The Laughing Policeman (Charles Penrose – Recorded 1922)
Mar 23rd, 2011 by Doug Berch
This doesn’t have much to do with anything other than I like it and hey, its my blog!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Laughing Policeman, recorded by Charles Penrose in 1922. (Wikipedia)
As stated in the above article the song was presumably composed by Charles Penrose’s wife but the music and laughing chorus was clearly “borrowed” from an earlier composition by George. W. Johnson. I was able to track down a recording of Mr. Johnson’s original version but since it contains references to the blatant racism that infected so much of the period’s popular culture I won’t post it.
I love this song! When I am in the mood for it, or when I need it for an attitude adjustment I can play it over and over.
I usually wait till my wife isn’t around. She thought it was funny the first time…..





If you were lucky it was played on Childrens’ Favourites, a record request programme in the 50s on the BBC at breakfast time on Saturday mornings. Magical, always. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Been humming that tune a lot today. Reminds me of the “I Love To Laugh” song from “Mary Poppins”.
Thanks!
Glad you like it, Tico! It has cheered me up on many occasions.