Precision and Order is a musical number from the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins. This number is omitted from most cast recordings of the show.
In this number, Mary Poppins takes the children to the bank where their father works. There, George is interviewing clients for loans and must decide who will be the most profitable to the bank or who could potentially ruin them.
The number includes a new version of "A Man Has Dreams" where the clients, as well as George, reflect on their principles.
Lyrics[]
Clerks: Precision and order
Cogs in a wheel
Opening a ledger
Closing a deal
Prudent investment
Financial sense
Our perfect ray of sunshine
Pounds, shillings, and pence
Mr. Chairman: Great men have dreams of power and position
And it's our job to back them to the hilt
For shrewd investment and advice
They'll pay our price
All: The bedrock on which banks are built
Clerks: In every transaction
Credit or debt
Sheets are all well balanced
Targets are met...
Met...Met...Met...Met...Met...Met...Met...
[...]
Von Hussler: A man has dreams
Of building an empire
To make his name in many distant lands
And in the new world, I am told
We'll soon strike gold
Let's seize the chance with both our hands
Clerks: Assessing the market
Limit the risk
Little room for error
Business is brisk...
Brisk...Brisk...Brisk...Brisk...Brisk...Brisk...
Brisk...
[...]
Northbrook: My men have dreams
To earn an honest living
A wife and kids, a home to call their own
If you'd invest in us today
It paves the way
I promise we'd repay the loan
[...]
George: A man with dreams that life hasn't broken
A man with hopes, ambitions to fulfill
A man you're certain at first glance
Deserves a chance
