My Favorite Things

Song Facts:

• Lyricist: Oscar Hammerstein II


• Composer: Richard Rodgers


• Arranged by: Irwin Kostal


• Vocals: Julie Andrews


• Producer: Neely Plumb

Annotations and Meaning:

The lyrics of "My Favorite Things" list simple, comforting images and experiences that bring joy to the singer, Julie Andrews' character, Maria. Each verse of the song presents vivid, sensory-laden descriptions that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. This includes items like "raindrops on roses" and "whiskers on kittens", which not only capture the innocence of these pleasures but also their transient, delicate nature.

The structure of the song, with its repetitive listing of favorite things, suggests a kind of meditation or coping mechanism for Maria. This is particularly evident when the lyrics shift toward dealing with adversity: "When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I'm feeling sad." The song then transitions into a reminder of these joyful things as a way to alleviate sorrow, showing the psychological process of redirecting focus from pain to pleasure.

The imagery continues with "Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes" and "Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes," further emphasizing the personal and specific nature of what brings Maria joy. This individualized list makes the song universally relatable as listeners are invited to consider their own simple joys that help them cope with difficulties.

Themes and Messages:

The primary themes of "My Favorite Things" include finding joy in the small and everyday aspects of life, using positive memories as a mental refuge, and the healing power of focusing on the positive when faced with challenges. The song promotes an optimistic outlook, suggesting that mindfulness of one's personal joys can be a powerful tool for emotional resilience.