to “play it!”-a command so familiar to the Shermans that they knew he meant [this song]. Whether Walt related to the song because he related to the woman’s loneliness, or whether in a life of grand gestures he appreciated her small one, or whether he recognized in her his own mortality, or whether the woman simply reminded him of his mother, he never said, and no one would ever know. But hearing the song, he would always cry. " - From "Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" by Neal Gaber.
Not everybody is going to be so generous. I may be kind of cynical here, but I think the 'feeding the bird' kind of people are in the minority. The selfish ones who are too blind to see past their own nose often times don't change like they do in the movies.
maxy mofoo Sadly you're right. We've created a society that punishes being good to and taking care of each other and rewards greed and selfishness. The real question is, how do we fix it?
RIP Richard M Sherman. You and your brother created many beautiful songs for Disney. And they are as iconic as they were, the day you introduced them to Walt.
I remember watching Mary Poppins as a kid with my grandparents for the first time and tearing up when I heard this song. I couldn't exactly pinpoint it at the time, but I knew that something about how no one would give money to the poor old woman saddened me. Now, listening to it, I realize the full meaning behind the song, about the lack of appreciation in our world for generosity and fully giving of ourselves to others. I have been unable to listen to this song in recent years without sobbing.
The same. And I'm a 58 years old man and tears come to my face every time I listen to this song. You all, and I, cry simply because it is a very, very moving song. That's why.
It's not for nothing that this is said to have been Walt Disney's favorite song. Every Friday afternoon, just before quitting time, He would have Robert Sherman come to his office and play and sing it for him, using a piano that was kept in Walt's office for that very purpose. Invariably, Walt would tear up, and he would say, "Well, that's what it's all about, isn't it?" This beautiful custom continued to the very end of Walt's life. The piano was left in Walt's office for more than a year after Walt's death, now almost 50 years ago. Little things like this helped Walt to maintain the common touch that made him one of America's most beloved businessmen and filmmakers!
***** Thanks, vermillion. I don't know how the rest of us would have endured without your brilliant comment. Kudos and huzzah to you, my fine fellow. BTW, do you feel the sarcasm?
Coupled with that endearing countenance that Dame Julie possessed as a young woman, it’s small wonder she was so sought after at that time in her life.❤
Happy 88th Birthday to Julie Andrews! Even at 42 years old, I still randomly sing this song and it’s message of showing kindness to others is something that we all should learn to do more often.
The actual meaning is to spend time time with the kids. The birds are the children in need of attention (bag of crumbs) and feed the birds means to give them love and be there for them before they get to leave the nest. This is the entire meaning of the movie and this song sided with the other about the spoon of sugar (to enjoy moments with his kids) helps the medicine go down (face bad moments like losing the work at the bank)hold the main moral. The whole movie revolves around the father 🤧
“Sometimes a person we love, through no fault of his own, can't see past the end of his nose.” You don't realize when you're very young watching this what it can mean to you as an adult. It's important to receive this message as a child so your reaction as an adult to folks who can't see past the end of their nose is a much more productive one. And that you can make the world a better place as a result. It's not too often that perfection, while a goal yet not a requirement, results in a deep musical number such as this one. And you know it's great when both children and adults can get something out of it. As a 38 year old adult male, I'm glad this movie was a part of my life as a child.
I have cried a few times when listening to this music. But not because of the lyrics or message, but the arrangement and chorus. Also the aspect of Julie's voice combined to that. It just brings me some emotions.
All these comments from people who have only seen Saving Mr Banks make me appreciate that Mary Poppins was a part of my childhood. It has a particular magic that stays with you forever, even if you don't see it again for years.
ellystripes I can't believe that some people haven't seen Mary Poppins. It was such an essential part of my childhood. My mother told me that it was the one Disney movie I would never stop watching. I always asked to watch it. I can't imagine not having Mary Poppins growing up. It is one of my favorite Disney movies ever.
That's a shame - I have fond memories of both movies (watching Mary Poppins with my cousins and not being much more than 5 and I watched Saving Mr Banks with my best friend a few months after it came out) and I think both are excellent but to have only watched Saving Mr Banks seems a bit odd :/ This is the kind of movie I would like to show my (if I'm lucky enough) child in the future :)
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag" It might seem like a normal sentence, but it also means that through small acts, we can help change someone's life. Even the life of a little bird.
"Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling, each time someone shows that he cares.." Broke my heart in a million pieces. It makes me think about the many people who are cruel or not caring about animals or other people. We should be a lot more nicer to each other and to animals. Help them or save them when they're in need. Even if it isn't much. The slightest gesture, even when you can't see/hear it, are appreciated deeply. They know this way that you care.
In a way this song is about taking time away fro, the busy life and just see the world through different eyes. I cry every time too because Mr. Banks was this exact reference in this song. Taking time to just feed birds and spend time with his kids.
Dennis Reynolds I mean you are an emotional wreck on the verge of destruction so that might have something to do with it, but it can make me cry too. Beautiful and sad.
A few months after my Grandma died I was walking and I wondered into a party store where there were cards and I was listening to this exact song on my iPhone and it was around Valentines Day and I saw a card from a Grandmother to a Granddaughter and it just said "I love you very much Happy Valentines Day Granddaughter." And then the line " Though her words are simple and few, listen, listen she's calling too you." And I got little tears in my eyes. It might have been a coincidence but I like her spirit wanted to give me a little Valentine from beyond the grave cause she knew how much I love hearts! I love you Grandma and I miss you. Hopefully one day we see each other again!😊💕👵🏼❤️👩🏻💼
That's just lovely. My grandmother past away yesterday, I can only hope that she will send me a sign like your grandmother did. I'm sure she knew how much you love her ❤
And now Richard Sherman, another disney legend has left us. Now he is with his brother Robert. Thank you both for making such beautiful music that filled the childhoods of so many with joy. RIP.
I'm tearing up, as I always do to this song, especially today, with the passing of Richard Sherman. He was 95.😥😢 RIP, Richard, and thank you for the music you and your brother Robert gave us.
Thank you Richard, for providing this beautiful melody and so many more for Disney that contributed to the magic of our childhoods with your brother. You’ll be missed but never forgotten!
My first time actually listening to this song, it’s just beautiful! A slow heartwarming song about giving what you earn to help others. RIP Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman❤️🕊️
Absolutely beautiful. The melody, the lyrics, the instrumentals, the choir, the message, and Julie Andrew's voice. Don't think anyone could sing it better 💖
There is nothing as special as a beautifully written song, beautifully arranged and beautifully sung. Julie Andrews is pure gold in this tender and touching song.
My mom named me after Julie Andrews after seeing her in “Cinderella”. She became a big fan, as did I, by default. I was around a year old when ‘Mary Poppins’ came out, and Mom bought the soundtrack right away, playing it for me as she played with me on a quilt spread on the floor. Whenever I was sick, she would settle herself in a big, antique nursing rocker and hold me, and rock with me to this song. Through the years I learned a lot of Julie Andrews’ music, but this song was closest to my heart, as Mom’s dad - my Granddad who emigrated from Kent, England - took to calling me Tuppence from the song (that and having copper-colored hair, I guess). We lived with Mom’s parents, and I lost my beloved Granddad when I was seven. This past March, I lost my Mom. I’d expected to cry when I listened to this song tonight, but I still feel them both so close to me. But I do miss them.
Of course you do. That shows how much you loved them and they loved you. You have a wonderful family, even if some have gone on before you. Their love circles you still.
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I still remember going to the theater down the street with my mom and grandmother to watch this movie while my dad was at work. Everyone is gone now but that is a great memory.
Peter Marron my mam too and Edelwiss she'd sing this whilst stoking my head to get me to sleep at night. I used to suffer from terrible nightmares which made me scared to close my eyes and my lovely mam would sit stoking my hair singing to me
I'm nearly 60 now an ex UK soldier . I did this at school Mary Poppins I was a chimney sweep and any of these songs brings a tear to my eye . God bless the old days I say 👍👍👍❤❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
This makes you tear up because you realise at around that moment that this is more than just a film, and then this song is a confirmation of that insight.
This scene is the very center of the movie. It carries the secret message in a cristal ball. Listen to the voice inside, listen to the people around. Listen, listen, learn to see with the heart. There are the little things that matter. Feed the birds, feed the poor, feed the needy. Feed what you love and those you love. That's the only way to really be alive and let a mark on this world.
I'm a 29 years old spanish girl, one week ago I was in London on holiday, and when I was visiting St. Paul's Cathedral this song comes to my mind... it's hard to explain how I felt but tears come to my eyes while I was singing this song on my head.
My mom told me that when I was a toddler, I would always cry when I heard this song. Being about 3 or 4, I had no understanding of what it was about. But my mom said I would always ask for her to repeat it over and over. I couldn't get enough of it, listening and crying. As I grew up I nearly forgot this movie existed. And now at 14, as I'm listening to this again, I'm tearing up again just as I did over a decade ago. I never grew out of my love for this beautiful song. There are some things that stick with you for all of your life.
That's just beautiful. Amazing and beautiful. It's amazing that such a young child who doesn't even comprehend the meaning of the songs would hear and feel the emotion from the music and actually weep from it. I love that. Thanks for sharing. :)
Yours is a lovely sweet story. I know young people tend not to spend time looking at old black&white movies. But, if you get the chance, I implore you to PLEASE watch Jane Darwell in "The Grapes of Wrath". She deservedly won an Oscar for her performance in this film. If you are serious about acting, this movie would be well worth your time :-)
Such a beautiful song. I would never know when i was a young child, just thought it was pretty. its music and orchestra is so deep and the words, no words describe. I know, I know now. Thank you disney, if only you were here now. ❤🕊️
This song really hits different that in the final years of his life, he would request the studio singers come in to sing him this song constantly. Looking out the window filled with melancholy
''Feed The Birds'' is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! Gorgeous lyrics, music and Julie Andrews' magnificent singing voice make this song absolutely timeless!
This song always makes (and will make) me think of my mother, 94 years old now and still feeding the birds. They come to feed from her hand. The message of the song is important.
This was Jane Darwell's (winner of the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Grapes of Wrath; real name Patti Woodard) last role. She was in her early 80's at the time. The role was offered to her no audition necessary but she turned it down. Walt Disney wanted her for this role so much he personally drove out to her retirement home to persuade her to take the role. Imagine getting to be so wanted when, even today, our elders are not realized for what they can give. Her ENTIRE performance was silent. She showed every emotion in concert with the lyrics and vocals without being an exaggeration or caricature. THAT is a rare talent.
THANK YOU. YarnCrafts4lefties, for this information, Now we know the rest of the story and so much more about Walt Disney's delight in the song (his favorite, according to Richard Sherman).
@@101R34 you're welcome. She deserves her legacy to live on. Now you can share her story forward :)
It’s ironic how Walt died before her.
This scene and song always made me cry, even as a kid.
@@shimmeringfairydust3275 Me too
I'm 32 and can say this is still the best song in any Disney film. The message is so simplistic yet beautiful. We all need to smell the flowers and feed the birds more often.
Top 10 Archive tuppence a bag mate
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Birdwatching and feeding the birds are two of my favorite hobbies.
Not matter how dirty the local pigeon is, They always are kind cute looking.
I think it's about helping those in need.
this, and God Help the Outcasts from Hunchback. same beauty.
As a child I just thought this was a really pretty song talking about feeding birds. Now that I'm grown it still is, but I also realize it's also about love and kindness and how it doesn't take much to show it onto others. No wonder why it was Walt Disney's favorite song. Such a beautiful and powerful message.
It doesn't take much to show love or kindness to others, but that's just as a child. as an adult... Well it's different(repricussions/so on). which is why it's a message focused for kids... so it all makes sense even as you say it.. But reminder.. For kids..
I agree :)
It's definitely not just for kids, the one who changed the most by the end of the film was their father, who learned that while his job and money are important those things aren't what brought him happiness.
He needed to slow down and take the time to Feed the birds or Fly a kite with his kids.
When my oldest daughter was 5 years old, she would sit in front of the TV and watch this everyday. She would sing along, cementing this song as foundational to her affinity to the performing arts and her being cast in high school stage productions and winning several school singing and talent show contests. She is now a grown, university educated woman, and I have gained a wonderful son-in-law and identical twin granddaughters that are only 12 months old! They look like her even.
I kinda miss that little girl sometimes. It was a much simpler and more wholesome time. That was 2001, the year we stuffed the toppins lady in the shed and stopped feeding the birds. It seems like we lost ourselves with those towers, and many of us are blissfully unaware.
I'd give anything to hear that little girl sing this song one more time.
@@kamacazi8 geez, you’re bitter. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you
It is. And that is where Mary Poppins engaged her intuition and magical power -- in servitude to others, especailly the diminuitive creatures on Earth that are dependent on our repsonsilbility to them.
In my opinion, this is one of the best songs Disney has ever produced. So wonderful and beautiful.
Even though Disney had so many beautiful songs I agree
For me the best
Julie Andrews is an angel
Walt agreed.
😍 beautiful and emotional
Jane Darwell, who played the bird lady, appeared in over 200 movies and television shows dating back to 1913. This was her last role.
Yep. Darwell won an Oscar for playing Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940). She was 85 and in poor health when Walt Disney personally persuaded her to play the Bird Lady. Darwell died in 1967, ironically outliving Disney himself.
Interesting she ended in such an ethereal scene.
SHE WAS MA JOAD?!? I love Grapes of Wrath. Had no idea it was the same actress.
Wow. Interesting fact
didn't she appear in home alone 2
Julie Andrews voice is so beautiful. There is no other one like it.
Even though her voice is beautiful she is still a liar
it wasn't Mary Poppins to blame
It was David to blame😡
AaronGamer X360Wood Simmer down, Poindexter
Hi from Germany
Listen this in german☺
This song makes you feel something you can't express with words.
It also makes you cry. A lot.
its a feeling of warmth and purity. Of stopping for a brief second and helping those who are left behind. Of indulging in little acts of sensless kindness.
Yep. 😢😢😢😢😢😢
It just gives me goose pimples and makes me cry (and I don’t feed birds). I think it’s the mournful tune, the orchestration and Julie’s beautiful voice. It just has “it” that is hard to put into words.
I'm wondering how and why. How does it make cry, why does it make cry
"Cry a lot" is right. For me second only to Trouble of the World sung by Mahalia Jackson in Imitation of Life.
This whole time Mary Poppins was teaching the importance of kindness and generosity.
Always remember to feed the birds.
Werent they the cutest kids or what? If it wasn't for Mary they'd be in a boarding school. She was the only one who taught them love :((
We do.
Sorry for you....all was the best
...and feed the little old abandoned and poor ladies who feed the birds.
"Tuppence a bag" was all she asked.
Most viewers of this movie, especially nowadays, won't realize that the old woman feeding the birds is Academy Award winning actress, Jane Darwell, who was in her mid-eighties at the time, and had to be personally persuaded by Walt Disney to appear in this film, which was also her last of more than 170 film appearances.
wow! i never knew, that's kinda wonderful
idolwatcher0 He also sent a personal car to her to pick her up at home every day. This song was the one he held in highest esteem and was played at his funeral in Disney World. While it was played by the composer a bird flew down and sat on the piano until the song was over. When he heard the song he said, "That's what it is all about." Meaning the message of the song. Obviously this is an important song to me.
Jonathan Haralson dawwww
idolwatcher0 wha
idolwatcher0 wow you are correct I had no idea. Thanks for telling about that
Walt Disney's favorite song. He said that it perfectly sums up why he created Walt Disney Pictures in the first place.
+Euroheat0022 i agree, dude. this clip brings back so many great memories. 2:26 is the best part
+jacoblgames really
***** I play drums....you?
+john smith Synergy is truly defined by the visual of the old lady and her "children" against that sad, moving, most powerful dirge.
+Chaz DeSimone ok
I am 71 years old and I just watched Mary Poppins for the very first time. I just loved it and this song just won't go out of my head. It's so beautiful!
This made me smile, and you know what they say, better late than never! :) So what are you going to watch next?
+Dean Gee, I don't know what to watch next. Maybe "Lady and the Tramp".
+Dean Gee, I don't know what to watch next. Maybe "Lady and the Tramp".
Yes excellent choice! After that you can checkout 'top rated movies' list here... www.imdb.com/chart/top?ref_=nv_mv_250_6
On the right hand side you can filter by genre, so i'd recommend checking out 'Animation' and 'Family' for more great movies like Mary Poppins.
+Dean Thanks Dean. Sorry took me so long to answer but I was on vacation. I will surely check out the link. Thanks again!
RIP Richard and Robert Sherman. This song was definitely their magnum opus.
🎯✨
😢
🙏
Same and RIP, Walt Disney
As a child, I thought this song was about helping the birds.
As an adult, I realize it’s about helping the woman...
Mary Poppins is singing to the child who likes pigeons, and the adult who understands. Bravo Disney.
It pulls your heart strings at either stage. To give. I agree with you a hundred percent and in this movie there was multiple scenes of giving lessons to the young and old in such a wonderful way. Glad I'm not the only one who caught this and appreciates it even now.
the lessons that can be learned don't stop there, people have done the math on the interest rates of that 2 pence and it turns out Michaels father is as good a banker as he was a father before the end of the film.
Certainly something for those raising children to consider
This is one of the best Disney movie since I was a kid. The latest one I also watched but not as nice as the first one ❤️😷
It parallels what the whole movie is about. As P. L. Travers once revealed, Mary Poppins didn't arrive to straighten out the children; she was there to straighten out their father.
J L N agree, 😷❤️🌏
It's funny -- as a kid I hated this part of the movie, it was so slow and boring. It wasn't until adulthood that I realized how beautiful it was.
@daftvalkyrie Same here! Boring and slow part of the movie when I was 8. Now it gets me all emotional and I like it.
Not me it’s like warm milk. This song is about showing Kindness now more then ever we need to show kindness. Also this is Walt Disney favorite song.
This is a masterpiece
I loved it as a kid. But just because of the music... I already loved this song... I didn't care about the lyric, but I loved the melody.
@@alguien1234 then you don’t Understand it’s not about the melody it’s about the words. The words teach us to be kind to others.
I watched "Mary Poppins Returns" and enjoyed it thoroughly. Emily Blunt is very talented. But nobody will ever replace Julie Andrews in my heart as the "real" Mary Poppins.
I couldn't watch the other one just for that reason nobody will be there original Mary Poppins like Julie Andrews is
l didn't see the new one, because to me, Julie Andrews is Mary Poppins, and no one could ever replace her
The new one is really beautiful in its homage to the first. I highly suggest open-mindedly giving it a chance.
It's more true to the books.
I saw the new one but it was nothing compared to this one. I also believe, that in this movie Marry was of course self confident and a little bit of a brat but generally good hearted and sweet. In the new movie she seemed like a total brat to me. There was no sense of the sweetness of this movie. That's how I perceived it
This song deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest disney songs ever, especially as it was Walt Disney's personal favourite
Especially since it's a reference to the father missing out on the fleeting childhood memories to be made.
It was also a favorite of the lady who wrote the book that the movie was based on, P.L . Travers.
As a child I didn’t understand why this song moved me to tears so much. Sure, I loved animals and I wanted them fed. But now I realize that the music and the lyrics were touching my humanity. My deep sense of compassion and obligation to lead a life that I could be proud of. A life where I could share good things, do good things for others.
The song soo.sad
Same there’s actually a picture of me as a kid watching Mary Poppins and listening to this and I have tears in my eyes
If I recall correctly from my own experience, it came at a time in the movie when the mood was lighter and the songs were a bit happier, which is why it moved me to tears as it did so many others.
Early each Day I Go Down to The Cathedral and feed poor starving Grateful Kittens Cats Angels little florida ukraine birds as Castro & GodFather & Putin , Yes Kittens Cats Are Angels Read your Bible ukraine UK Mr Thorn Damien & Star Trek King of ukraine UK Charlie X
ForeverSunny , So Sayeth Apollo 13 & his ww2 German wuffs noble Füriër name of Their ww2 leader of LSSAH 6 ft veinerschznitzel Haus der Aufgehenden Sonne
Did anyone else cry their eyes out at Saving Mr Banks? I don't usually cry at movies but bloody hell...
Iidnt cry but my mom did
I did.
Almost did :'(
I did! OMG, of course I did...
Due to the fact that my heart will always be with Disneyland, and I have always loved Mary Poppins...yes. I cried!
It shows clearly why this became Walt Disney's favorite song. I think it'll make just about anyone cry at least a little bit. And yes, that orchestral & chorus sound is really magical.
says LePugh French Jonas , how's Moby
I sure wish Walt was still running Disney corporation.
Agreed, Irwin Kostal really was a masterful conductor.
I'm 73 now and I still cry when I see this. Thank you Richard RIP
At 78, I'm still moved....
I’m too young, but I cry too. 38
IS OK... IS OK...😢
I'm a grown man, and this song makes me cry. So beautiful.
My cousin Mary used to say: a grown man who cries is his own man and wise.
This was apparently Walt Disney's favorite song in his last days.
Same Here.
Same Here.
And
Same Here.
@@WarriorVeldoren He used to cry every time.
it makes me cry that i spend so much time without really understanding it😭
Does anyone else think the choir part of the song is a bit haunting but also incredibly beautiful? Favorite part of the song.
Christa Cooper yes, what's more haunting is the Reprise of this song when Banks is walking to the Bank at night it's just the orchestra and the choir the big swell as the climax
eerie
The whole song is hauntingly beautiful. I choke up though when the pipe organ bass, kick in properly in the second half.
And I remember every word😂
That`s the moment tears start to run from my eyes each time ever since I was a little girl after watching the movie for the very 1st time - still today...as an adult woman!
I can’t listen to this song without crying and i don’t know why
Good, means you have your heart in the right place
it’s the same feeling for me...i sing this song as a lullaby for my toddler it’s one of the only songs that really calms him down....it’s a special song for sure
You're not alone!
Me too
Because the little kindnesses and caring of every day life are something vital and awe-inspiring. Something we can all do in our way, each day to make this world so much better. Just a tuppence.
As a child of the mid-60s, my folks would sing this to me and my sister. Now as an adult, I have always kept a pair of parakeets; everyone speaks to them and they are quite intelligent. They love this song as they are aware they are "BIRDS" and Julie Andrew's voice pitch agrees with them.
The feels when the orchestra comes in after she finishes singing at 2:25...
Goosebumps
Its so amazing
Chillssss
noelicoan That is my favorite part of the song! Can’t explain why. So hauntingly beautiful.
This song always touches me. An old woman with years of experience, feeding birds. You don't know her past. Could have been rich or poor, but she spends her final years findng peace taking care of birds. And she tries to share her peace with others. And it's enough for Mary Poppins to share her story.
I always assumed it was about a homeless woman trying to make money without begging. She's the old woman and the birds, by being kind to the birds you're being kind the old woman.
She was the great actress, Jane Darwell, the one and only Ma Joad in the classic Henry Fonda film, "Grapes of Wrath".
She shared the story not because it's the birdwoman's story but because this is the entire message of the movie crystallized. Parents sparing tuppence (even a few small moments of their busy adult lives, the cost is not too big) to provide for their children a home and a family with warmth and love. Not guide them with a coldness and a distance while hiring a nanny to raise them because you are too busy and important to do it yourself, but instead being involved in their life, teaching, learning, sharing that connection that's only possible between a parent amd child before they start their own adult lives.
This is the kind of song that you don't want to click on another song, because you feel like you should listen to the end.
Exactly
Omg, you're absolutely right, I never thought about it before, but... you're right!
Fez Master k
you got that right...absolutely.
oh wow...i wanted to skip it 20 seconds before the end and i decided not to. then i scrolled down for comments and this is what i saw. haha - ur absolutely right
I'm 56 and started feeding birds in my yard and it brings me such joy watching them gobble the seed from the ground and feeders. I took care of an injured one today.. This song reminded me of my childhood when I bird watched. 😊❤
An 83yo I love, has 13 Birdbaths 🐦 around Her Yard.
I've made sure She doesn't miss filling one.
I have one in my Small Yard, with Cuttlefish and Seeds around it.
⛱️ ☂️ 🏖 🌊 🇦🇺 🪃 🪃🪃🦘🦘🦘 3:49
I love Julie Andrews voice, she's an angel especially in this and _Sound of Music_, but honestly the most powerful part is in the middle with the orchestra and choir. Perfection
Amen, when it's reprised instrumentally when Banks makes his way to the bank is even more powerful.
Tom Gallowitz So true!! That moment makes me want to cry.
honestly the 1 minute mark still makes my heart melt. Her singing voice is so beautiful.
Me too, Alison and I'm not sure why. I cried when I first saw the movie when I was little, and I cried just now.
That part makes me cry. It's so full of pain.
Seeing the old frail philanthropic woman sit at the steps, feeding birds is honestly one of the most poignant cinema images...its one I can't explain. With Julie Andrews soft and beautiful voice, and the dreamlike imagery gives me a lump in my throat everytime. Just beautiful!
Thomas Pollock - This film and this song played an integral of my childhood.
Walt Disney came out personally to the Motion Picture Actor’s home, and asked her to come out of retirement to do this one film.
She died 3 years later.
Thomas Pollock I just cried watching this, and I am a 40yo adult. How embarrassing. 😂 I have not seen Mary Poppins or this clip for over 30 years. My mother had to comfort me as a child when I saw this part of the movie. My mother would explain things to me if I asked questions, which I often did. When she told me the old Bird Lady was poor and had nowhere to live and was begging on the steps of the Cathedral my little 5yo self got upset and started crying. This clip just took me back to my childhood. It's funny how songs and movie scenes can do that.
The woman who played The Bird Woman won an Oscar in 1940. Her name was Jane Darwell and she was one Walt's favorite actresses. So much that despite the fact that she was in her 80's and in ill health, Walt Disney talked her into coming out of retirement and appearing as The Bird Woman in Mary Poppins. To this day, her 2 most remembered roles are Ma Joad and The Bird Woman.
I remember her as Miss Marple.
She wasn't Miss Marple. That was Margaret Rutherford.
Words themselves are inadequate to express what I feel whenever I hear this song. This homeless woman calls out to all others, "You can buy a bag of crumbs to feed the birds, for merely two pennies... please help me." Sometimes this song brings tears to my eyes.
i know what you mean
She not homeless she come from (decked out) home daily !! Toppinz i beg !!😉 Great way to get them to crud on people she knows this its a warning against co$tly mischief !! Prolly leeds to 😎fear of old 👴wrinkly people😱 !!N0t !!
I imagine she uses what little money she has to buy the bread in hopes to make a little more money to buy food for herself. Plus, she probably really loves the birds.
Two pence in 1910 was nothing to thumb your nose at... It was roughly a pound in today's money.
苑安雄 so that’s tuppence for tomorrow’s stale loaves and tuppence for paper bags. The rest is pure profit.
Just watched, “Once Upon a Studio” and there is a scene where Mickey is looking at a picture of Walt and feeling melancholy. In the background they are playing this song. I am a 44 year old man and I shed a tear watching this scene.
There are so many emotional triggers condensed into a few minutes here, it's quite overwhelming. The sweetness and warmth of Julie Andrews' voice. The touching sentiment urging kindness and care for others, that stays just the right side of schmaltz. The good, honourable intent of the Sherman brothers' songwriting, and the way those two Jewish New Yorkers had the empathy and talent to conjure an imaginary London that shaped the way many Londoners would come to think of St Paul's. The knowledge that this was Jane Darwell's last appearance on screen. Memories of being cared for and tucked into bed when we were small. Poor little Matthew Garber, frozen in time on our screens as a boy. The warm swell of strings and choral voices that lift the song up into an angelic realm. Memories for me of the London of my early childhood, and visits to St Paul's: but is it actually London I remember, or watching Mary Poppins all those years ago? Dear oh dear, my eyes seem to be moistening now...
I am so moved by your words...Thank you ! Greetings from Argentina.
bless you, you beautiful soul X
Actually most of the music is taken from folk music from London. The Sherman brothers openly admitted they 'borrowed' a lot of the material from local folk songs.
I think you have summed it up completely.
It's truly rich beyond words
Julie sings this beautiful song with such tenderness beauty and grace. The elderly actress portraying the old bird woman is legendary silent film and stage actress Jane Darwell. It was her last film appearance and was personally persuaded by Walt Disney himself to play this small yet powerful role.
thank you for that history ❤
Unfortunately she couldn’t speak loud enough for the audio people to pick it up, so rather than scrap her line, they dubbed it over with Robert B of the legendary Sherman Brothers behind the songs
A wonderful American academy award winning actress...... I'd no idea it was this wonderful actress until I read your comment as I remember her fantastic performance in grapes of wrath ❤
Kindness.
If there's anything this song is about, it's about how much, as we grow older, we also grow to overlook, undervalue and perhaps consider both obvious and naive the simple value of kindness - of doing something for another person, even something oh so small be it giving 'tuppence' or just smiling and asking how someone's day is - just being brave enough to give that tiniest amount of recognition, appreciation and love that we would want to receive for ourselves.
The song is mainly about charity which often has a more active connotation, but I think it also just extends to simple kindness - something which for all we know is always welcomed with open arms - is actually incredibly hard to practice especially in a world where it is neither often enough acknowledged, rewarded nor deemed as highly attractive in a person.
For all its worth, as we all grow older we all become ourselves a version of Mr. Banks - we all think we do well leading a life which is geared towards supporting ourselves and our loved ones - but we only need think a bit deeper to see that somewhere in that "survival of the fittest" attitude we have along the way forgotten the simple universal truths, behaviours and human impulses of kindness and openness.
We all, much like Mr. Banks, need to remember from time to time to 'feed the birds' and recognise it does not take much to make the slightest positive difference to someone else - there's no harm in it to yourself nor to the other person - we just need to remember how much kindness from another can make the hugest difference to our own lives.
Lol, am now 18. Parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I was older. Older came, and I wanted to be a book author (currently writing a few stories during spare time). Parents said that that job doesn't make enough money so I have to find something that will. I did, but I know at the same time I know I keep thinking "I 'd rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable."
Piloting (currently earning privot licence) is fun, but nothing beats writting a good story and helping out kiddos. 😞
@@dragonjade8853 You can do both things. 😊
Actually Mr Banks is a real hero in this movie and a very sympathetic character
Very Naive
I personally don't understand why we all collectively decided society was "survival of the fittest" when that's.... that's not what society was supposed to be about at all. We created this society to work _together,_ not against each other. Life isn't a race you need to win. Instead, we need to help the ones having trouble walking on their own along, and be open to receiving help when we need it ourselves.
Being charitable and kind is so often seen as childish and naïve, like simply offering food to someone in need of it.
You know how we've all collectively been told that the people on the side of the road holding signs are faking it?
You know how when someone card declines at a store it's seen as them being careless or over-spending?
Our mothers and fathers taught us that giving your money to homeless people wouldn't do any good, because "they'll just use it on alcohol and drugs."
Being charitable and kind is one of the highest virtues out there to me. Being able to have the courage to give to someone in need despite the looks that it might get you is wonderful and amazing.
Life isn't a race. We walk this trek together.
THIS! was such a lovely moment in the movie. Not just about birds! Its about CARING and GIVING and HUMANITY! the subtext is the we all need to care for each other and especially those less fortunate than us.
Exactly
I cry as my Wife loved to feed the birds. She passed away 16 years ago next month.
I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps her soul is flying with the bird somewhere and you will be able to rejoin her someday
I'm so sorry for your loss.
so sorry.
Poor thing I'm sorry for your loss may she rest in peace
im sorry if she died
make sure she says hi to my childhood shock jock
This was my favourite movie as a Kid
I Cried every time i heard this song as a kid decades ago and still can wet my eyes today !
me, too.
Me too.
I applaud your simplicity.
Yep. Both versions (the piano version in Saving Mr Banks) make me well up even now.
I was choking up until 2:25, then my eyes started leaking.
For some reason the part “All around the Cathedral the Saints and Apostles” always makes me tear up. I don’t know why, it was so in childhood, it is still so now.
me too ;-;
Same;; she's poor and praying that God will give her the money she needs to eat and have shelter :(( She's getting people to empathize with her position in life.
I know. This song is too much for me.
you too? :-)
Me too. The musical score doesn’t help. The backing choir and violins come crashing in and stirs up some serious emotions. Pure music genius.
Orchestral parts in the middle and towards the end still give me goosebumps.
And still, it makes me cry.
Me too. We love Julie Andrews. And the orchestration, including the majestic St. Paul's Cathedral designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren.
The swelling of the music - the choir and orchestra elevates the song to the spiritual plane
Best song in the whole movie.
agreed...my daughter's high school did the musical this weekend and it is the one that is still in my head.
I agree 100%. And sung to perfection by Dame Julie Andrews!!
Arguably the greatest song in the whole Disney pantheon.
I loved her in SOB
Chim chimmery was good but this one should have won the Academy Award
Walt Disney himself claimed that this was his favourite song in any movie he’s made ever and I can see why. As a kid I often fast forwarded through it because it was so slow. But now as an adult I realised how beautiful and powerful it is. This and Mr Banks walking to his job near the end of the film are my favourite movie moments ever
And his walking into the church, itself, with that creepy and spacey, surreal British atmosphere. These were the most spiritually deep parts of the movie, and so also the most emotional.
I was watching the film the other day, and it might be the effect of time, but Mr. Banks seems a lot more...world-weary, I suppose is the right word for it
@@traviscummings9178You can probably identify with him more and more as you get older . . . I know I can!
One of the greatest scenes in Disney history. I love this scene and song. The message is beautiful.
This song means a lot to me. It's about compassion, charity, and enjoying the little things in life that makes living worthwhile. That's why Mr. Banks does not let Michael feed the birds while they're walking to the bank, he doesn't yet understand. But near the end, after a hard dose of reality, he walks back to the bank knowing he will lose his job. He put everything he had into his job, at the expense of his family. He passes by the cathedral and the bird woman isn't there... I took that his naïveté, his innocence of his emotional neglect of his children died. I think the film isn't about Jane and Michael growing up, but Mr. Banks' growing up.
Very well said!!
You should watch "Saving Mr. Banks."
I haven't yet. But I hope to be able to watch it soon. Can't wait.
This was Walt disney's favorite song.
The lady wasn't there when Mr. Banks went back because she represents lost opportunities, fleeting time, the fragility of life, and ultimately death.
"[In Walt Disney's final days], on Fridays, at the end of the workweek, he would occasionally invite the Sherman brothers to his office and [talk] about the future. Then inevitably he would wander to the window, stare into space, as he so often did [in his final days], and ask them to “play it!”-a command so familiar
to the Shermans that they knew he meant [this song]. Whether Walt related to the song because he related to the woman’s loneliness, or whether in a life of grand gestures he appreciated her small one, or whether he recognized in her his own mortality, or whether the woman simply reminded him of his mother, he never said, and no one would ever know. But hearing the song, he would always cry.
"
- From "Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" by Neal Gaber.
Such a good life lesson. More people need to 'feed the birds', as they say.
maxy mofoo All it takes is a little kindness
Not everybody is going to be so generous. I may be kind of cynical here, but I think the 'feeding the bird' kind of people are in the minority. The selfish ones who are too blind to see past their own nose often times don't change like they do in the movies.
maxy mofoo Sadly you're right. We've created a society that punishes being good to and taking care of each other and rewards greed and selfishness. The real question is, how do we fix it?
Jonathan Haralson magic and lots of hugs?
maxy mofoo lol,It's a start
RIP Richard M Sherman. You and your brother created many beautiful songs for Disney. And they are as iconic as they were, the day you introduced them to Walt.
I remember watching Mary Poppins as a kid with my grandparents for the first time and tearing up when I heard this song. I couldn't exactly pinpoint it at the time, but I knew that something about how no one would give money to the poor old woman saddened me. Now, listening to it, I realize the full meaning behind the song, about the lack of appreciation in our world for generosity and fully giving of ourselves to others. I have been unable to listen to this song in recent years without sobbing.
Same for me i remember watching this younger and tearing up not knowing why. Now that im older i get it. But it still moves me
SlayAnna I still watch it got it on DVD and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on vhs.
The same. And I'm a 58 years old man and tears come to my face every time I listen to this song.
You all, and I, cry simply because it is a very, very moving song. That's why.
It's not for nothing that this is said to have been Walt Disney's favorite song. Every Friday afternoon, just before quitting time, He would have Robert Sherman come to his office and play and sing it for him, using a piano that was kept in Walt's office for that very purpose. Invariably, Walt would tear up, and he would say, "Well, that's what it's all about, isn't it?" This beautiful custom continued to the very end of Walt's life. The piano was left in Walt's office for more than a year after Walt's death, now almost 50 years ago. Little things like this helped Walt to maintain the common touch that made him one of America's most beloved businessmen and filmmakers!
***** Thanks, vermillion. I don't know how the rest of us would have endured without your brilliant comment. Kudos and huzzah to you, my fine fellow. BTW, do you feel the sarcasm?
I can't listen to this song without crying at 23, it's just a perfect musical arrangement
RIP Richard M. Sherman
You may have left this world, but your music lives on forever. Enjoy paradise with your brother.
Julie's voice expresses something you can't explain. It's like explaining why everyone should love her.
oh OK ?
Coupled with that endearing countenance that Dame Julie possessed as a young woman, it’s small wonder she was so sought after at that time in her life.❤
This proves that all that matters in life are the small things we do for others.
And all it costs you is "tuppence", whatever "tuppence" is to you.
The "ripple" effect...💚❇🔯
Happy 88th Birthday to Julie Andrews! Even at 42 years old, I still randomly sing this song and it’s message of showing kindness to others is something that we all should learn to do more often.
The actual meaning is to spend time time with the kids. The birds are the children in need of attention (bag of crumbs) and feed the birds means to give them love and be there for them before they get to leave the nest. This is the entire meaning of the movie and this song sided with the other about the spoon of sugar (to enjoy moments with his kids) helps the medicine go down (face bad moments like losing the work at the bank)hold the main moral. The whole movie revolves around the father 🤧
“Sometimes a person we love, through no fault of his own, can't see past the end of his nose.” You don't realize when you're very young watching this what it can mean to you as an adult. It's important to receive this message as a child so your reaction as an adult to folks who can't see past the end of their nose is a much more productive one. And that you can make the world a better place as a result. It's not too often that perfection, while a goal yet not a requirement, results in a deep musical number such as this one. And you know it's great when both children and adults can get something out of it. As a 38 year old adult male, I'm glad this movie was a part of my life as a child.
no
My friend, you said a mouthful. You hit the nail right on the nose
I have cried a few times when listening to this music. But not because of the lyrics or message, but the arrangement and chorus. Also the aspect of Julie's voice combined to that. It just brings me some emotions.
All these comments from people who have only seen Saving Mr Banks make me appreciate that Mary Poppins was a part of my childhood. It has a particular magic that stays with you forever, even if you don't see it again for years.
ellystripes ikr!
ellystripes I can't believe that some people haven't seen Mary Poppins. It was such an essential part of my childhood. My mother told me that it was the one Disney movie I would never stop watching. I always asked to watch it. I can't imagine not having Mary Poppins growing up. It is one of my favorite Disney movies ever.
JoLynne Minnick
That's a shame - I have fond memories of both movies (watching Mary Poppins with my cousins and not being much more than 5 and I watched Saving Mr Banks with my best friend a few months after it came out) and I think both are excellent but to have only watched Saving Mr Banks seems a bit odd :/ This is the kind of movie I would like to show my (if I'm lucky enough) child in the future :)
Never seen Mr. Banks, only this loved it as a child, love it even more now the deep meaning of the movie and also its history.
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag"
It might seem like a normal sentence, but it also means that through small acts, we can help change someone's life. Even the life of a little bird.
Pfff. Feed the birds and what have you got? Fat birds!!
And help the old lady selling the bags :)
"Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling, each time someone shows that he cares.." Broke my heart in a million pieces. It makes me think about the many people who are cruel or not caring about animals or other people. We should be a lot more nicer to each other and to animals. Help them or save them when they're in need. Even if it isn't much. The slightest gesture, even when you can't see/hear it, are appreciated deeply. They know this way that you care.
So true Giovanni, I hope you are well :)
Exactly. This guy gets it. Bravo
RIP to the Sherman Brothers. Thank you for bringing the parks, movies, and my childhood to life
This song makes me cry.. I don't know why.
Same here man
In a way this song is about taking time away fro, the busy life and just see the world through different eyes. I cry every time too because Mr. Banks was this exact reference in this song. Taking time to just feed birds and spend time with his kids.
Dennis Reynolds I know what you mean... there's just something beautiful yet haunting about the way it sounds.
Dennis Reynolds I mean you are an emotional wreck on the verge of destruction so that might have something to do with it, but it can make me cry too. Beautiful and sad.
This song puts me to sleep 😴
A few months after my Grandma died I was walking and I wondered into a party store where there were cards and I was listening to this exact song on my iPhone and it was around Valentines Day and I saw a card from a Grandmother to a Granddaughter and it just said "I love you very much Happy Valentines Day Granddaughter." And then the line " Though her words are simple and few, listen, listen she's calling too you." And I got little tears in my eyes. It might have been a coincidence but I like her spirit wanted to give me a little Valentine from beyond the grave cause she knew how much I love hearts! I love you Grandma and I miss you. Hopefully one day we see each other again!😊💕👵🏼❤️👩🏻💼
P.S. the bird lady even kind of looks like my Grandma!😉😊❤️✌🏻😘
That's just lovely. My grandmother past away yesterday, I can only hope that she will send me a sign like your grandmother did. I'm sure she knew how much you love her ❤
This just made me cry....she’s always with you.
beautiful story thanks for sharing ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
That was beautiful 💖
And now Richard Sherman, another disney legend has left us. Now he is with his brother Robert. Thank you both for making such beautiful music that filled the childhoods of so many with joy. RIP.
This song is hauntingly beautiful. Julie Andrews performs it perfectly. What a tender and lovely song, sung by an angelic voice.
I'm tearing up, as I always do to this song, especially today, with the passing of Richard Sherman. He was 95.😥😢
RIP, Richard, and thank you for the music you and your brother Robert gave us.
May God rest his soul🙏🏾🕊
Rest in Peace Richard Sherman. Thank you for writing this much beloved song. Rest easy with your brother.
One must have a icy stoned heart not to be moved with this song.
AN Feuerstahl or they're still mr. Banks and is terrified of feelings. As yet he's not evolved.
Thank you Richard, for providing this beautiful melody and so many more for Disney that contributed to the magic of our childhoods with your brother. You’ll be missed but never forgotten!
My first time actually listening to this song, it’s just beautiful! A slow heartwarming song about giving what you earn to help others. RIP Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman❤️🕊️
Julie Andrews is queen
Forever.
Agree
Meggy Peggy U.ARE.RIGHT sorry caplock
Yes and will forever be
Noooooooo OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh OOoOoh yEAHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you're actually right.
Absolutely beautiful.
The melody, the lyrics, the instrumentals, the choir, the message, and Julie Andrew's voice. Don't think anyone could sing it better 💖
Although this version is beautiful, I personally think the german one is even better.
Where can you find the German version?
One woman I would love to see try is Kristin Chenoweth
This song warms my heart. When my mom showed me a video of my flashbacks when I was 6 when I heard the song, I started crying.
This song was actually Walt Disney's favourite song out of every Disney movie he had done. If he ever felt depressed, he would play this song.
Julie Andrews voice is literal perfection.
Yeah this song gets to me everytime. Eyes currently welling up with tears.
@Lord Jacob Rothschild Tears and crying are a part of the humans' nature. We have feelings. And we must never forget to react correctly to them.
Richard M. Sherman died just 10 days ago. May 25 2024, a few days shy of his 96 birthday. WE THANK HIM AND HIS BROTHER FOR THIS.
There is nothing as special as a beautifully written song, beautifully arranged and beautifully sung. Julie Andrews is pure gold in this tender and touching song.
It’s tough to find anything like it in this day and age!
Shivers,
Every. Single. Time.
Since I was a child, till the day I die
Axel Sullivan me too!! Cry like a baby!
My mom named me after Julie Andrews after seeing her in “Cinderella”. She became a big fan, as did I, by default. I was around a year old when ‘Mary Poppins’ came out, and Mom bought the soundtrack right away, playing it for me as she played with me on a quilt spread on the floor. Whenever I was sick, she would settle herself in a big, antique nursing rocker and hold me, and rock with me to this song. Through the years I learned a lot of Julie Andrews’ music, but this song was closest to my heart, as Mom’s dad - my Granddad who emigrated from Kent, England - took to calling me Tuppence from the song (that and having copper-colored hair, I guess). We lived with Mom’s parents, and I lost my beloved Granddad when I was seven.
This past March, I lost my Mom. I’d expected to cry when I listened to this song tonight, but I still feel them both so close to me. But I do miss them.
💛
Of course you do. That shows how much you loved them and they loved you. You have a wonderful family, even if some have gone on before you. Their love circles you still.
What a wonderful story to share. Cheers.
This is arguably the greatest comment I’ve read on UA-cam. Thank you for sharing. Brings a tear to my eye :)
I sing this song to my daughter when rocking her to sleep, even when I was pregnant with her. She’s 1 1/2 now and starts to sing it back 🥲❤️
I too use to sung it to my newborn.
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I still remember going to the theater down the street with my mom and grandmother to watch this movie while my dad was at work. Everyone is gone now but that is a great memory.
My mom would sing this to me before bed when I was a child. This brings back so many great memories.
Peter Marron my mam too and Edelwiss she'd sing this whilst stoking my head to get me to sleep at night. I used to suffer from terrible nightmares which made me scared to close my eyes and my lovely mam would sit stoking my hair singing to me
❤️❤️ cheers to awesome moms 😘😘
This song and scene still gives me goosebumps.
Alice R I thought I was the only one!! 🙈
Aliyah Z same here!! Julie Andrews has such a beautiful voice. ☺️😳
After seeing "Saving Mr Banks", the way they used this song at the premiere, this song destroys me even more.
Same here :'(
Agreed. That made the song even more sad. :’(
Yes!! “Saving Mr Banks” definitely had made Mary Poppins a more prefect movie
same here 😭😭😭
@@The.Quinn.Collections Tom Hanks was his usual brilliant self as Walt Disney.
this song always made me cry as a child. im 40 now and it still does....
This video will be significant and relevant for many generations to come.
RIP Richard Sherman. This is one of the best Disney songs ever made. A masterpiece
I'm nearly 60 now an ex UK soldier . I did this at school Mary Poppins I was a chimney sweep and any of these songs brings a tear to my eye . God bless the old days I say 👍👍👍❤❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
This makes you tear up because you realise at around that moment that this is more than just a film, and then this song is a confirmation of that insight.
This scene is the very center of the movie. It carries the secret message in a cristal ball. Listen to the voice inside, listen to the people around. Listen, listen, learn to see with the heart. There are the little things that matter. Feed the birds, feed the poor, feed the needy. Feed what you love and those you love. That's the only way to really be alive and let a mark on this world.
During this pandemic, we need to come together and help each other as well as drawing upon one another
Especially now.
Uh, how about we figuratively come together? It isn't exactly a good idea to come together in large groups.
it's a lovely sentiment, thank you for sharing Harv!
Nah we need to kill each other 🔫
Amen!
I'm a 29 years old spanish girl, one week ago I was in London on holiday, and when I was visiting St. Paul's Cathedral this song comes to my mind... it's hard to explain how I felt but tears come to my eyes while I was singing this song on my head.
My mom told me that when I was a toddler, I would always cry when I heard this song. Being about 3 or 4, I had no understanding of what it was about. But my mom said I would always ask for her to repeat it over and over. I couldn't get enough of it, listening and crying. As I grew up I nearly forgot this movie existed. And now at 14, as I'm listening to this again, I'm tearing up again just as I did over a decade ago. I never grew out of my love for this beautiful song. There are some things that stick with you for all of your life.
Walt Disney loved this song too. The memories that man and his company gave to millions and millions are something else.
secretly P.L Travers loved it too
That's just beautiful. Amazing and beautiful. It's amazing that such a young child who doesn't even comprehend the meaning of the songs would hear and feel the emotion from the music and actually weep from it. I love that. Thanks for sharing. :)
Yours is a lovely sweet story. I know young people tend not to spend time looking at old black&white movies. But, if you get the chance, I implore you to PLEASE watch Jane Darwell in "The Grapes of Wrath". She deservedly won an Oscar for her performance in this film. If you are serious about acting, this movie would be well worth your time :-)
i know right! This song always made me so sad as a kid. It made me think of poverty.But it was a beautiful song.
Such a beautiful song. I would never know when i was a young child, just thought it was pretty. its music and orchestra is so deep and the words, no words describe. I know, I know now. Thank you disney, if only you were here now. ❤🕊️
This song always makes me sad :'(
This was the last movie I ever got to watch with my dad.
And the odd thing?
Our last name is Bird.
When you reunite with him in Heaven I'll bet he'll be singing this song to you.
god bless ur dad rest his soul ;(
John Hintergardt (:D What a nice thing to say! (:D
Skitty Cecil But it says your last name is Cecil
that might be her married last name.
Did you know that this was Walt Disney's favorite song?
Cait Cher All of these years wasted when you didn’t go see it in the theatre!
Absolutely! I love this song too, even though I'm not a Sherman Brothers fan!
I believe it
Cait Cher Julie was 29 when this was made. She's so beautiful and elegant in this role, and her voice, just incredible.
I can understand why
I’m having a horrible week so I decided to watch this movie and I was almost in tears during this scene because it’s just so beautiful.
This song really hits different that in the final years of his life, he would request the studio singers come in to sing him this song constantly. Looking out the window filled with melancholy
''Feed The Birds'' is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! Gorgeous lyrics, music and Julie Andrews' magnificent singing voice make this song absolutely timeless!
God Bless her and Walt Disney for making this movie. Love you Julie. All the Saints in heaven.
This movie made me a fan of her since I was 4. I’m 31 now
This song always makes (and will make) me think of my mother, 94 years old now and still feeding the birds. They come to feed from her hand. The message of the song is important.
I'm watching this with tears in my eyes absolute quality