She Taught Me How To Yodel
Frank Ifield Lyrics

The lyrics of Frank Ifield's "She Taught Me How To Yodel" tell a story of a man's trip to Switzerland to learn how to yodel. The first verse describes his journey, as well as his search for a yodeling teacher. He eventually finds a woman in a small chalet, who teaches him the art of yodeling. The chorus consists of the phrase "she taught me to yodel," followed by a series of yodeling sounds. The last verse is the man's turn to teach the audience how to yodel, with him breaking down the process and emphasizing the importance of taking deep breaths and listening closely.

The song is both playful and instructional, as it mixes storytelling with a lesson. However, it also reflects a fascination with Swiss culture that became popular in the mid-20th century. Many Americans and British people had an idealized view of Switzerland and its music, which is why country singers like Frank Ifield incorporated yodeling into their repertoire.

Beyond its cultural significance, the song is also an interesting analysis of the yodeling technique. Yodeling is a form of singing that emphasizes sudden shifts in vocal register, often in quick succession. The technique is closely associated with the Swiss Alps, and was originally used by mountain herders as a way of communicating over long distances. By the time Frank Ifield wrote this song, yodeling had become a popular performance style, with its rhythmic, melodic qualities being incorporated into many different genres.