As Saving Mr. Banks beautifully depicted, the creation of music for Mary Poppins was a whimsical yet challenging journey for the Sherman brothers, Richard and Robert. Their genius had to navigate the stern sensibilities of P.L. Travers, the author of Poppins. Richard Sherman himself recounted to EW in 2013 the difficulties, stating, “She was terrible to us—just very negative and unreceptive. I felt like we were drowning.” Despite these creative clashes, the movie emerged as a musical masterpiece, brimming with melodies, perhaps even more than you might initially recall. The Mary Poppins soundtrack boasts 16 lyrical songs, a treasure trove of music where not every gem shines as brightly as the iconic “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or the comforting “A Spoonful of Sugar.” It’s also worth noting that some tracks are delightful variations on core themes, particularly those associated with Mr. Banks.
Without further ado, let’s embark on a melodious journey to rank each song from the Mary Poppins soundtrack. Be warned, you might find yourself humming “Chim Chim Cher-ee” long after you finish reading!
16. “The Life I Lead”
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Perhaps the song that hasn’t gracefully aged is “The Life I Lead.” Sung with gusto by Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson), it exudes a smugness with lines like, “It’s the age of men,” which feels decidedly out of sync with today’s sensibilities. While it serves to characterize Mr. Banks’ self-important nature at the beginning of the film, its message is a bit jarring for modern ears. This song, while integral to the narrative arc of Mr. Banks’ transformation, ranks lowest due to its somewhat outdated and less universally appealing theme.
15. “Fidelity Fiduciary Bank”
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“Fidelity Fiduciary Bank” is all about the wonders of investing, a topic that might leave you as blank-faced and bewildered as the Banks children in the movie. It’s undeniably challenging to get enthralled by financial instruments, even with the added charm of Dick Van Dyke in disguise as the elderly Mr. Dawes Sr. Perhaps the intended effect is to underscore the dullness of Mr. Banks’ world before Mary Poppins arrives, but as a standalone song, it lacks the enchanting quality we expect from Mary Poppins songs. Its educational content on banking, while thematically relevant, doesn’t translate into a particularly captivating musical experience.
14. “A Man Has Dreams”
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Aside from “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” which we’ll celebrate later in our ranking, “A Man Has Dreams” stands out as the most empathetic of Mr. Banks’ musical numbers. Enhanced by a duet with Bert (Van Dyke), who cleverly interweaves a snippet of “A Spoonful of Sugar,” the song explores deeper emotional territory. However, it also meanders a bit musically, lacking the sharp focus of the more memorable Mary Poppins songs. While it’s a crucial moment for character development, its musical structure prevents it from climbing higher in our list.
13. “A British Bank (The Life I Lead)”
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Another ode to the allure of banking, “A British Bank (The Life I Lead)” at least benefits from the vocal talents of Julie Andrews. This version adds a touch of Mary Poppins’ charm to the otherwise dry subject matter. While still centered around the somewhat unexciting theme of banking, Andrews’ presence elevates the song, making it slightly more palatable than its counterpart. It’s a testament to her vocal prowess that she can make even a song about financial institutions sound somewhat enchanting.
12. “I Love to Laugh”
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The infectious giggling in “I Love to Laugh” is undeniably fun and captures a lighthearted spirit. However, as a standalone song, it feels somewhat lacking in substantial musical content. The charm of “I Love to Laugh” lies more in its whimsical scene in Uncle Albert’s floating house than in its melodic complexity. While enjoyable and certainly contributing to the movie’s overall joyous atmosphere, it doesn’t quite measure up to the more musically rich Mary Poppins songs. It’s a delightful interlude, but not a standout track in terms of songwriting.
11. “Step in Time”
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“Step in Time” is undeniably a quintessential part of Mary Poppins, but its impact is more visual than purely auditory. The magic of “Step in Time” is undeniably amplified by its spectacular choreography and the iconic rooftop dance sequence. Judged solely as a song, without the visual spectacle, “Step in Time” is still energetic and fun, but it loses some of its luster. For this ranking, focused on the soundtrack’s audio experience, “Step in Time” lands slightly lower than its overall iconic status might suggest. It’s a fantastic Mary Poppins number, but not solely a top-tier Mary Poppins song in isolation.
10. “Stay Awake”
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The simple sweetness of Julie Andrews singing “Stay Awake” is undeniably captivating. Even in its gentle and somewhat repetitive nature, the song holds a certain charm. “Stay Awake” highlights Andrews’ vocal purity and her ability to infuse even a simple melody with emotion. While not as dynamic or complex as other Mary Poppins songs, its soothing quality and Andrews’ enchanting voice secure its place in the top ten. It’s a lullaby that’s charming even for those wide awake.
9. “Jolly Holiday”
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“Jolly Holiday” is perhaps most infamous for Dick Van Dyke’s notoriously poor Cockney accent. Setting that aside, the song itself is undeniably upbeat and cheerful. Like “Step in Time,” “Jolly Holiday” gains significant charm from the movie’s visuals – particularly the animated animals and dancing umbrellas. The song is fun and festive, perfectly capturing the joy of a ‘jolly holiday’. However, Van Dyke’s accent remains a point of distraction for many, preventing it from ranking even higher among the Mary Poppins songs.
8. “The Perfect Nanny”
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The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are undeniably adorable, especially as they introduce “The Perfect Nanny.” While not the most melodically complex song, “The Perfect Nanny” charms with its childlike innocence and endearing lyrics. It’s undeniably cute, and the advice to “never smell of barley water” is surprisingly memorable. This song, showcasing the children’s perspective and desires, adds a layer of sweetness and charm to the Mary Poppins soundtrack, making it a delightful listen.
7. “A Spoonful of Sugar”
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“A Spoonful of Sugar” is as sweet and memorable as its title suggests. In fact, it might verge on being too saccharine if overplayed. Nevertheless, it’s a quintessential Mary Poppins song and arguably one of the best showcases of Julie Andrews’ vocal talent. The catchy melody and positive message about making chores enjoyable have cemented its place as a beloved classic. It’s a spoonful of musical delight that helps the medicine of life go down.
6. “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)”
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“Feed the Birds” lacks the pep of many other famous Mary Poppins tunes. Despite its gentle melody and theme of kindness, it carries a melancholic undertone, making it somewhat of a downer. Often cited as a favorite by mothers, it’s the song that resonates more deeply as you mature, appreciating its subtle beauty and poignant message. This song’s quiet power and emotional depth make it a standout among Mary Poppins songs, even if it’s not as overtly cheerful.
5. “Sister Suffragette”
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Hear us out: Winifred Banks’ (Glynis Johns) anthem for women’s suffrage, “Sister Suffragette,” is not only a valuable historical snippet but also genuinely funny and clever. The standout lyric, “Though we adore men individually/We agree that as a group they’re rather stupid,” is both witty and empowering. This song brilliantly blends entertainment with a powerful message, making it a unique and memorable contribution to the Mary Poppins soundtrack. It’s a spirited and intelligent song that champions an important cause.
4. “Pavement Artist”
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This iteration of “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” titled “Pavement Artist,” features Bert in his role as a screever, drawing sidewalk art. It’s admittedly difficult to distinguish it from the next song on our list, as both share the core melody and charm of “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” However, given Bert’s more iconic association with chimney sweeping, “Pavement Artist” takes a slight step down in our ranking. Despite the subtle distinction, it’s still a delightful and enchanting Mary Poppins song.
3. “Chim Chim Cher-ee”
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“Chim Chim Cher-ee” rightfully earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song the year it was released, and the Sherman brothers’ melody continues to evoke chills. There’s an undeniable magic woven into this tune, perfectly mirroring the enchanting essence of Mary Poppins herself. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” is more than just a song; it’s an experience, a musical embodiment of the whimsical and heartwarming spirit of Mary Poppins. Its award-winning status and enduring appeal solidify its place near the top of our Mary Poppins songs ranking.
2. “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”
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“Let’s Go Fly a Kite” emerges as the most effortlessly listenable and soothing song from the Mary Poppins soundtrack. It’s uplifting without being overly sentimental, striking a perfect balance of cheerfulness and warmth. Perhaps it’s the emotional core of the entire movie, symbolizing Mr. Banks’ transformation and his newfound connection with his children. “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” is a song of redemption and joy, making it a deeply satisfying and emotionally resonant piece within the collection of Mary Poppins songs.
1. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
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While “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” holds a special place in our hearts, a Julie Andrews tour-de-force rightfully claims the top spot. And while “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” might be easier to sing along to, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” perfectly encapsulates the delightful zaniness of Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews’ impeccable enunciation and vocal dexterity turn this tongue-twisting marvel into a showcase of pure musical joy. It’s the ultimate Mary Poppins song, a celebration of linguistic playfulness and sheer exuberance. Ariana Grande, take note – this is how you enunciate!
