A small act at St. Paul’s
The song presents an elderly woman selling food for birds outside the cathedral. A small purchase becomes an occasion to notice another living being’s need.
Song · A CLOSER LOOK
Feed the Birds
ABOUT THIS SONG
A quiet song about noticing a small need, sung by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins.
A CLOSER LOOK
The story behind it.
A quiet song about noticing a small need, sung by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins.
The song within the film
Mary Poppins sings it to the children before the visit to the bank. The placement brings two different uses of the children’s money into the same story.
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Walt Disney Family Museum · the song’s significance (opens in a new tab)Source for Feed the Birds: Walt Disney Family Museum · the song’s significance.
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Follow the original source to explore the work in its own context.
Sources & credits
Introductions are grounded in the sources below. Collection notes and reading prompts provide an editorial starting point; personal opinions are identified in the collection’s content.
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Creator groupThe Sherman Brothers
Begin with the quiet song whose small act of care anchors the musical story.
START WITHFeed the Birds
MusicFilm
FilmMary Poppins
The song appears in Mary Poppins, where its modest transaction contrasts with the bank’s account of value.
START WITHExplore the original
FilmMusicFamily
PersonJulie Andrews
Andrews performs the song in the film.
START WITHMary Poppins
MusicFilm