I’ve been told I’m as good as whistling as I am singing. Which I’ve decided to take as a compliment and use it as inspiration for a post about some of the best whistling songs around. Featuring more one hit wonders than you might think (more here), please enjoy my eight favourite whistling songs that just beg you to join in. Do you have a favourite? Any others that you like?
Still one of my absolute songs. I’ve referenced it as a Line(s) of the Day and as one of the best cover versions ever. I’m far from alone in my admiration. It was Roxy Music’s only UK number one.
This number one US Smash by Swedish rockers Roxette bristles with rebellious energy from start to finish. Not as dominant in whistling as others in this list, but a wonderful song, from a band that also wrote one of the great love songs in Listen to Your Heart.
Despite it’s upbeat and addictive tune, Pumped Up Kicks has some rather dark and sinister lyrics. Whether you pay attention to them, it’s still near impossible not to whistle along.
Otis Redding never intended for the whistling in this song to be played in the finished version. Tragically, his untimely death meant he never got to write lyrics for the final verse.
Beginning with whistling, this energetic and wonderfully wacky tune by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is a joy from start to finish.
They came and went like a comet, but in-between that, one hit wonders Peter Bjorn and John left behind this catchy song that chances are you’ll have heard in countless TV adverts.
A song that just deserves to start up a dancefloor out of nothing. Maroon 5 may be experts in writing ballads like She Will be Loved, but their funkier side is evident here too.
Well I just had to include one that is full of whistling, especially one of my favourite ever films. But even if you haven’t seen the masterpiece that is The Bridge on the River Kwai, you’ll probably still know it. It’s been referenced everywhere from The Simpsons and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air to The Breakfast Club.
Alex Raphael 
love how u added colonel bogey’s march! it is THE best whistling song!
great list Alex!
That just had to be in there! That’s one of my top 3 favourite films. There are lyrics I think but they are pretty rude ha.
Lyrics? Really?
The music was originally individual, but some anti-Hitler lyrics were later added.
.ill have to seek it out. Sounds somewhat funny
Bryan Ferry trumps them all. I never knew there were so many whistling songs. Now I think you should find some whittling ones 😜 By the way, my dad toured with Otis Redding ome summer and he never lets us forget it ha ha
Great list. Did you whistle while you worked?
I may be well read but your dad is well Redding ha. I whistle plenty. Even one or two I couldn’t fit it in. There’s Walk like an Egyptian too.
I have no doubt I just can’t figure which of the seven dwarfs you are. I’m torn between Dopey and Sleepy. Whistle on
I’m Whizzkid. He got dropped from the first version 😛
Very funny. 😊
I am a meager whistler, but I love your songs!
Thanks. There are some great ones that don’t have whistling that have a great melody to them too. Gold by Spandau Ballet and Counting Stars by One Republic easily come to mind.
I wish I could whistle … 😞
Some great songs here! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks. We should swap playlists one day. Would be fun.
They use the Magnetics on insurance ads here.
Still good song.
It is catchy.
Young Folks, man that’s a blast from the past. Great selection again Alex. Personal favourites River Kwai, Otis Redding and Roxy Music.
Thanks. That Roxy Music cover is just incredible. Not often a cover of a John Lennon song is better than the original.
Quite an achievement.
Joyride is already a classic 🙂
They had some classics back in the day. With A-ha, Ace of Base, Aqua, th Cardigans and of course Abba among others, the Scandinavians have had plenty of success.
You forgot the “Europe” with “The final countdown” and others 🙂
Well remembered. That is a great song. I really liked Carrie too.
Me, too 🙂
Have a great weekend, Alex 😀
Yay for Roxy Music and Bridge Over the River Kwai. I’ve never been a good whistler. Seems like an easy thing to do, but….fun post, Alex.
Bryan Ferry is wonderful. Has any British singer ever had a better voice?
Some really good songs here. If I might suggest two more because I always find myself whistling these: The Whistle Song from Kill Bill, and the theme song from the The Andy Griffith Show. Of course, both heavily feature actual whistling which makes it easy.
That Twisted nerve tune is a classic. It’s a great tune to whistle to. It always sounds so sinister mind haha.
What about is Wind of Change by Scorpions?
Wasn’t such a big hit here for some reasons, but a nice choice 🙂
I second Wind of Change. And Engel by Rammstein is a great one too! 🙂
Rammstein are great. Du Hast Mich is a dancefloor classic.
Ooh Billy Joel’s The Stranger had whistling.
I don’t know it. We Didn’t Start the Fire and The River of Dreams are the ones that grab me most. Let me check it out.
They’re great songs but does he whistle in them? No matter I love Billy Joel.
I know. Just had to crowbar those songs into the conversation. I really rate them both haha.
Haha. Billy Joel!
I can’t whistle well but your post made me instantly think happy thoughts of my Dad constantly whistling- it’s a sound of happiness to me. Nice post
That’s lovely to hear.
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