I. Chim Chim Cheree

This is the catchiest tune in the whole film. It is so simple and yet so inexplicably endearing. Bert nearly steals the whole film from Mary Poppins with this song, showing his cheery disposition, but also hinting at the underlying injustice – “the social ladder has been strung”. Pavement Artist is the same tune, but set to different lyrics. No wonder then that Chim Chim Cheree won an Academy Award for Best Song in 1965.

II. Feed the Birds

Walt Disney’s favourite song, Feed the Birds is the ultimate Song Queen of Mary Poppins and another example of the Sherman Brothers’ genius. Meaningful, with its veiled message that calls for compassion, social justice, and to pay attention to those that are vulnerable and disadvantaged, Feed the Birds is that quiet, reflective moment that this film needs, especially since it was accused of sugar-coating the hardship that people from the lower classes go through.

III. Let’s Go Fly a Kite

Let’s Go Fly a Kite is a perfect ending song, full of happiness. Mary Poppins has done her job with this family and is off, but the children forget about her leaving – their parents, especially their father, have begun paying attention to them, appreciating their company, and they go as a family unit outside to fly a kite.

IV. A Spoonful of Sugar

This is another catchy tune. Perhaps it is too “sugary” for some, but Mary Poppins’s personality shines in this one, and the film scenes have plenty of “magic”. In other words – another classic.

V. Sister Suffragette

My personal favourite, this song shows that the Banks family does not exist in isolation in some Mary Poppins Magic Kingdom. There are global or at least national issues to resolve and problems to combat. One of them is to ensure that women have the same political rights as men, ensuring they have the right to vote. Winifred Banks sings: “Our daughters’ daughters will adore us“. They do.

VI. Jolly Holiday

Jolly Holiday is one uplifting song and much comedy takes place during it. The chemistry between Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke lights up the screen, and I love the fact that at the end of the song Mary Poppins starts to pay compliments to Bert after so many have been given to her – this is so sweet.

VII. Fidelity Fiduciary Bank

It is said that many of the original orchestra members fell out of their chairs laughing as they listened to this song playback with lyrics (DVD commentary). Fidelity Fiduciary Bank is sung by old bankers presided over by Elder Mr. Dawes (Dyke) who, together with George Banks, try to persuade young Michael to invest his tuppence in the bank. I love the preposterousness of the situation and the bank satire, of course, too. The chorus is especially effective.

VIII. Step in Time

Who are we kidding ,right? Let’s just admit that we watch Mary Poppins primarily for that dance of chimney-sweepers in Step in Time. Anyone would want to dance with them!

IX. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Seeing that this song is in my ninth place it is clear I am not as in love with it as some people are. I know it is fun and a favourite of many, but I do not really get its immense popularity, maybe apart from the fact that perhaps it is fun to pronounce such a long and complicated word!

X. The British Bank (The Life I Lead)

The song I Love to Laugh could have easily been in this place, but the zeal of David Tomlinson as he sings his “practical” song, while “chastising” Mary Poppins, tips the balance.