Thanks for sharing that link, Mith. Yes, Tolkien does speak rapidly and not-too-distinctly, particularly compared to the interviewer (who, one would assume, makes a living based largely on his ability to speak well), but Tolkien doesn't have a speech impediment. Remember, too, that this interview was conducted in 1971 when Tolkien was 79 years old; he died only two years later. Despite his advanced age his mental faculties are still quite sharp.
I have an explanation for Tom's propensity for singing (and whistling). I think the answer lies in the verse, "Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow". Tom sings because he is
happy.
Think about what it must mean to be Tom Bombadil. He's immensely old, and obviously knows a great deal, yet he possesses an incredible amount of energy. He's up at the crack of dawn roaming about his small country, leaping over hills, communing with nature.
He is master of his domain. He has no fear. The Ring has no power over him, and neither Old Man Willow nor Barrow-wight daunt him, yet he does not feel compelled to destroy them. He has a sort of
laissez-faire philosophy: "let do, let go, let pass." Tom's not the type to lay awake at night worrying about things.
In Goldberry Tom has the perfect partner:
...so fair was the grace of Goldberry and so merry and odd the caperings of Tom. Yet in some fashion they seemed to weave a single dance, neither hindering the other, in and out of the room, and round about the table...
She's apparently ever young and fair--she has the appearance of "a fair young elf-queen clad in living flowers"--and they are obviously devoted to each other--"
Tom has his house to mind, and Goldberry is waiting!".
Tom and Goldberry live in a pretty little cottage, far from door-to-door salesmen, telemarketers, the noise of the city, crime, corrupt politicians, and the taxman. You'd sing and whistle all the time, too, if you had such an idyllic existance.
At least I would!
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