Portobello Road (song) facts for kids

"Portobello Road" is a fun song from the 1971 Walt Disney musical movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It's a waltz, which is a type of dance music with a special 3/4 beat. The song is all about Portobello Road, a famous street in London, England, and it's set in the year 1940.

The song was written by the famous Sherman Brothers, who also wrote many other well-known Disney songs. In the movie, the song is sung by David Tomlinson. It describes Portobello Road as a place where you can find "Anything and everything a chap can unload / Is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road." This means it's a street market where people sell all sorts of items from their stalls.

All About the Song 'Portobello Road'

The Famous Dance Scene

One of the most exciting parts of the movie is the big dance scene for "Portobello Road." During this sequence, many different groups of people join in the dancing. You'll see Scots, Jamaicans, soldiers from the British Army, Australian soldiers, and Indians. Each group dances to the song's tune, but in their own unique style. It's a lively and colorful part of the film that shows off the diverse community of London.

What is Portobello Road?

Portobello Road is a real street in the Notting Hill area of London. It's famous for its large street market, which has been around for a very long time. People visit Portobello Road to find antiques, vintage clothes, fresh food, and all sorts of interesting treasures. The song perfectly captures the busy and exciting atmosphere of this well-known market.

The Song's Message

The main idea of "Portobello Road" is to celebrate the unique spirit of the market. The chorus tells us: 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.

This part of the song highlights that Portobello Road is a place full of history and hidden gems. It suggests that no matter what you're looking for, you're likely to find it among the many stalls and sellers. It's a song about discovery and the joy of a bustling market.

References

• Sherman, Robert B. Walt's Time: from before to beyond. Santa Clarita: Camphor Tree Publishers, 1998.