Top 135 Songs With Whistling In Them

It seems an odd thing to consider including someone whistling on a record these days with all the electronic sounds on offer. And that is without the sound-shaping we can use on our guitars, basses, and keyboards.

But, it can have a surprising effect, as we shall see as we take a look at some songs with whistling in them.

Is It Always Just For Effect?

If most people were, to be honest, then you might see that at times it has been a purely accidental thing. We shall look at songs where that was the case.

Where the singer-songwriter might have been struggling for a line or some words and whistled it instead. The producer says, “great, that works, leave it in.”

Put your lips together…

We will see that some of these songs with whistling have turned out to be some of the best songs we have. And, incidentally, some of the biggest hits. It can take a great song and just give it a little bit extra. Furthermore, whistling can fit into a range of styles and be performed in a variety of ways.

So, let’s see how whistling has made these songs better, and in some cases, been the standout feature. The start of our journey will take us way back in time to the 1940s with…

Top 135 Songs With Whistling In Them

1

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Some songs are eternal in our love for them, and this is certainly one of those. There is something about the song that, no matter how old you are, it conjures up visions of days long gone. 

On Christmas Eve, with the snow falling, of getting excited as a child about the day to come. And of going out on Christmas Day morning in the fresh snow. It creates all of those images.

The Musical

It was written by Irving Berlin and might be best known for its inclusion in the musical film “White Christmas” in 1954. But, it came out way before then as Crosby sang it in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn.” It has since been covered by too many people to mention.

Its romantic mood is heightened by Crosby gently whistling a harmony line to the girl’s chorus. What were we saying about whistling giving a great song just a little bit extra?

2

Singin’ In The Rain by Bing Crosby

Another classic song from what were some golden years in the history of American musicals and cinema. This well-known and well-loved song was written by Nacio Herb Brown.

Crosby wasn’t in the original 1952 musical of the same name. The song achieved its iconic status when performed with an umbrella by Gene Kelly. Bing’s version was recorded with Rosemary Clooney in 1962 for their TV show and was later released on an album with Clooney.

A great interpretation as you would expect from the “master crooner.” Even his whistle sounds like it’s crooning. He likes a little whistle does Bing. And that’s why it is on this list of songs with whistling in them.

3

The Story of My Life by Michael Holliday

Staying in that late 50s and very early 60s pre-Beatles period in the UK came this song from Michael Holliday. I was a child when this was played non-stop by my mother on our ‘radiogram’, as were one or two others we shall look at here.

A pleasant, typically 50s song that gives an impression of hope for the future. Not for Michael, unfortunately, who died very young. A nice song with good lyrics and that gentle whistle that answers every line in the verses.

A song that was one of the very early successes for Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 

4

Magic Moments by Perry Como

Michael Holliday’s hit was followed up by another from Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Another song that our mother ‘brain-washed’ us all with. This was the B-side of a song called “Catch A Falling Star” from 1957, which also had a whistle in it. They were all doing it, weren’t they?

This proved to be just as popular and was released as a single in its own right. It went to number four and became one of the songs synonymous with Perry Como. It has since been covered by a variety of people. Another little whistle that just adds a little bit.

5

Singing the Blues by Guy Mitchell

Another song that made the speakers on that ‘radiogram’ want to give up. This is a little bit different, which makes it interesting. 

Guy Mitchell’s 1956 song has a bluesy rhythm going on underneath with a nice clean ‘pop’ voice and smile over the top. Guess the world wasn’t quite ready for the Yardbirds just yet.

This is interesting because it’s a song with a lot of whistling. The whistles take the place of what would be the lead guitar intro in later years. Add on the answer backs in the verses, and that is a lot of whistling. Someone’s cheeks must have been sore after this session.

A chart-topping whistle…

However, it jogs along with a nice pace, and the whistles again make it a standout track. It was written by Melvin Endsley, and the first release of the song came from Marty Robbins. 

It was number one in the UK and was also number one sung by Tommy Steele, again complete with the whistles. They both came out at the same time and swapped places at the top of the chart.

6

Love Letters In The Sand by Pat Boone

One last track from the 50s, this one from “teenage heartthrob” Pat Boone. It was first released as a B-side, but due to its popularity was then released in its own right.

It wasn’t a new song being first released in the 30s, but they needed something quick to be released with the A-side “Bernadine.” I don’t think anyone realized it would be the second biggest-selling record of 1957.

The whistling was done by Pat Boone himself, again as an afterthought.

7

Daydream by The Lovin’ Spoonful

Into the 60s now with this great track from 1966 by The Lovin Spoonful. John Sebastien wrote it and was trying to write a song a bit like “Baby Love” that had been a hit for The Supremes.

It came from their second album, which was significantly stronger musically than their first effort. Sebastien was a talented musician and possibly never received some of the acclaim that those who followed received. 

A Novelty Act

He and the band were often viewed sympathetically by some as a bit of a ‘hippy’ group. Great for a one-off novelty act but not to be taken too seriously. But, he wrote some classic songs like “Summer In The City” and the tongue-in-cheek “Nashville Cats.”

“Daydream” still is the perfect song to lay back on a summer’s day with a glass of wine and watch the world go by. And the whistling plays a huge part in creating the right atmosphere.

8

Two Of Us (Remastered) by The Beatles

There is only one way to leave the 60s. That is with what the 60s in the UK and many other places were all about, The Beatles. This song is quite a throwback to the early days, and John and Paul are actually singing together. Believe it or not, that is something they used to do quite often.

This was released on the Let It Be album, which was their last album release. A nice little song but without too much to say we didn’t already know. The whistles at the end are a nice touch.

9

Montego Bay by Bobby Bloom

We’ve had some crooners and some polished and sparkly heartthrobs and a few hippies thrown in as well, but others were doing a bit of whistling. Time for a bit of reggae.

So, into the early 70s now with this track from Bobby Bloom. He performed and co-wrote the song about the city of the same name in Jamaica. It had that reggae feel that was added to by the calypso style of some of the instruments. The whistles only add to the intended laid-back feel of the song.

10

Clair by Gilbert O’Sullivan

Gilbert O’Sullivan was an interesting character in many ways. He wrote some truly great songs, but his image was not helped in some quarters. 

At times he chose a rather stereotypical way to portray his Southern Irish birthplace and roots. This was at a time when there were some political tensions with the UK, which was his main source of income.

Autobiographical?

For those of us able to look further than all that nonsense, there was a sensitive, very talented singer-songwriter. This song was everybody’s favorite at the time.

It was written about his manager Gordon Mills’ daughter and the times he was a babysitter for her. Clare, therefore, was a real person. An innocent tune is made more so by the addition of whistles in the song.

11

The Stranger by Billy Joel

The 70s was when Billy Joel established himself as something special. “The Stranger” is one of those Joel songs where he gives us a little bit of confusion to think about. 

It is a song that talks about keeping secrets. The confusing aspect is that he says we must be strangers even to ourselves.

The intro has an interesting backstory. Joel whistled the opening as a guide while they were beginning to put the song down. When they went back to it, he asked Phil Ramone what instrument he thought would be best for the opening. Ramone answered, “the whistle, leave it in.” It stayed.

12

Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard by Paul Simon

There can be no disputing Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were great together. But, they also produced some memorable stuff separately. This is a track from Paul’s second album.

It is a strange tale about two friends who are arrested and then let free. The subject matter is probably just a bit of fun. The track, though, shows that Simon was beginning to try new ways, new things, and new styles of music. One of which was a Brazilian precision instrument on this song.

The whistles come in about halfway through and add a lighthearted feel to it. It’s certainly one of the most memorable whistles in a song.

13

Love Is A Battlefield (Remastered) by Pat Benatar

An interesting track for several reasons. This is a song about the trials and tribulations of growing up and those first relationships being like a battlefield. It is interesting because the producer decided to use a drum machine on this with the real drums.

It was one of her biggest selling singles and placed her firmly on the map of female rock singers. In some circles, she is an underrated talent. This song highlights her great voice and delivery.

The whistle probably didn’t contribute that much, but it is an interesting addition and one you would hardly expect.

14

Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles

This is another song with a bit of internal history. The song had been rejected by a few people, but the Bangles were persuaded to record it. The four of them each did a verse, but Debbi Peterson’s was rejected, so she didn’t get to sing a part. She was less than happy. 

Then they removed her drums from the final cut in favor of a drum machine. That didn’t go down too well, either. Frictions emerged. In the TV appearances, you can see her playing the tambourine.

Whistling The Melody?

I can understand someone whistling a counter melody or as an answer back, as we have already seen. But to whistle the melody where the words should be? Is that a case of running out of words? Whether it is or isn’t, it worked well. The whistles were added by a computer.

They became an important part of a song that became a Bangles standard and a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Honorable Mentions

Before we move on to a final couple of songs with whistling in them, I should mention some notable 80s songs with whistling I wanted to include but just ran out of space.

• Games Without Frontiers by Peter Gabriel and featuring Kate Bush.
• Centerfold by The J. Geils Band.
• Over My Shoulder by Mike and The Mechanics.

All have some great whistling parts that certainly enhance the song. Ok, let’s move on to the last couple.

15

Jealous Guy (Remastered 2010) by John Lennon

It would be very difficult to make a list of the best of anything without including a song from John Lennon. Either as a solo artist or with The Beatles. This is a track from his Imagine album from 1971.

It may have been released in 1971, but John had this one lying around for a while. He hoped it would be included on the White album in 1968, along with “Dear Prudence.” That never transpired, the reasons for which are not relevant here.

Insecurities

It is a touching insight into the life of a man who some thought of as indestructible. But, to those who knew him, he was quite insecure and vulnerable. It is a song about jealousy, of course. But also ‘his’ kind of jealousy and his admission to that emotion.

The whistling just made a perfect addition to what was already such an innocent song. Another track of pure genius from an album that was overflowing with it.

16

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

This song holds bittersweet memories for me. I had been a great blues fan, but Otis Redding and a few others of his ilk changed that a bit. They introduced me to what wasn’t really soul music. 

It was a combination of Blues and Soul. A few of us went to see him live at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1967 in London.

Triumph followed by tragedy…

He was with Sam and Dave and a few others. And he was just sensational. Sadly, he was killed in a plane crash when he continued his tour in America a few weeks later. This song came out just after. He had recorded this song just a few days before the accident.

A song that has got that easy style he could generate, as he just sits on the dock watching the ships in San Francisco. And the whistling? Did a whistle ever become the most important part of a song? If it does, it could be on this one. The interesting thing is he whistles like he sings. Full of feeling.

On a list about whistling on songs, how could this not be the last one? Normally, it would, but I apologize in advance; I cannot resist the urge. So… “And Now For Something Completely Different.”

17

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (From”Monty Pythons Life Of Brian”) by Monty Python’s Flying Circus

This song closed the film “The Life Of Brian” to a fanfare of amusing complaints. The song represents not giving up and facing up to adversity. However, it is set in rather a strange setting and certainly an unusual setting. But that was Monty Python for you.

This song was written and performed by Eric Idle. It encourages you to have a little whistle to cheer yourself up. And there is a chorus of whistling to emphasize the point.

“When you’re feeling in the dumps, don’t be silly chumps. Just purse your lips and whistle.”

Great fun and not a bad sentiment.

18

Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John

19

Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People

20

Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

21

I Was Made for Sunny Days by The Weepies

22

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

23

Wind of Change by Scorpions

24

Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

25

The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) by Ylvis

26

Heart of Gold by Neil Young

27

Pencil Full of Lead by Paolo Nutini

28

Ho Hey by The Lumineers

29

Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses

30

Sloop John B by The Beach Boys

31

Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan

32

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly by Ennio Morricone

33

Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

34

Do You Realize?? by The Flaming Lips

35

Whistle While You Work by Louis Armstrong

36

Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes

37

Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

38

Jambalaya (On the Bayou) by Hank Williams

More 97 Songs With Whistling In Them

39. 39. A-Punk by Vampire Weekend
    40. The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
    41. New Soul by Yael Naim
    42. Some Nights by FUN.
    43. We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
    44. Put It There Pal by Bing Crosby
    45. Float On by Modest Mouse
    46. Pumped Up Kicks (Remix) by Foster the People ft. Childish Gambino
    47. Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
    48. What I Got by Sublime
    49. Riptide by Vance Joy
    50. I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons
    51. Steal My Sunshine by LEN
    52. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
    53. The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) by Ylvis
    54. Kids by MGMT
    55. Stolen Dance by Milky Chance
    56. The Man by Aloe Blacc
    57. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!
    58. Get Lucky by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
    59. Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down by Fall Out Boy
    60. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
    61. Some Nights Intro by FUN.
    62. Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz
    63. The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) [Extended Mix] by Ylvis
    64. My Body by Young the Giant
    65. Tongue Tied by Grouplove
    66. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
    67. Redbone by Childish Gambino
    68. Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
    69. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics
    70. All Star by Smash Mouth
    71. No Scrubs by TLC
    72. Mr. Brightside by The Killers
    73. I Love It by Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX
    74. Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
    75. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
    76. I Want You Back by The Jackson 5
    77. Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down by Fall Out Boy
    78. Smooth by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
    79. Hey Ya! by Outkast
    80. Happy by Pharrell Williams
    81. I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
    82. Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake
    83. Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
    84. Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
    85. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen
    86. Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
    87. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
    88. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
    89. Piano Man by Billy Joel
    90. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
    91. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
    92. Wonderwall by Oasis
    93. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
    94. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
    95. Hey Soul Sister by Train
    96. Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
    97. Country Roads by Hermes House Band
    98. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves
    99. Dance Monkey by Tones and I
    100. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
    101. We Found Love by Rihanna
    102. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
    103. I’m Yours by Alessia Cara
    104. I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
    105. Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton
    106. Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
    107. Happy Together by The Turtles
    108. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
    109. Love Story by Taylor Swift
    110. Sugar by Maroon 5
    111. Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke ft. T.I., Pharrell Williams
    112. Budapest by George Ezra
    113. Take a Walk by Passion Pit
    114. Bennie and the Jets by Elton John
    115. Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
    116. Valerie by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse
    117. Treasure by Bruno Mars
    118. Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye ft. Kimbra
    119. Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
    120. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
    121. Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake
    122. Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
    123. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
    124. Happy by Pharrell Williams
    125. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
    126. Counting Stars by OneRepublic
    127. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
    128. Rolling in the Deep by Adele
    129. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
    130. Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
    131. All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
    132. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
    133. Viva la Vida by Coldplay
    134. Get Up Stand Up by Phunky Phantom
    135. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

In Search of Interesting Songs?

We can help. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Dreams, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs About Walking, the Best Songs about Fighting, the Best Songs about Friday, and the Best Songs About Friendship for more great song selections.

Songs With Whistling In Them – Final Thoughts

So, there we have a list of great music with whistling. Some fun, some serious, some with a message. But, all of them are enhanced by the simplest of things, a whistler.

So, here’s a good idea someone once said for when you might be feeling a little down. “Just purse your lips and whistle.” It’s bound to make you feel better.

Until next time, let the music play.