In this post: Mary Poppins quotes that will have you rewatching one of the most iconic Disney movies out there.
Quotes from Mary Poppins
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There’s something timeless about Mary Poppins. From her magical arrival to her unforgettable adventures with the Banks children, Mary Poppins has charmed audiences for decades with her wit, wisdom, and wonder.
Her quotes are often as impactful today as when they were first uttered on screen, offering everything from lighthearted fun to thoughtful life advice.
In this post, we’re revisiting some of the best Mary Poppins quotes that continue to inspire and bring joy, one “spoonful of sugar” at a time.
What is Mary Poppins About?
In case you’ve never watched the movie or it’s been a while, I’ll do a quick recap for you!
Released by Disney in 1964, Mary Poppins, starring by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, tells the story of an extraordinary nanny who floats down from the clouds to care for the Banks children, Jane and Michael, in Edwardian London.
With her trademark umbrella and carpet bag, Mary Poppins introduces the children to a world where anything is possible, from magical carousel rides to tea parties on the ceiling. Alongside her friend, the cheerful chimney sweep Bert, Mary Poppins teaches the Banks family valuable lessons on love, imagination, and family.
As the story unfolds, the children and even their busy father, George Banks, come to understand the importance of kindness, adventure, and finding joy in life’s small moments.
Mary Poppins became an instant classic, leaving us with quotes that capture her unique blend of magic and wisdom. Here are some of the most memorable lines that have kept Mary Poppins in our hearts over the years.
The Best Mary Poppins Quotes
“As I expected. “Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.” — Mary Poppins
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and *SNAP* the job’s a game!” — Mary Poppins
“Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious, if you say it loud enough, you’ll always sound precocious! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” — Mary Poppins
“So when the cat has got your tongue, there’s no need for dismay! Just summon up this word, and then you’ve got a lot to say! But better use it carefully or it could change your life” — Mary Poppins
“You know, you *can* say it backwards, which is ‘docious-ali-expi-istic-fragil-cali-rupus’ — but that’s going a bit too far, don’t you think?” — Mary Poppins
“Close your mouth, please, Michael. We are not a codfish.” — Mary Poppins
“Why, it’s the most disgraceful sight I’ve ever seen, or my name isn’t Mary Poppins.”— Mary Poppins
“Never judge things by their appearance… even carpet bags. I’m sure I never do.” — Mary Poppins
“Early each day to the steps of St. Paul’s, the little old bird woman comes… In her own special way to the people she calls, come buy my bags full of crumbs. Come feed the little birds, show them you care, and you’ll be glad if you do. Their young ones are hungry, their nests are so bare; all it takes is tuppence from you.” — Mary Poppins
“Why do you *always* complicate things that are really quite simple? Give me your hand please, Michael. Don’t slouch. One, two.”— Mary Poppins
“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” — Mary Poppins
“We can’t have them gallivanting up there like kangaroos, can we?” — Mary Poppins
“Chim Chiminy, Chim Chiminy, Chim Chim Chiree! When you’re with a ‘sweep, you’re in glad company.”— Mary Poppins
“Now the, the qualifications. Item one: a cheery disposition. I am never cross. Item two: rosy cheeks, obviously. Item three: play games, all sorts. Well, I’m sure the children’ll find my games extremely diverting.” — Mary Poppins
“Sometimes a person we love, through no fault of their own, can’t see past the end of their nose.”— Mary Poppins
“Stay awake, don’t rest your head. Don’t lie down upon your bed. While the moon drifts in the skies… Stay awake, don’t close your eyes. Though the world is fast asleep, though your pillow’s soft and deep, you’re not sleepy as you seem; stay awake, don’t nod and dream. Stay awakem don’t nod and dream.” — Mary Poppins
“That’s a piecrust promise. Easily made, easily broken” — Mary Poppins
“First of all, I would like to make one thing quite clear: I never explain anything.” — Mary Poppins
“Practically perfect people never permit sentiment to muddle their thinking.” — Mary Poppins
“Fiddlesticks, boy! Feed the birds and what have you got? Fat birds!” — Mr. Dawes Sr.
“Speakin’ of names, I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith.” — Bert, “What’s the name of his other leg?”— Uncle Albert
“The man said, ‘I’d like to replace your cat.” and they lady said, ‘That’s all right with me, but how are you at catching mice?'” — Bert
“It reminds me of me brother. He got a nice cushy job at a watch factory.” — Bert
“They makes cages of all sizes and shapes, you know. Bank-shaped, some of them, carpets and all.” — Bert
” Uncle Albert, I got a jolly joke I saved for just such an occasion. Would you like to hear it? Righto. Well, it’s about me granddad, see, and one night he had a nightmare, he did. So scared that he chewed his pillow to bits. Bits. Next morning, I says, “How you feel, Granddad?” He says, “Oh, not bad. A little down in the mouth.” — Bert
“And when your little tykes are crying, you haven’t time to dry their tears. And see their thankful little faces smiling up at you. ‘Cause their dad, he always knows just what to do” — Bert
“You’ve got to grind, grind, grind at that grindstone… Though childhood slips like sand through a sieve… And all too soon they’ve up and grown, and then they’ve flown… And it’s too late for you to give – just that spoonful of sugar to ‘elp the medicine go down – medicine go dow-wown, medicine go down.” — Bert
“What did I tell ya? There’s the whole world at your feet. And who gets to see it but the birds, the stars, and the chimney sweeps.” — Bert
“When dukes or maharajahs pass the time o’ day wi’ me, I say me special word and then they ask me out to tea!” — Bert
“Well, it’s not my place to say. I only observe that a father can always do with a bit of help. Come on, I’ll take you home.” — Bert
“Winds in the east, mist coming in/Like somethin’ is brewin’ and ’bout to begin/Can’t put me finger on what lies in store/But I feel what’s to happen all happened before.” — Bert
“Goodbye, Mary Poppins, don’t stay away too long.” — Bert
“Childhood slips like sand through a sieve” — Bert
“Convivial company, time and again. Dorcas and Phyllis and Glynis are sorts I will agree are three jolly good sports, but cream of the crop, tip of the top.” — Bert
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Mary Poppins was right, it’s extraordinary! It does make you feel better!” — Mr. Banks
” It’s grand to be an Englishman in 1910! King Edward’s on the throne, it’s the age of men! I’m the lord of my castle, the sovereign, the liege!” — Mr. Banks
“Shut the window. That bird is giving me a headache” — Mr. Banks
“I feel a surge of deep satisfaction, much as a king astride his noble steed.”— Mr. Banks
“Oh yes! It is a word! A perfectly good word! Actually, do you know what there’s no such thing as? It turns out, with due respect, when all is said and done, that there’s no such thing as you!”— Mr. Banks
“With tuppence for paper and strings, you can have your own set of wings! With your feet on the ground you’re a bird in flight, with your fist holding tight to the string of your kite! Oh, oh, oh, let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height! Let’s go fly a kite, and send it soaring! Up through the atmosphere, up where the air is clear! Oh, let’s go fly a kite!” — Mr. Banks
“We’re clearly soldiers in petticoats, and dauntless crusaders for women’s a-votes! Though we adore men individually, we agree that as a group they’re rather stupid.”— Mrs. Banks
“As a matter of fact, since you hired Mary Poppins, the most extraordinary things seem to have come over the household. Take Ellen, for instance. She hasn’t broken a dish all morning.” — Mrs. Banks
“Take us on outings, give us treats, sing songs, bring sweets. Never be cross or cruel. Never give us castor oil or gruel. Love us as a son and daughter, and never smell of barley water.” — Jane
“If you won’t scold and dominate us, we will never give you cause to hate us. We won’t hide your spectacles so you can’t see, put toads in your bed, or pepper in your tea. Hurry, nanny! Many thanks!” — Jane
“I told you she was tricky” — Michael Banks
Mary Poppins Returns
In 2018, there was a new Mary Poppins movie that came out starring Emily Blunt. There were some good quotes in there, too! I’ll share the top quotes from Mary Poppins Returns below!
“You’re too focused on where you’ve been to pay attention to where you’re going” – Mary Poppins
“Nothing. Such a useful word, isn’t it? It can mean anything and everything.” – Mary Poppins
“We’re on the brink of an adventure, children. Don’t spoil it with questions.” — Mary Poppins
“Head up and feet beneath you.” – Mary Poppins
“Nothing is gone forever, only out of place.” – Mary Poppins
“For when you dream, you’ll find all that’s lost, is found.” – Mary Poppins
“Everything is possible, even the impossible.” – Mary Poppins
“When the world turns upside down, the best thing to do is turn right along with it.” – Mary Poppins
“Then you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a child.” – Mary Poppins
“A mary pcover is not the book. So open it up and take a look.” – Mary Poppins
“After all, you can’t lose what you never lost.” – Mary Poppins
“There’s a different point of view awaiting you if you just look up.” – Jack
“Let the past take a bow. The forever is now.” – Jack
The charm of Mary Poppins lies not just in its magical visuals but in its timeless messages about love, kindness, and the power of imagination.
While the film debuted over half a century ago, the lessons Mary Poppins imparted remain meaningful for families today. Parents still turn to her words to teach their children the value of positivity, compassion, and joy in the everyday.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — Mary Poppins Quotes that will never get old. Whether it’s a reminder to find fun in life’s small tasks or an invitation to embrace adventure, Mary Poppins’s quotes have a special way of bringing a bit of magic to our day-to-day lives.
These quotes have resonated with generations, each one packed with a mix of playfulness and insight that only Mary could deliver.
What’s your favorite Mary Poppins quote? Share yours in the comments below!
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