Darin was a very special and talented entertainer. He was a Grammy award winning singer ('Mack The Knife'), a respected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ('Dream Lover', 'Splish Splash', 'If I Were A Carpenter') a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a successful record producer, an Oscar nominated actor and a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Bobby was married to actress Sandra Dee from 1960-1967. They had one son, Dodd, born in December 1961. As a result of complications from a rheumatic heart, Bobby's life was tragically cut short in 1973.
Darin's mother, Vanina Cassotto, had given birth to him when she was 16, and as a result, her parents raised Darin as though he were their son while Vanina was presented off as his elder sister. Darin did not learn the truth about his parentage until he was 32.
For more on Bobby Darin, watch "Beyond the Sea," in which Kevin Spacey portrays the entertainer.
Lonesome Whistle
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heading South from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I got in trouble, had to roam
I left my gal and my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid, actin' smart
I went and broke my darling's heart
They took me off the Georgia Main
And tied me to a ball and chain
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All alone I bear this shame
Well, I'm a number, not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All I do is sit and cry
When that evenin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell
'Til my body's just a shell
And my hair turns whiter than snow
I'll never see that gal of mine
'Cause I'm in Georgia, doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The lyrics to Bobby Darin's "Lonesome Whistle" are a story of regret and loneliness. The singer of the song is a young man who has made a mistake and is paying for it with a prison sentence. He reflects on leaving his girlfriend and home in search of adventure only to end up in trouble. The sound of the lonesome whistle that he hears represents his feelings of isolation and despair. The song highlights the tragedy of missed opportunities and serves as a warning to young people who may be tempted to make impulsive decisions.
The lyrics of "Lonesome Whistle" are simple but powerful, utilizing a classic train motif to convey the feelings of regret and remorse. The song was released in 1956 and quickly became a hit, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song showcases Bobby Darin's vocal talent and his ability to convey emotion through his singing.
Line by Line Meaning
I was riding number nine
I was on a train, specifically the ninth one on this track.
Heading South from Caroline
I was traveling towards the southern direction from Caroline, a specific location.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard the train whistle blow, which evokes a feeling of loneliness and sadness.
I got in trouble, had to roam
I found myself in a difficult situation and was forced to move around, perhaps as a result of my actions.
I left my gal and my home
I left my loved ones and my house behind me.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I heard the train whistle once again.
Just a kid, actin' smart
I was young and foolish, trying to be clever.
I went and broke my darling's heart
I hurt my significant other emotionally.
I guess I was a too young to know
I wasn't mature enough to understand the consequences of my actions.
They took me off the Georgia Main
I was removed from the main railway track in Georgia, possibly as punishment.
And tied me to a ball and chain
I was physically restrained as part of my sentence.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle sounds once again, reminding me of my current situation.
All alone I bear this shame
I am alone and carry the weight of my wrongdoing.
Well, I'm a number, not a name
I am dehumanized and reduced to a number by the system.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle continues to play in the background.
All I do is sit and cry
I am filled with emotions of sorrow and regret.
When that evenin' train goes by
In the evenings, when the train passes by again.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle sounds for the umpteenth time, intensifying my feelings of loneliness.
I'll be locked here in this cell
I am trapped inside a cell and cannot leave until my sentence is over.
'Til my body's just a shell
I will be confined here until my physical state deteriorates.
And my hair turns whiter than snow
My hair will turn white over time due to my prolonged stay in prison.
I'll never see that gal of mine
I have lost the chance to meet my loved one because of my actions.
'Cause I'm in Georgia, doin' time
I am in Georgia, serving my sentence in prison.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The train whistle continues to play, becoming a haunting melody that seems to fit my sad state of mind.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
The song concludes with the singer stating once more that he heard the lonesome whistle.
Writer(s): Hank Williams Sr Copyright: Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music
Contributed by Christopher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PrydeinBand
This man has more soul in his pinky than most have in their whole body. Bobby Darin was the whole package, performer, entertainer and man, that voice. What a guy.
@sunlight4169
Celtrock you are so right !
He also did spot-on impersonations (there is one out there of him as JImmy Durante), nominated for Academy Award (if he had more time he would have earned one- he had great talent) amazing dancer (find the "Higher and Higher" Youtube post, the one where he is in a tux (there are a couple with him in a tux and one with him in blue clothes but the tux shows his dancing better). And of course- that voice - such power and soul. Pure
magic to watch him - nobody out there today comes anywhere near close to his league.
@jasper_north
Agree. Awesomeness
@benjaminandersen5921
indeed 🍷
@natalieweiss5193
He mastered every style he ever sang/played. In my opinion, he was the greatest of the greats.
@zorinabakah8182
The greatest of the greats, very fitting.
@ellyreginald6546
Musical genius. Let's just say it. His earlier superficiality gave him a certain reputation, but as someone who had a short time to prove himself he eventually achieved the top musical spot he deserved.
@josephweiss1559
One great singing another greats song
@TD-np6ze
@@ellyreginald6546 Bobby Darin transitioned through many styles, partly because he came of age in an earlier time.
But if I closed my eyes during his later great performances - I might be inclined to think I was hearing Gospel calling us to our Lord?
@harmonichebe
natalie he did it all-wrote, sang, played- the most talented rock and roller ever. tragic that he had the heart problems that took him from us so early. Be Blessed