Peters is particularly noted for her starring roles in the musicals Song and Dance (Tony Award, Best Actress in Musical) , Annie Get Your Gun (Tony Award, Best Actress in Musical), Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods, becoming closely associated with the composers Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and in films including The Jerk and Pennies from Heaven, both opposite Steve Martin.
Peters has received many honorary awards over the years, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (April 1987); the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year (1987); the Sarah Siddons Award for outstanding performance in a Chicago theatrical production (1994); the American Theatre Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City (1996), becoming the youngest person so honored (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Christopher Rawson, January 25, 1996, p. C1); an Honorary Doctorate from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York (May 19, 2002) [10]; and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame (June 28, 2002).
Anyone Can Whistle
Bernadette Peters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anyone can whistle any old day, easy
It's all so simple, relax, let go, let fly
Someone tell me why can't I
I can dance a Tango, I can read Greek, easy
I can slay a dragon any old week, easy
Maybe you can show me how to let go
Lower my guard, learn to be free
Maybe if you whistle, whistle for me
It's all so simple, relax, let go, let fly
Someone tell me why, why can't I
I can dance a Tango, I can read Greek, easy
I can slay a dragon any old week, easy
What's hard is simple, what's natural comes hard
Maybe you can show me how to let go
Lower my guard, learn to be free
Maybe if you whistle, whistle for me
Whistle for me
"Anyone Can Whistle" is a song that explores the difficulties of fitting in, breaking free from societal norms and finding your own way. The song opens with the line “Anyone can whistle, that's what they say, easy. Anyone can whistle any old day, easy.” The use of the word “anyone” in the title and opening lines suggests a message of inclusivity and how everyone can have the ability to accomplish things that may seem impossible. However, the repetition of the word “easy” also implies that these things are not as challenging as they may seem.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the message is not as simple as it may first appear. The lines “What's hard is simple, what's natural comes hard. Maybe you can show me how to let go. Lower my guard, learn to be free” convey that although the act of whistling may be viewed as a trivial and easy task, letting go of inhibitions and embracing individuality can be extremely difficult. The character in the song is seeking help and guidance from someone who can teach them how to break out of their own self-imposed limitations and learn to be free.
Line by Line Meaning
Anyone can whistle, that's what they say, easy
According to general belief, whistling is a natural and uncomplicated activity.
Anyone can whistle any old day, easy
Whistling is so effortless that it can be done easily any day.
It's all so simple, relax, let go, let fly
Whistling involves a relaxed and carefree mindset devoid of stress and anxiety.
Someone tell me why can't I
The artist is struggling to whistle despite the simplicity of the task.
I can dance a Tango, I can read Greek, easy
The artist is implying that she can do things that are considered complex with ease.
I can slay a dragon any old week, easy
The singer uses the slaying of a dragon as an example of something that is difficult for most people but easy for her.
What's hard is simple, what's natural comes hard
Things that are considered difficult may be simplified with effort while innate talents do not require much attention to be performed.
Maybe you can show me how to let go
The artist is open to learning from others to achieve the freedom of whistling.
Lower my guard, learn to be free
The artist realizes that she needs to overcome her inhibitions and become unguarded to be able to whistle with ease.
Maybe if you whistle, whistle for me
The artist is seeking the help of someone who can demonstrate the act of whistling.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind