Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II are two of the most celebrated figures in American musical theater.
Rodgers, a gifted composer, created memorable melodies that helped define the Broadway sound, while Hammerstein, a talented lyricist and librettist, was known for his heartfelt and meaningful lyrics.
Gertrude Lawrence was the original performer of Getting to Know You, bringing warmth and charm to the role of Anna in the 1951 Broadway production of The King and I.
Following the original Broadway performance by Gertrude Lawrence, Marni Nixon provided the iconic singing voice for Deborah Kerr in the 1956 film adaptation, making the song famous with movie audiences.
Other celebrated artists such as Julie Andrews, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Dinah Shore, and Andy Williams have also recorded memorable versions.
About the Song
Getting to Know You is one of the most memorable songs from the classic musical The King and I.
Anna Leonowens performs the song as she meets the King’s children and teaches them to trust and open up.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 16, 1951 |
| Album | The King and I (Original Broadway Cast) |
| Writer | Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers & Hammerstein |
Complete Lyrics of Getting to Know You
ANNA
It’s a very ancient saying
But a true and honest thought
That “if you become a teacher
By your pupils you’ll be taught”
As a teacher I’ve been learning
And forgive me if I boast
That I’ve now become an expert
On the subject I like most
spoken
Getting to know you!
sung
Getting to know you
Getting to know all about you
Getting to like you
Getting to hope you like me
Getting to know you
Putting it my way, but nicely
You are precisely
My cup of tea
Getting to know you
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you
Getting to know what to say
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you
Day by day
Instrumental break
ANNA
My cup of tea
ROYAL WIVES & ROYAL CHILDREN
Getting to know you
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you
Getting to know what to say
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you
Day by day
ANNA
Getting to know you
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you
Getting to know what to say
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
ANNA, ROYAL WIVES & ROYAL CHILDREN
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you
Day by day
Similar Songs Like Getting to Know You
If you love Getting to Know You for its charm, warmth, and storytelling, then you’ll enjoy other beautiful songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein:
- My Favorite Things: Filled with cozy and imaginative lyrics, this song from The Sound of Music brings comfort by focusing on life’s simple pleasures.
- You’ll Never Walk Alone: A powerful and emotional ballad from Carousel, it inspires courage and strength during difficult times, reminding listeners they’re not alone.
- I Whistle a Happy Tune: This gentle and encouraging piece from The King and I teaches bravery and self-confidence through a playful and thoughtful melody.
Similar Artists Like Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
Here are a few similar artists who made a mark in the world of Broadway and musical theatre, creating timeless music and memorable stories.
- Jerome Kern
Genre: Musical Theatre / Popular Music
Top albums: Show Boat (Original Broadway Cast, 1927), Roberta (Original Broadway Cast, 1933), Very Warm for May (Original Broadway Cast, 1939) - Leonard Bernstein
Genre: Musical Theatre / Classical
Top albums: West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast, 1957), On the Town (Original Broadway Cast, 1944), Candide (Original Broadway Cast, 1956) - Irving Berlin
Genre: Musical Theatre / Popular Music
Top albums: Annie Get Your Gun (Original Broadway Cast, 1946), Call Me Madam (Original Broadway Cast, 1950), White Christmas (Original Soundtrack, 1954) - Cole Porter
Genre: Musical Theatre / Jazz
Top albums: Kiss Me, Kate (Original Broadway Cast, 1949), Anything Goes (Original Broadway Cast, 1934), Can-Can (Original Broadway Cast, 1953) - Stephen Sondheim
Genre: Musical Theatre / Vocal
Top albums: Company (Original Broadway Cast, 1970), Sweeney Todd (Original Broadway Cast, 1979), Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast, 1987)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Melody of Getting to Know You Original to The King and I?
Richard Rodgers originally wrote the melody for South Pacific as a song called Suddenly Lovely, but it was discarded from that show and later repurposed for The King and I with new lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Has Getting to Know You Used Outside of The King and I?
Yes, Getting to Know You has appeared in other films and television shows, including a memorable use in The Addams Family
