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Portobello Road (song)

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"Portobello Road" by Robert & Richard Sherman is a song about the actual Portobello Road in London, England. It was written for the 1971, Walt Disney musical film production Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It is sung by David Tomlinson about a street where, to this day–

Anything and everything a chap can unload
Is sold off the barrow...

There is an extensive dance sequence where different groups including Scots, Jamaicans, British Army soldiers, and Indians dance to the song's theme played in various styles.

Browne's Cynicism

Sung by Professor Emelius Browne, his perspective represents the antagonistic theme of cynicism. It is precisely because of his self doubt that he is unable to manifest anything positive in his life. He sees Portobello Road as a place where "the trinkets of London can be sold 'on the cheap', if the huckster is skilled enough to make the sale."

Chorus

Portobello road, Portobello road
Street where the riches of ages are stowed.
Anything and everything a chap can unload
Is sold off the barrow in Portobello road.
You’ll find what you want in the Portobello road.

Literary Sources

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