I was driving recently early morning feeling a bit like what I am doing up this early in the morning, when a song came on the radio that included some whistling. And I really noticed that it was that bit of the song that perked me up and made me feel carefree again.
That got me thinking about whistling and what might be the semiotic significance of whistling. Of course I thought about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs "Whistle while you work" first. That really seems to sum it up. You only whistle when you are enjoying what you are doing, when you are relaxed and happy. The dwarfs had figured this out and suggested that it could be applied consciously (a bit like CBT):
Just whistle while you work
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
So hum a merry tune
It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace.
People on their way home from work whistle, people whistle when they are doing a routine task which they however enjoy. Basically you whistle when things are good.
So semiotically whistling is connected to happiness, contentment and even whimsy, as it has no real purpose. Just doing something because you want to.
So no wonder this songs and others with whistling in them made me feel better.
I have to include the classic whistling song here, which even emphasises
the idea I am talking about: Don't worry, be happy.
So whistle along and be happy
