"It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" is a 1936 popular song by Billy Mayhew. Originally introduced by Fats Waller on the 78 rpm record Victor 20-1595,[1] it was revived in 1955 by Somethin' Smith and the Redheads, reaching #7 on the Billboard charts in that year. John Denver tells a story about the song and does a cover in his 1978 album, Live at the Sydney Opera House (RCA Victor VPL1-7167).[2] Other artists who have recorded versions include Billie Holiday, The Ink Spots, Tony Bennett, Bobbi Martin, Gerry Monroe, Brent Spiner, Lenny Breau, Buddy Greco, Steve Goodman, Ann Breen, Slim Whitman, Jerry Murad and the Harmonicats, Bobby Vinton, Patti Page, and Vera Lynn.
Originally a waltz, during the British Dixieland Revival in the 50's and 60's this melody was often played in fast four/four tempo,notably recorded by the Kenny Ball Band.
A version of it by the Ink Spots appears in Obsidian's 2010 role-playing game Fallout New Vegas.