I made up a new little song,
if I had a nickel for every one...

Then I'd be making a living
instead of sitting here whistling now
I'd be making a living
just like a tin pan alley musician.

I'd come up with ten tunes a day,
keep them ever-coming for but a modest wage...

Then I'd be making a living
instead of sitting here whistling now
I'd be making a living
just like a tin pan alley musician.

If they'd listen to me whistlin;
they would whistle along...

...Then I'd be making a living
just like those old tin pan alley musicians.

If they'd listen to me whistlin'
I won't be sittin' here long...