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Portobello Road (song) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

"Portobello Road" by the Sherman Brothers is a song, specifically a waltz (3/4) about Portobello Road in London, England (set in 1940). It was written for the 1971, Walt Disney musical film production Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It is sung by David Tomlinson about a street where, to this day–

Anything and everything a chap can unload

Is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road

There is an extensive dance sequence where different groups including Scots, Jamaicans, British Army soldiers, Australian soldiers and Indians dance to the song's theme played in various styles.

The musical number set up is very similar to the "Consider Yourself" number from Oliver! in which butchers, policemen, carnival entertainers and fishmongers all dance in separate segments of the musical number.

Chorus

Portobello road, Portobello road
Street where the riches of ages are stowed.
Anything and everything a chap can unload
Is sold off the barrow in Portobello road.
You’ll find what you want in the Portobello road.

  • Sherman, Robert B. Walt's Time: from before to beyond. Santa Clarita: Camphor Tree Publishers, 1998.
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Portobello Road (song) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.