The Life I Lead

The Life I Lead is a song from the musical,  Mary Poppins. It was composed by Richard and Robert Sherman, and was performed by David Tomlinson.

In the film
The song serves as the introductory song as well as the leit motif for George Banks, and is performed by him as he is walking home from work. The song describes the punctual, efficient, but distant way in which he runs his household. Through the song, he reveals that he likes order and consistency, going so far as to mention specific times for when events must happen. One lyric of the song contains the only reference to the time period of the film, 1910 England under the rule of King Edward.

The song is later reprised several times. At one point, Mary Poppins, played by Julie Andrews, sings a verse. The song also appears near the end of the film, in a much more somber tone. Mr. Banks performs the song after he thinks that his dreams have been shattered.