Pinocchio
Cliff Edwards & Dickie Jones Lyrics

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When you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong,
Give a little whistle!
Give a little whistle!
When you meet temptation and the urge is very strong,
Give a little whistle!
Give a little whistle!
Not just a little squeak,
Pucker up and blow.

And if your whistle's weak, yell "Juminy Cricket!"

Take the straight and narrow path
And if you start to slide,
Give a little whistle!

Give a little whistle!
And always let your conscience be your guide

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cliff Edwards & Dickie Jones's song Pinocchio, highlight the importance of relying on your conscience when making decisions. The song encourages us to use our instincts and 'give a little whistle' when faced with danger or temptation. The reference to 'Jiminy Cricket' is significant, as he is the character in the story who serves as Pinocchio's conscience.

The song suggests that we should take the 'straight and narrow path' and if we ever deviate from that path, we should use our conscience to guide us back. The lyrics also mention the possibility of making mistakes ('when you get in trouble') and not being sure what the right thing to do is ('and you don't know right from wrong'). In these situations, the song suggests that we should still trust our inner voice and 'give a little whistle'.

The message of the song is that it is important to follow our instincts and rely on our conscience, no matter how difficult the situation may be. This song has become a cultural icon and a symbol of hope and guidance for people, regardless of age or gender. The advice offered in the song is timeless and continues to resonate with people today.

Line by Line Meaning

When you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong
When you face challenges where it's difficult to distinguish between what's right and wrong

Give a little whistle!
Use your intuition and inner voice to guide you through the situation

Give a little whistle!
Believe in yourself, that you have the power to overcome the situation

When you meet temptation and the urge is very strong
In times of strong temptation that pulls you towards the wrong path

Give a little whistle!
Use your inner voice to remind yourself of what's right and resist temptation

Give a little whistle!
Have the courage to stand firm on your values and beliefs

Not just a little squeak,
Don't hold back, express your concerns loudly with conviction

Pucker up and blow.
Make an effort to use your inner voice to the fullest and to the best of your abilities

And if your whistle's weak, yell "Juminy Cricket!"
If you face difficulty in expressing yourself, seek help from someone who can guide you on the right path

Take the straight and narrow path
Make choices that are aligned with your morals, values, and beliefs

And if you start to slide,
If you face difficulty in continuing down the right path

Give a little whistle!
Use your inner voice, intuition, and values to help you course-correct

Give a little whistle!
Believe in yourself and your innate ability to overcome situations that may push you off your path

And always let your conscience be your guide
Obey the principles of right and wrong that come from within and are based on societal norms and values

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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