“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Song Lyrics

The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, a legendary songwriting duo known for creating some of Disney’s most beloved and enduring music.

Together, they were responsible for numerous iconic songs across a variety of Disney films, including The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, The Parent Trap, and most notably, Mary Poppins.

Their ability to craft melodies that were both emotionally resonant and full of charm made them instrumental in defining the musical landscape of Disney during the 1960s and beyond.

The Sherman Brothers’ collaboration spanned several decades, and they quickly became Disney’s go-to songwriters, earning accolades such as Academy Awards and Grammy Awards for their work.

Their compositions not only elevated the films they were part of but also became a core part of the American musical theater tradition.

About the Song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a whimsical and playful song from the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins.

The song, sung by Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) and Bert (Dick Van Dyke), is known for its fun, tongue-twisting lyrics and catchy melody.

Created as a nonsensical word to convey an extraordinary feeling when ordinary words won’t do, it has become one of Disney’s most iconic and enduring songs.

Its rhythmic wordplay, joyful tone, and clever structure have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages, with its memorable chorus being instantly recognizable.

Detail	Information
Release Year	1964
Writers	Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Performers	Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke
Film	Mary Poppins
Genre	Children’s/Musical
Length	2:03

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Lyrics

[MARY POPPINS]

Super… calif… ragil… istic… expialid… ocious! Ha!

[MICHAEL, spoken]

That’s not a word!

[MARY POPPINS]

Of course it’s a word, and unless I’m very much mistaken, I think it’s going to prove a rather useful one

(sung)

When trying to express oneself, it’s frankly quite absurd
To leaf through lengthy lexicons to find the perfect word
A little spontaneity keeps conversation keen
You need to find a way to say, precisely what you mean…

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 + ENSEMBLE]

Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye

[MICHAEL, spoken]

But it doesn’t mean anything!

[ENSEMBLE]

Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye

[MARY POPPINS, spoken]

It can mean exactly what you want it to

(sung)

When stone age men were chatting, simply grunting would suffice

[BERT]

Now if they heard this word, they might have used it once or twice!

[MRS. CORRY]

I’m sure Egyptian Pharaohs would have grasped it in a jiff
Then every single pyramid would bear this hieroglyph;

Oh!
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Say it and wild animals would not seem so ferocious!

[MARY POPPINS]

Add some further flourishes, it’s so rocococoscious!

[MRS. CORRY] Ah

[MARY POPPINS] Ah

[BERT] Ah ah ah ah

[MARY, BERT, MRS. CORRY]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye

[BERT]

The Druids could have carved it on their mighty monoliths!

[MRS. CORRY]

The ancient Greeks I’m certain would have used it in their myths!

[MARY POPPINS]

I’m sure the Roman Empire only entered the abyss
Because those Latin scholars never had a word like this!

[ALL]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

[MARY POPPINS]

If you say it softly the effect can be hypnotious!

[BERT]

Check your breath before you speak, in case it’s halitotious!

[ALL]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye
Um-diddle-diddle-um-diddleye

[MARY POPPINS, spoken]

Of course you can say it backwards, which is Suoicodilaipxecitsiligarfilacrepus

[MICHAEL]

She may be tricky, but she’s bloody good!

[MARY POPPINS, sung]

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!

[BERT]

Pick out those eighteen consonants and sixteen vowels as well
And put them in an order which is very ‘ard to spell –

[MARY POPPINS]

S. U. P. E. R

[BERT] R

[MARY POPPINS] C. A. L. I. F

[BERT] F

[MARY POPPINS] R. A. G. I. L

L

[JANE + MICHAEL]

I. S. T. I. C. E. X. P. I. A. L. I. D
O. – C. I. O. U. S!

[BERT, spoken]

Smarty pants

[ALL]

S. U. P. E. R., C. A. L. I. F., R. A. G. I. L., I. S. T. I C. E. X. P. I. A. L. I. D. O. – C. I. O. U. S!
S. U. P. E. R., C. A. L. I. F., R. A. G. I. L., I. S. T. I C. E. X. P. I. A. L. I. D. O. – C. I. O. U. S!
S. U. P. E. R., C. A. L. I. F., R. A. G. I. L., I. S. T. I C. E. X. P. I. A. L. I. D. O. – C. I. O. U. S!

[BERT]

Here we go!

[ALL]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious!
If you say it loud enough, you’ll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilistic-

[JANE + MICHAEL]
Supercalifragilistic-

[ALL]
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Themes Of The Song

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” finds several delightful themes through its playful lyrics and upbeat melody:

• Linguistic Invention – The song celebrates the joy of creating and using made-up words, highlighting how language can be playfully stretched beyond convention to express extraordinary feelings.
• Childlike Wonder – Central to the song is the embrace of childlike approaches to language and expression, reminding listeners of the freedom that comes with abandoning adult linguistic constraints.
• Confidence and Self-Expression – The lyrics emphasize how having the right (even if invented) word can provide confidence in difficult social situations, suggesting the empowering nature of expressive language.
• The Absurd and Nonsensical – By elevating a nonsense word to the center of a musical number, the song honors the important role of the absurd and whimsical in human experience and entertainment.

Through these themes, the songwriters crafted a piece that speaks to universal human experiences of wanting to express the inexpressible and finding joy in linguistic play.

Similar Songs to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

If you connected with the playful wordplay and joyful energy of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” here are other memorable songs that share its whimsical tone and linguistic creativity:

• “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from Cinderella: A whimsical, nonsensical song that encapsulates magic change with a playful, enchanting tone.
• “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” from Song of the South: An upbeat, joyful tune filled with made-up expressions, capturing a spirit of happiness and carefree living.
• “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: A fun, onomatopoeic song that uses playful repetition to celebrate the joy of imagination and adventure.
• “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King: A catchy, uplifting song using a Swahili phrase to convey a carefree philosophy, perfect for family entertainment.

Live Performance

Check out more songwriting & lyrics breakdowns and find the tunes that bring out your inner child.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious an Actual Word?

Yes, it’s a made-up word popularized by the Mary Poppins movie, meant to express something fantastic or extraordinary.

Why Did Mary Poppins Say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

She used it as a whimsical, joyful expression when there was nothing else to say, it captures pure delight and fun.

What is the Longest Compliment Word?

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is often considered the longest playful compliment, suggesting someone or something is incredibly wonderful.

What Does It Mean if Someone Calls You Mary Poppins?

It means you’re seen as magically capable, charming, nurturing, and often practically perfect.