Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Album: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although his name is recognized universally as the creator of Agent 007 James Bond, the former Naval Intelligence officer Ian Fleming also wrote a famous children's novel about a magic car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Unsurprisingly, this was made into a musical - which differs substantially from the book. The 1968 film adaptation featured Dick Van Dyke in the lead role as the slightly eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Caractacus Pott in the book).

    The film opens with the overture of the title song, which is sung later by Potts and his quaintly named offspring Jeremy and Jemima, and also at the end of the film.

    The car's curious name comes from the sounds it makes, although there was a real Chitty Bang Bang - a racing car - back in the 1920s. Like the rest of the songs from this award winning musical, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was written by Richard and Robert Sherman - the renowned Sherman Brothers. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyWas nominated for Best Song at the 1968 Academy Awards {Lost to 'The Windmills of Your Mind' from the movie 'The Thomas Crown Affair'}!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Christopher Cross

Christopher CrossSongwriter Interviews

The man who created Yacht Rock with "Sailing" wrote one of his biggest hits while on acid.

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.