The Whistler's Mother-In-Law
Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby
(BC)
If you're whistlin' 'cause you're happy
Be very careful Pappy
No tellin' what just a whistler's mother-in-law will do
Oh. the mammies around the kitchen
Attendin' to her stitchin'
There's granny behind the door keepin' an eye on you.
She's got a direct suspicion
You aim to do some fishin'
Your whistlin', I declare, gave it away for sure
But I reckon you mighta' known it
Might just as well postpone it
You ain't gonna go newhere
'sept on a lecture tour.
(ML)
John, John, that's what I'm a'callin'
Hurry up and haul that coal
John, John, I'm not only stallin'
This old lady's up to som'thin'
Sure as you're born
(BC)
As you listen to granny cackle,
She found your fishin' tackle
A whistle for all your plans now for the good they'll do
Look at granny, she's got the flivver
She's headin' for the river
Well isn't that like a man's mother-in-law for you
(ML)
John, John, that's what I'm a'callin'
Hurry up and haul that coal
(BC)
I hauled that yesterday.
(ML)
John, John, I'm not only stallin'
This old lady's up to som'thin'
Sure as you're born
(BC)
As you listen to granny cackle,
She found your fishin' tackle
A whistle for all your plans now for the good they'll do
Look at granny, she's got the flivver
She's headin' for the river
Well isn't that like a man's mother-in-law for you
The Whistler's Mother-In-Law
Bing Crosby's 'The Whistler's Mother-In-Law' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery in the romantic ballad and comedy song formats. Recorded during the golden age of radio and early television, the track showcases Crosby's signature warm, intimate vocal style that defined the crooner genre for decades. The song's narrative, centered on a humorous domestic misunderstanding involving a mother-in-law, reflects the lighthearted storytelling often found in Crosby's repertoire alongside his more serious ballads. As part of his extensive discography, this recording exemplifies his ability to blend comedic timing with melodic charm, making it a beloved staple in the American pop canon of the mid-20th century.