Whistling has been a part of human history since ancient times. It has been used to communicate, as a form of entertainment, and even as a signal for different purposes.
When it comes to music, whistling has also played a crucial role, with many artists incorporating it into their songs. In this article, we will explore the importance of whistling songs, and delve into the top 15 whistling songs of all time.
Importance of songs with whistling
Whistling adds a unique sound to a song that can be memorable and easily recognizable. It can also serve as another layer of instrumentation, especially when it is used in place of a vocal chorus.
Additionally, it can evoke a sense of joy and lightheartedness, giving the listener a reason to smile and be happy. On the other hand, it can also create a sense of melancholy or nostalgia, depending on the song’s mood and theme.
Top 15 Whistling Songs of All Time
1. (Sitting’ On) The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding
This song, released in 1968, features Redding’s signature whistling, accompanied by the sound of waves crashing.
The song is reflective in mood and talks about sitting on the San Francisco Bay, watching the tide roll away. 2.
Two of Us The Beatles
This song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and released in 1970. The song features McCartney’s whistling at the end of the song, which adds a nice touch to the already beautiful song.
3. Moves Like Jagger Maroon 5 ft.
Christina Aguilera
Released in 2011, this song features a catchy and upbeat whistle by Adam Levine that elevates the song’s energy. The song is about being a great dancer, which was inspired by Mick Jagger’s iconic moves.
4. Winds of Change The Scorpions
Released in 1990, this song is an anthem to social and political reforms that swept across Europe at the time.
The song’s melody is driven by Klaus Meine’s whistling that creates a hopeful and optimistic tone. 5.
Jimmy Jazz The Clash
This song, released in 1979, is a mix of punk and reggae. It features Paul Simonon’s whistling that adds a cool and laid-back atmosphere to the song.
The song is about a police hunt for a character named Jimmy Jazz. 6.
Walk Like an Egyptian The Bangles
This song, released in 1986, is a fun and upbeat dance song that features a playful whistle in the chorus. The song was inspired by the famous King Tut exhibit that toured the world in the 80s.
7. Golden Years David Bowie
One of Bowie’s biggest hits released in 1976, this song features Bowie’s catchy whistle throughout the verses.
The song’s sound is influenced by American R&B and has an upbeat and funky feel. 8.
Don’t Worry Be Happy Bobby McFerrin
This song, released in 1988, is a carefree tune that encourages listeners not to worry about anything. McFerrin’s whistling is the song’s centerpiece, creating a happy and soothing vibe that has become timeless.
9. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Paul Simon
This song, released in 1972, features Simon’s whistling, which adds a playful and energetic touch to the song’s rhythm.
The song is about two boys who break the law and run away from the law. 10.
Love Is A Battlefield Pat Benatar
Released in 1983, this song features Steve Lukather’s whistling that creates a haunting and atmospheric sound. The song is a powerful anthem to love, urging listeners to fight for their relationships.
11. I Got You Jack Johnson
This song, released in 2006, features Jack Johnson’s signature acoustic guitar and his soft whistling.
The song is in B-flat tuning and has a mellow and warm feel that is characteristic of Johnson’s other work. 12.
The Stranger Billy Joel
Released in 1977, this song features a long and haunting whistle at the beginning of the song. The song’s lyrics are about secrets and the unknown.
13. Games Without Frontiers Peter Gabriel
This song, released in 1980, is about the politics of war and conflict.
The song features Gabriel’s whistling that creates a quirky and offbeat sound to complement the song’s message. 14.
Home Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Released in 2010, this song features the band members whistling as part of the song’s instrumentation. The song is about a couple who dreams of building a home and being happy together.
15. Sissyneck Beck
This song, released in 1996, is part of Beck’s signature blend of folk and electronic music.
The song features a quirky and playful whistle that complements the song’s playful and fun sound.
Conclusion
Whistling songs have been an essential part of music for ages. They add a unique sound and style that can make a song easily recognizable.
The top 15 whistling songs of all time showcase the diversity of whistling’s uses in music, from reflecting on society’s ills to celebrating love and happiness.
Other Notable Whistling Songs
We have already discussed 15 whistling songs that have left an impact on the music industry. However, there are several other notable songs that feature whistling.
In this section, we will discuss these songs in detail, and why they are worth including in this list. 1.
Patience – Guns N’ Roses
Released in 1989, Patience by Guns N’ Roses is a song that features Axl Rose’s whistling in the intro and then again towards the end of the song. It has become a popular karaoke song and has earned a reputation as one of the band’s most mellow yet iconic tracks.
The song’s melody is driven by Rose’s whistling, which complements the song’s overall warm and tender tone. 2.
Jealous Guy – John Lennon
Jealous Guy by John Lennon was originally released in 1971 as part of his Imagine album. It features Lennon’s whistling towards the end of the song.
The song is about Lennon’s personal insecurities, making it one of his most introspective and emotional songs. The whistling adds a somber and contemplative tone that further enhances the song’s message.
3. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
This Christmas classic, written by Irving Berlin in 1940, has become an iconic holiday tune.
Bing Crosby’s version of the song, released in 1942, features his signature whistling in the intro. It is a song that celebrates the magic and beauty of the holiday season, and the whistling adds a sense of nostalgia and warmth that helps to capture the holiday spirit.
4. Here Comes The Rain, Baby – Roy Orbison
Here Comes The Rain, Baby is an emotional ballad by Roy Orbison from his 1965 album, There Is Only One Roy Orbison.
The song features Orbison’s whistling throughout the song, adding to the song’s melancholic and introspective atmosphere. The whistling also complements the song’s slow and steady pace, creating a haunting and memorable melody.
5. Daydream – Lovin’ Spoonful
Daydream by Lovin’ Spoonful is a classic 60s tune that features whistling in the intro and throughout the song.
The whistling is part of the song’s instrumentation, which also includes tambourines and a fast-paced guitar riff. The song’s sound is reminiscent of the vaudeville era, and the whistling adds a fun and playful touch that complements the song’s energy.
6. Centerfold – J.
Geils Band
Released in 1981, Centerfold by J. Geils Band is a classic rock song that features Peter Wolf’s whistling in the intro and throughout the song’s chorus.
The song is about a high school girl and has become one of the band’s most popular tracks. The whistling adds a catchy and upbeat melody that has become synonymous with the song.
7. Tighten Up – The Black Keys
Tighten Up by The Black Keys is a stripped-back and bluesy track that features Dan Auerbach’s whistling in the intro and outro.
The song’s simplicity has become a hallmark of The Black Keys’ sound, and the whistling adds an intimate and down-to-earth feel that complements the song’s raw emotion. 8.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is a song from the 1979 Monty Python film, Life of Brian. Sung by Eric Idle’s character, it celebrates the importance of optimism and positivity, even in the face of adversity.
The song features a catchy whistling melody that has become one of the most recognizable whistling tunes in popular culture. 9.
Twisted Nerve – Bernard Herrmann
Twisted Nerve is a song from the 1969 British film of the same name, composed by Bernard Herrmann. The song features a haunting whistling tune that has become synonymous with horror and suspense films.
The song’s melody has been used in several films and TV shows, including Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill series. 10.
Young Folks – Peter Bjorn and John
Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John is a post-punk track that features Victoria Bergsman’s whistling in the intro and throughout the song’s chorus. The song’s sound is a mix of indie rock and pop, with a catchy melody and upbeat tone.
The whistling adds another layer of instrumentation that complements the song’s already rich sound. 11.
Good Life – One Republic
Released in 2010, Good Life by One Republic is a pop song that features Ryan Tedder’s whistling in the intro. It is a song that celebrates the joys of life, urging listeners to appreciate the little things.
The whistling adds a catchy and infectious melody that has helped to make the song an anthem to positivity and happiness.
Conclusion
Whistling has been an important part of music for centuries. It has added a unique sound to songs, evoking a range of emotions and atmospheres.
Among the other notable whistling songs we have highlighted, each of them is unique in its own way. Whether it’s adding a sense of nostalgia, being part of iconic holiday tunes, or creating a haunting atmosphere, whistling songs have been memorable and impactful.
In conclusion, whistling songs have played an essential role in music throughout history. They add a unique sound and style that can make a song easily recognizable.
Among the 26 whistling songs we have explored, each has demonstrated the diverse use of whistling in music and how they can contribute to a song’s mood and atmosphere. From reflecting on society’s ills and celebrating love and happiness to bringing a sense of nostalgia and haunting atmosphere, we have seen how whistling has elevated the sound of music.
Therefore, it is evident that whistling songs are crucial to music, and they have a valuable place in the music industry for years to come.
