About the song
“You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” is a delightful testament to the playful, irreverent spirit that defined much of Roger Miller’s musical career. Released in 1965, this song remains a quintessential example of Miller’s trademark humor and creativity.
The song is a quintessential example of Miller’s whimsical approach to songwriting. With its catchy melody and clever wordplay, “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” offers a series of humorous observations about life’s paradoxes and limitations. The song’s central message is that certain things simply cannot be done, no matter how much one might want to attempt them. By using the metaphor of roller skating in a buffalo herd, Miller underscores the absurdity of trying to achieve the impossible.
Released in 1965 as part of his album The Return of Roger Miller, the song quickly became a hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It was a major success for Miller, contributing to his reputation as one of country music’s most inventive and entertaining performers. The song’s success also helped cement Miller’s place as a prominent figure in the genre, known for his ability to blend humor with insightful observations.
Miller’s distinct voice and playful delivery, combined with the song’s catchy tune and humorous lyrics, made “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” an enduring favorite among fans of country and novelty music alike. The track not only garnered commercial success but also earned critical acclaim for its originality and Miller’s inventive lyrical style.
In addition to its chart success, the song has been celebrated for its unique contribution to the country music landscape. It is often remembered as one of Miller’s standout tracks, showcasing his ability to entertain and amuse with a blend of humor and melody that remains timeless. Even decades after its release, the song continues to bring smiles to listeners and serves as a shining example of Roger Miller’s extraordinary talent.
Overall, “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a reflection of Roger Miller’s exceptional ability to combine humor and music into something truly memorable. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Miller’s creativity and the joy he brought to the world of country music.
Video
Lyrics
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
You can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage
You can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage
You can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
All you gotta do is put your mind to it
Knuckle down, buckle down
Do it, do it, do it
Well, you can’t go swimming in a baseball glove
You can’t go swimming in a baseball glove
You can’t go swimming in a baseball glove
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
You can’t change film with a kid on your back
You can’t change film with a kid on your back
You can’t change film with a kid on your back
But you can be happy if you have a mind to
You can’t drive around with a tiger in your car
You can’t drive around with a tiger in your car
You can’t drive around with a tiger in your car
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
All you gotta do is put your mind to it
Knuckle down, buckle down
Do it, do it, do it
Well, you can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
You can’t go fishing in a watermelon patch
You can’t go fishing in a watermelon patch
You can’t go fishing in a watermelon patch
But you can be happy if you’ve a mind to
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd
You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd