You Can’t Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd

Now Roger Miller was a bit of an odd duck as far as songwriting goes and maybe that is why I identify with his music so much. He wasn’t really a country writer but they embraced him because he sold records. He wasn’t really a pop writer either but they welcomed him, for the same reason. And even though, many considered him a novelty song writer because of songs like: “Buffalo Herd,” “Dang Me,” “Do Whack-a-do” and “Reincarnation.” He was in reality a great songwriter and artist. He voice and vocal ability were exceptional and unique, his melodic sense was awesome and his lyrical depth and variety was jaw dropping (you’d think I was a fan). This song, “Buffalo Herd,” at first seems like a throwaway. With it’s references to ridiculous situations regarding things that you can’t do and ending with “but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to”. It all seems so light hearted until the bridge; “all you gotta do is put your mind to it. Knuckle down, buckle down, do it, do it, do it” . Even though it feels and seems like a light hearted song it gets to the heart of the matter and the subject of this column: choosing happiness when in a business that requires the approval of others… read more >