15 Best Bert Quotes from Mary Poppins You Will Love

Here are the best Bert quotes from Mary Poppins
“Mary Poppins” by Steven Miller licensed under CC BY 2.0

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is “Mary Poppins.” Dick Van Dyke made Bert one of the most beloved Disney characters (and I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to sing and dance whenever he comes on-screen.  So without further ado, here are some of the best Bert quotes from Mary Poppins!

The Best Bert Quotes from Mary Poppins

“Winds from the east…Mist comin’ in…Like somethin’ was brewin’ about to begin…”

This is one of my favorite Bert quotes and is the best way to open the movie. A close-up of Bert as he playfully foreshadows that something magical and extraordinary is about to happen.

He is inviting us to experience a world of whimsy and enchantment that Mary Poppins brings to an ordinary and dull world. Bert gives us a look of childlike excitement and draws us in to join him on an incredible adventure.

“Bert will take care of you. Like I was your father.”

Both Jane and Michael Banks are feeling ignored and misunderstood by their father. Bert shows compassion, support, reassurance, and care for these kids as he speaks these memorable words.

He brings joy and laughter along with guidance and protection, something the Banks children currently have absent from their lives. Bert wants them to feel safe, secure, and wants them to enjoy life.

“They make cages of all sizes and shapes, you know. Bank-shaped, some of them, carpets, and all”

Powerful and one of the best Bert quotes from the movie. It expresses the dangers of getting caught up in the world of conformity. We are taught to work hard, and we will be rewarded.

But what is the point of working so hard you miss out on those rewards? It is Bert’s way of simplistically explaining why George Banks is the way he is to Jane and Michael. It also gives the audience something to think about. Are we stuck in cages ourselves? What are we missing? 

“There’s the whole world at your feet. And who gets to see it but the birds, the stars, and the chimney sweeps.”

Bert’s character has such an interesting way with words. He is teaching the children to continually explore the world around them. There are limitless opportunities and experiences right in front of them, they just need to step back and look. The quote shows Bert’s unique perspective on life and reflects his optimistic nature. We can all learn to be like Bert and appreciate the simple joys in life. 

“Though childhood slips like sand through a sieve…”

In this scene Bert is gently trying to remind George Banks of how quickly time passes. Children grow up so fast, it is important to embrace the moments we spend with our children and treasure the memories and experiences we share with them. 

As a mom of two adult children, I can agree with what Bert is saying to Mr. Banks. We must make the most of moments childhood has to offer our kids and ourselves. 

“You close your eyes…and jump”

For Bert, Mary Poppins, and the Banks children to go on an adventure in one of his chalk drawings they must do the following: “You think. You wink. You do a double blink. You close your eyes…and jump!”  We could all use a little bit of this in our lives. 

Take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown. We miss out of so many of life’s opportunities, but with a little courage, determination, and faith we could experience so much more.

“Never was there a more happier crew, than them what sings Chim Chim Chiree Chim Chirou.”

Even a chimney sweep, a dirty and dangerous profession, can find happiness when on the job. Joy can be found in music; it is a simple pleasure that brings people together. Music is a powerful force and can turn even the dullest day into a delightful one. 

But Bert is trying to say that we should make the most of life. Find a reason to smile, even in the darkest situations. The choice is ours, to have a good day or a bad one. If a chimney sweep can be happy, so can we.

“Mary Poppins, you look beautiful.”

For me, it is not so much the words, “Mary Poppins, you look beautiful.”  It is how Bert says it. With so much sincerity and awe. Although Bert and Mary Poppins are not romantically involved, there is mutual admiration and appreciation. They share a joyful friendship and work together to bring happiness to the world and everyone they encounter. 

“It’s a jolly holiday with Mary.”

One of my favorite song lyrics from one of my favorite songs. Bert sings about the joy, enchantment and magic Mary brings to an otherwise dull world. A lively song that Bert sings while dancing with cartoon animals.

It leaves one feeling good and wanting to see what other adventures Bert, Mary and the kids will go on. I know when I was a child and watching Mary Poppins,’ I always thought it would be cool to jump into a chalk painting and see what would happen. 

“Who looks after your father? Tell me that.”

In a touching scene, Bert is comforting scared Jane and Michael, while delicately defending their father. He tries to put it in words so that the children will understand.

George Banks is not just a provider and authority figure, he is human. As much as we all want to think our parents are strong and capable, they need love, support, and care. 

“Just that spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down.”

A song Mary Poppins sings to the children, Bert also sings to Mr. Banks. Showing that the lessons in this movie not only apply to children, but to adults as well. Mr. Banks thinks it is a silly notion, but after really listening and hearing what Bert is trying to say, you can see him soften. 

One needs to find the light to get through the dark times. Approach tricky situations with a cheerful outlook. It is a simple yet powerful message! 

“Like you said, guv’nor, ‘you’ve got to grind, grind, grind at that grindstone…’”

With a sympathetic look in his eye, Bert reassures Mr. Banks that he is doing everything that he has been taught to do. We are told that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance we will be successful. As the father he is the provider. That is his role, to put bread on the table and be an authority figure. 

But being a father is so much more than that. He is missing so much joy, so much life. Not only his life but Jane and Michaels as well. He needs to decide what is more important. A prestigious job at the bank, or his family. 

“Speaking of names, I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith.”

Okay, it might be a silly dad joke, but it still makes me giggle. Bert, Uncle Albert, and the kids are hysterically laughing at each other on the ceiling of Uncle Alberts flat. Bert then says, “speaking of names, I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith.” 

Uncle Albert responds with, “what’s the name of his other leg?”  Everyone erupts in laughter. I do not know how someone cannot crack a smile at such a simple and silly joke. No deep meaning here, just a lighthearted moment in the movie. Moments like these make the movie so memorable and timeless.

“Goodbye Mary Poppins, don’t stay away too long.”

It is the last line in the movie. It is not sad, it is hopeful. A bittersweet and heartfelt farewell from one friend to another. It also leaves the audience hopeful that we will see Mary and Bert on adventures in the future. Unfortunately, it was never to be. The sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns” was released over 50 years later. 

Sadly, Julie Andrews does not make an appearance in the movie and Bert’s character is replaced by Jack, who is played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is a good movie, but it is not the original. It is impossible to capture the magic Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, the Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney created. 

This article was written by Jennifer and edited by Michael.

Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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