Let's Go Fly a Kite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Let's Go Fly a Kite" |
|
|---|---|
| Song by David Tomlinson and Dick van Dyke | |
| from the album Mary Poppins (Original Soundtrack) | |
| Released | 1964 |
| Label | Walt Disney |
| Songwriter(s) | Richard M. Sherman Robert B. Sherman |
"Let's Go Fly a Kite" is a super famous song from Walt Disney's 1964 movie Mary Poppins. It was written by the talented brothers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. This song is sung near the end of the film.
In the movie, the character George Banks (played by David Tomlinson) realizes something very important. He learns that his family is much more valuable than his job. He then fixes his son's broken kite. After that, he takes his whole family out to fly it together. The song is sung by Tomlinson, Dick Van Dyke, and later by a big group of singers.
How the Song Was Made
The idea of a mended kite was very important for this song. It became a symbol of the Banks family becoming happy again. This idea came from the Sherman Brothers' movie script in 1961.
The song was inspired by the Sherman Brothers' own father, Al Sherman. He was a well-known songwriter himself. But he also loved making kites for kids in his neighborhood as a hobby.
When the song was first written, it was in a 4/4 time signature. This means it had four beats in each measure. But Walt Disney thought it sounded too much like a Broadway show ending. He wanted the song to feel more "breezy" and light, like a waltz. So, the song was changed to a 3/4 time signature, which gives it a waltz-like feel.
The Song in the Musical
The song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" also appears in the 2004 stage musical version. However, in the musical, it's sung closer to the middle of the show. It's not at the very end like in the movie. This part of the musical shows Mary Poppins returning on the string of Michael's kite. This is similar to what happens in the second Mary Poppins book.
A Fun Rumor
There's a rumor that Walt Disney asked for a song about a kite because of his two daughters. Both of his daughters were part of a sorority called Kappa Alpha Theta. Their symbol is a kite. Some people believe the song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" might have been a special dedication to Kappa Alpha Theta.
Other Versions
The song has been performed by other artists too. On April 6, 2015, a version by Burl Ives was shown on a TV show called The One Show.
In February 2019, British soprano Joanna Forest released a duet version. She sang it with Andy Day on her second album, "The Rhythm of Life."
See also
In Spanish: Let's Go Fly a Kite para niños
