[1] The song was inspired by one of the drawings of a chimney sweep created by Mary Poppins screenwriter Don DaGradi.
When the Sherman Brothers asked about the drawing, DaGradi explained the ancient British folklore attributed to "sweeps" and how shaking hands with one or touching their sleeve could bring a person good luck.
In addition to the "standard" version of the song which Bert sings to the children, he sings short snippets of the song to himself at various times, with different verses specific to an unfolding plot element.
The "Mentsch" music group notes some similarities with a Yiddish song written by Itsik Manger named "Vaylu".
[citation needed] Supporters of English football teams, Millwall, West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, sing a version of the song which is a reference to each team's local rivals, West Ham, Aston Villa and Burnley, who all wear claret and blue shirts.