John Lithgow, From The Indies… | Wacky Wednesday

In the eighth edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies,” performed by John Lithgow. 

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the eighth edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies”, performed by John Lithgow. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

Well, I’m not sure, John Lithgow (b. 1945) … The esteemed actor and children’s musician captivates on “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies”. Yes, you read the title correctly… “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies” is the 11^th track from his 1999 children’s music album, Singin’ in the Bathtub.  Notably, Lithgow’s version is a cover.  It was originally recorded by the Indiana rural rhythm musicians Hoosier Hot Shots.  Like John’s rendition, the original is also novel – truly something else. It’s intentional, of course – not meant to be taken seriously. Ernie Burnett, Billy Faber, and Larry Royal wrote the brief cut, which clocks in under two minutes in Lithgow’s hands.

“Otto Zilch – he’s a hero of the ages! / Otto Zilch – he will surely enter history’s pages.” Um…yeah…. “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies” is a striking, novel joint from the get-go. The playful, child-like sound effects add to the fun. Beyond the silly sound effects, the banjo and clarinet stand out within the musical accompaniment. Lithgow infuses plenty of personality, a must for children’s music. Of course, it is easy to do given the comical, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.  “From the Indies to the Andes in his undies / And he [Otto Zilch, apparently] never took a shave except on Mondays,” Lithgow sings, and continues, “He didn’t eat a thing but chocolate sundaes / ‘Twas a very, very daring thing to do.” Indeed.  Adding to the silliness, do you know what else Mr. Zilch did? “…He carried for a spare a pair of panties / But they didn’t fit him well; they were his auntie’s.” Lawd have mercy!  Silly to the nth degree, the unusual “From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies” is unforgettable by all means.

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John Lithgow » Singin’ In the Bathtub » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1999

John Lithgow, From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies: Wacky Wednesday No. 8 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; Vitaly Gorbachev from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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