Whistlebinkie by Mbo
(Click here for tune)


Well I've rambled nearly all my life 
And all across this land 
With nothing but the clothes upon my back 
And my whistle in my hand 
I play my whistle from town to town 
To earn my daily bread 
And if some folks like the way I play 
Tonight I'll sleep in a bed 

Chorus: 
Oh I stepped and danced so merry and light 
Much to the ladies' grand delight 
And I played my whistle so cheerfully 
That all the folks danced along with me 
Ah! The life of a whistlebinkie! 

I've played at parties in Inverness 
In pubs in Kingussie 
They've offered my positions there 
But I've got to be free 
Itinerant, wand'ring musicians, we 
Make music in the street 
Our playing draws folks from miles around 
To hear our tunes so sweet 

I've whistled at many a wedding feast 
I deem they are the best 
Everyone's so kind to you 
The treat you like a guest! 
Well, there's food and drink and cake 
And prayers for the happy couple--and more: 
I get to lead each bridesmaid out 
In a dance across the floor 

So don't you dare insult us 
Or try to put us down 
Whistlebinkies were there on your first birthday 
We'll be there when they put you in the ground 
Oh, traveling whistlebinkies 
We rove from here to there 
As long as we've got our whistles & tunes 
We're welcome everywhere!