The Meaning Behind The Song: Giggling Gertie the Laughing Traffic Warden by Bernard Cribbins
An Irresistibly Catchy Tune Depicting the Unique Life of a Traffic Warden
As I sit here, listening to the delightful song “Giggling Gertie the Laughing Traffic Warden” by Bernard Cribbins, memories of my childhood come rushing back. This song takes me back to carefree days spent with friends, enjoying harmless mischief and laughter. It’s remarkable how music has the power to transport us to a different time and place, evoking a range of emotions.
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Released in 1980 as part of the album “Giggling Gertie the Laughing Traffic Warden and Other Favourites,” this song captures the essence of a traffic warden’s life. The lyrics, penned by Billie Grey and Jimmy Grafton, beautifully depict the daily encounters and experiences of a traffic warden named Gertie, who is hard to beat.
An Unforgettable Character: Giggling Gertie
In the first verse, Cribbins introduces us to Giggling Gertie, a blonde, fat traffic warden with a yellow hat, who is always present on their street. The joyous nature of Gertie is highly contagious; she is known to burst into laughter even while handing out parking tickets. Her jovial laughter can be heard for miles, making her a memorable figure in the neighborhood.
Throughout the song, Gertie’s laughter becomes the central theme. The infectious chorus, sung by Miriam Margolyes in her inimitable style, captures the essence of Gertie’s laughter perfectly:
(Ah ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ooh hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ooh hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ooh hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
These lines beautifully illustrate the infectious nature of Gertie’s laughter, drawing us into her world filled with mirth and delight.
Hidden Layers of Humor and Observations
While the song may seem lighthearted on the surface, it cleverly incorporates social observations, highlighting the misdemeanor of drivers and their interactions with Gertie.
Bernard Cribbins takes us through a series of encounters, showcasing instances where Gertie’s laughter acts as poetic justice.
In the second verse, Cribbins humorously describes how Gertie would gleefully issue a ticket to drivers who try to feed the meter, but she always seems to get there first. Her laughter becomes the soundtrack of their dismay:
(Ooh ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ooh hoo-hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ah ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
(Ooh hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
These lines showcase the mischievous side of Gertie as she takes pleasure in catching drivers off guard.
A Surprising Twist and a Moral Lesson
The song takes an unexpected turn in the third verse. Cribbins introduces a storyline where a driver attempts to charm Gertie in order to avoid a parking fine. In a comical twist, Gertie and the driver end up engaged in a romantic moment, only for Gertie to reveal that the driver’s car has been towed away:
So, she let him stop her laughin’
As beside the car they lay
Then at last she said, “I’ll ‘ave to laugh
They’ve towed your car away”
Through this playful narrative, the song not only entertains but also imparts an important life lesson – be wary of trying to deceive others, as it may lead to unforeseen consequences.
Conclusion
“Giggling Gertie the Laughing Traffic Warden” by Bernard Cribbins is more than just a catchy song. It conveys the vibrant spirit and magnetism of a unique character, Gertie, who finds joy amidst her daily duties. The song subtly reminds us to appreciate the humor in life and be mindful of our actions.
So the next time you encounter a traffic warden with a contagious laugh, let the lyrics of this song bring a smile to your face as you appreciate the lighter side of their job – just as I do while listening to this delightful tune.
