Stay Awake

"Stay Awake" from Mary Poppins is a gentle lullaby composed by the Sherman Brothers, sung by Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) to lull Jane and Michael into sleep, despite their initial resistance to bedtime. This song cleverly uses reverse psycgology, as Mary Poppins sings about staying awake while the children, ironically, drift off to sleep during the song. It showcases the magical and nurturing side of Mary Poppins' character, as she guides the children not just towards sleep, but also towards a peaceful and restful state of mind.

The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Duke Ellington, Haarry Connick Jr., and Celtic Woman, indicating its enduring appeal beyond the context of the film​​. Interestingly, "Stay Awake" was not featured in the 2004 stage musical adaptation of Mary Poppins, highlighting the unique charm it holds within the original film's soundtrack.

The composition of "Stay Awake" is noteworthy for its simplicity and effectiveness in conveying a sense of calm and tranquility, encouraging the listener to succumb to sleep despite the lyrics suggesting otherwise. This paradox is what makes the song both memorable and endearing, reflecting the whimsical and nurturing themes of Mary Poppins as a whole.