@masterraalkivictorieux Master Ra’al Ki Victorieux
“My Favorite Things” evokes joy and resilience through tender imagery. It’s a reminder to find happiness in cherished memories! 🎶✨ #MyFavoriteThings #Tenderness #Nurturing https://wp.me/p3JLEZ-7Yk
Author and Genre
“My Favorite Things” is a song composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It was originally part of the 1959 musical The Sound of Music, which has since become an iconic production in theater and film. The genre of the song can be classified as musical theater and is particularly notable for its uplifting, melodic structure that resonates with audiences of all ages.
In the original Broadway production, the song was introduced by Mary Martin playing Maria and Patricia Neway playing Mother Abbess. Julie Andrews, who had first performed the song in a 1961 Christmas special for The Garry Moore Show, reprised My Favorite Things in 1965 when she starred as Maria in the film version of the musical.
The song “My Favorite Things” serves as a comforting embrace for children on a rainy night, inviting them to explore the power of their imagination. By guiding young minds to reflect on their favorite things, it creates a nurturing moment filled with warmth and harmony, illustrating how the simple act of recalling joyful memories can alleviate fears and worries. This tender reminder, often shared between a mother and her child, fosters a sense of security and peace, allowing children to find solace in their cherished thoughts while the world outside may seem stormy and uncertain.
The list of favorite things mentions many holiday and winter time imagery including kettles, warm mittens, gifts, sleigh bells, kittens, snowflakes, and silver white winters that melt into springs. The song has become a holiday staple on radio and in advertising.
In 2004, the movie version of the song placed at number 64 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema.
Lyrics
The lyrics captures a whimsical collection of delightful and comforting memories, depicted through a series of endearing images such as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. These images evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, leading listeners to reflect on their own cherished moments.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.
Different Versions
Over the years, “My Favorite Things” has been covered by numerous artists across various musical genres. One of the most famous interpretations was by John Coltrane, whose jazz rendition added a profound depth and complexity to the original composition. Coltrane’s improvisational style transformed the simple, tender lyrics into an elaborate explorative experience, making it appealing to a different audience. The emphasis is on the technical ability, apart from the original tenderness of the song.
John Coltrane played a 14-minute version in E minor as the title track of an album recorded in October 1960 and released in March 1961. It became a jazz classic and a signature song for Coltrane in concert, also appearing on Newport ’63 in 1963.
In 1961 jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan sings My Favorite Things in her album “After Hours”. Nevertheless, her version has the sadness of blues in the notes.
Mark Murphy recorded the song on his 1962 Riverside Records album Rah track 8. In 1964, Jack Jones became the first of many artists to include the song on a Christmas album.
In 1965, a popular version of the song performed by Diana Ross and The Supremes was included in the group’s album release Merry Christmas. Their version was featured in the 2018 Christmas film of The Grinch soundtrack.
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass released a version in 1969 as a single from their 1968 album, Christmas Album. It reached number 45 on the Billboard 100.
Kenny Rogers recorded a version which appeared on his first holiday album titled “Christmas” in 1981.
Lorrie Morgan’s version appeared in 1994 and again in 1999 at number 64 and number 69, respectively, on the Hot Country Songs chart after she recorded it for her 1993 album, Merry Christmas from London.
UK R&B group Big Brovaz released a version in 2003 titled “Favourite Things” with changes in lyrics. The musical group decided to emphasize the woman’s materialistic interest in a relationship, as well as the man’s complicity in dominating her through maintenance and luxurious gifts.
Chicago dropped a Latin beat onto their 2011 version featured on their album, Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three. It reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Kelly Clarkson interprets My Favorite Thins in her 2013 album Wrapped In Red.
In her 2019 song “7 Rings”, Ariana Grande interpolates the melody of “My Favorite Things”. The song topped the charts in 15 countries. The singer fails to connect with the childhood dreams of the original version. Instead, she and her lingerie-clad dancers present a sexualized and materialistic version that veiledly speaks of prostitution, of the culture of instant gratification, where the desire to want something and the need to have it instantly dwell.
The numerous notable covers showcase the song’s versatility and timeless appeal. Each rendition breathes new life into the lyrics, allowing it to resonate with the context and emotions of the respective era.
For many Black minorities, connecting with the sweetness of “My Favorite Things” may be challenging, as they and their family trees could lack those nurturing experiences that the song evokes. This disconnection is reflected in John Coltrane’s rational and technical reinterpretation of the piece, which prioritizes musical complexity over emotional resonance, and Sarah Vaughan’s bluesy version that channels a sense of sadness.
In today’s landscape marked by rampant materialism and a culture of instant gratification, artists like Ariana Grande and Big Brovaz further emphasize superficial values, celebrating themes of wealth and desirability. This shift raises critical questions about the involution of values within our society. As we navigate this landscape, it becomes increasingly vital to engage with aesthetic symbols consciously and critically, allowing us to reclaim our cultural narratives and make informed choices about the ideologies we consume through entertainment.
Even though the title of the song emphasizes “my favorite THINGS,” it transcends the notion of material possessions, inviting us to reflect on the beauty of experiences and the capacity for gratitude that exists in our everyday lives. To appreciate raindrops on roses is to recognize the nurturing power of rain and the miracle of blooming flowers, reminding us of nature’s cycles. Valuing whiskers on kittens symbolizes the joy found in the companionship of a well-fed and healthy pet, highlighting the small yet profound pleasures of caring for others. When we cherish bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, we acknowledge the kitchen as the heart of the home and the love conveyed through meals prepared by nurturing hands. Even brown paper packages tied up with strings represent not the monetary value of a gift but rather the tenderness and thoughtfulness with which it was chosen and presented. Ultimately, the true essence of these “things” lies in the love and presence of those who care for us, shaping our memories and experiences into the treasures of life.
Connection to Christmas
Though not originally a Christmas song, “My Favorite Things” has become synonymous with the holiday season. This connection stems from its themes of warmth, comfort, and happiness, which are especially poignant during the colder months. The song suggests that even in moments of gloom or trouble, one can find solace in recalling personal joys and favorites. The power to dream, visualize, and remember these cherished things empowers individuals to transcend their sadness, encouraging a spirit of hope and optimism.
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The lyrics evoke a child’s dream filled with innocence and warmth, allowing audiences to tap into their own memories of joy. The tenderness resonates universally, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Just as children find magic in simple things, the song reminds adults of the importance of holding onto their own cherished memories, making it a perfect anthem for the holiday spirit.
Spiritual Message
At its core, “My Favorite Things” carries a profound spiritual message. It speaks to the power of gratitude and remembrance in overcoming adversity. By focusing on what brings us joy, we can shift our mindset and uplift our spirits, even in challenging times. The song serves as a reminder that happiness does not always rely on external circumstances; instead, it lies within our ability to cultivate joy through introspection and celebration of our favorite things.
In conclusion, “My Favorite Things” is more than just a charming tune from a beloved musical; it is a timeless piece that encourages us to embrace our memories, dreams, and the beauty in life’s simple pleasures. Its spiritual depth and tender lyrics continue to resonate, affirming that the human spirit can find light, even in the darkest moments.
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